Follow Through

Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction. 2 Corinthians 9:1-5

Paul didn’t mean to belabor the point about the collection for the saints, but wanted to stress his joy at their generosity of spirit toward the Jerusalem Church. He also wanted to be sure they understood the importance of following through on their decision to give this offering. Meaning well doesn't get the job done. “I’ve been boasting about your generosity and your readiness to give. Let’s please not embarrass each other in this matter.” It was of great importance to Paul, also, that they have the money collected and ready for the trustees BEFORE he arrived to make the delivery. He didn’t want to appear to have come to Achaia and “drummed up” a collection.

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.  For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 2 Corinthians 9:6-14 

The amount given is a matter between the giver and God. “Those who sow bountifully will also reap bountifully” is the consistent Biblical principle of service to the Kingdom of God. Motive is the issue. This is not about salvation. Salvation has been purchased by our Lord Jesus Christ and freely given to all who will receive it. This is about Christian service to the Lord, to His Church universal and to specific local bodies of the Church who are in need. Cheerful giving is an expression of individual faith and of brotherly love.

God Himself has supplied the abundance from which the believer can share. He thereby makes it possible for the believer to be generous, knowing that there will be more where that came from—the heavenly treasure of God.

Whether money or goods or services or access to Bible doctrine, God supplies our need. As we take in and overflow with His grace, those in our family, church, neighborhood and surroundings receive the benefits of the multiplication of His goodness. Remember, grace is always multiplied; never divided. We help each other, pray for each other’s well-being and give thanks for all the grace God has bestowed upon His Church. God is glorified by this interchange of love and grace and thanksgiving between His people. 

2 Corinthians 9:15:

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!