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Corinthians 8 – On Christian Giving
Paul had one specific reason for writing this letter
on giving to the Corinthians. His reason was the church where the apostles
first started in Jerusalem, they were under great persecution. There was a
famine going on and the church in Jerusalem was poverty stricken. On Paul’s
third missionary journey he collected an offering for the church in Jerusalem.
Paul was not able to go to Corinth in person at this time, so he wrote the
letter. He wanted to be sure that when he does get there the offering would already
be collected, and he could spend the time teaching the Word of God and not talk
about money. The example he used were the Macedonians who gave out of their
deep poverty. They were not rich people, but they had compassion for other
deprived people, so they gave freely from what they had.
He exhorts them by telling them not to give grudgingly
but out of abundance and willingness of their heart. The church in Jerusalem
once blessed the church in Corinth so Paul reminds them that returning that
grace would be a good thing. The explanation was to prove the sincerity of
their love for God and to Glorify God in their giving. Paul encouraged the
Corinthians to give of what they had and not be burdened or burden others. They
were to give willingly from what they could afford.
Please read the chapter listed so that you can
understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to:
God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s
Quick Reference Commentary. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible. Dr. David
Jeremiah Study Bible.
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