2 Corinthians 8:7-8 Therefore, as you abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us… I. WHY WE OUGHT TO GIVE A PORTION OF OUR SUBSTANCE TO THE LORD. It is a duty clearly enjoined in Scripture. The practice of giving to the Lord began very early, for we read that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering to the Lord, and that Abel also brought of the firstlings of his flock and the fat thereof. And why is this duty enjoined in Scripture? There are three reasons for this. 1. To remind us of our dependence on God as our Creator and bountiful benefactor. 2. To remind us of our obligation to God as our Redeemer. 3. To promote our spiritual welfare. We are naturally selfish, and wish to retain in our own possession whatever gifts God has conferred upon us. II. WHAT OR HOW MUCH WE SHOULD GIVE. Whatever we may think of the tenth or of the fifth, or of the early Christian examples, one thing is certain, that if our giving is to be acceptable to God it must cost us something. The measure with too many is what they can give without self-denial, or without in any way affecting their comforts or luxuries. This tenet giving in the Scriptural sense. Let us take the Divine measure, "as God hath prospered us," and use it faithfully with the hand of love. III. WHEN WE SHOULD GIVE. Is there any Scriptural rule or suggestion on this point? (1 Corinthians 16:2). Some people profess to despise system in religious matters, and look upon it as savouring of legality. In worldly affairs system is called "the soul of business and the secret of success." If, then, we recognise its value in everything else, why despise it in giving to the Lord? IV. HOW OR IN WHAT SPIRIT WE SHOULD GIVE. (T. Moir, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. |
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