2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor… In the context we have three facts in relation to Christian philanthropy. 1. That true love for humanity is essentially associated with piety. Paul is speaking of the kindness which the church at Macedonia had shown to the sufferings of the mother-church at Jerusalem. The affection that binds to God will bind to the race. 2. That true love for humanity is an earnest element of character. These Macedonians seem to have been poor and afflicted, probably the subjects of persecution (ver. 2). Their benevolence was not a mere sentiment. 3. That true love for man has in Christianity the highest example. "Ye know the grace," etc. Note that genuine philanthropy — I. Is IDENTICAL WITH THE LOVE DEVELOPED BY CHRIST. This grace of Christ was — 1. All-embracing. There are some who sympathise with the physical woes of man and overlook the spiritual; some feel for a few, and are regardless of others. But Christ regards the bodies and souls of all men. 2. Perfectly disinterested. 3. Self-sacrificing. II. SACRIFICES THE MATERIAL FOR THE SPIRITUAL.. "He who was rich," etc. III. AIMS SUPREMELY AT THE PROMOTION OF SPIRITUAL WEALTH. "That ye through His poverty might be rich." Spiritual wealth is — 1. Absolutely valuable. Material wealth is not so. In some countries and ages it is not of much value. Of what advantage would a handsome fortune be to a savage? But spiritual wealth is valuable here, everywhere, and for ever. 2. Is essentially connected with happiness. There is often great trial in the getting and the keeping of worldly wealth. 3. Is within the reach of all; earthly wealth is not. Conclusion: Observe — (1) That to promote moral wealth requires the sacrifice of secular wealth. Let us suppose that Jesus had not become poor. What would have been the result? The material must be given up to the spiritual. (2) That no sacrifice is too great to promote spiritual wealth. "Christ gave Himself." (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. |
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