Discuss 2 Corinthians 8

XXI. OF THE GRACE OF TITHING AND GIVING

I believe God's plan of finance for His Baptist Church's is to be tithes and offerings. Scriptural giving is one of the fundamentals of the faith. I believe that every Believer, as a steward of that portion of God's wealth entrusted to him or her, is obligated to support his or her Baptist Church financially. I believe that God has established the tithe as a basis of giving but that every Believer should also give other offerings sacrificially and cheerfully to the support of his or her Baptist Church for the relief of those in need, and the spread of the Gospel. I believe that Church members are commanded to bring their tithes and offerings into the Storehouse (Common Treasury) of their Baptist Church upon the first day of the week (Sunday). I believe that a Believer relinquishes all rights to direct the use of the tithe or offering once the gift has been made. I believe under grace we give, and do not pay, the tithe - "Abraham GAVE a tenth part of all." "Abraham GAVE the tenth part of the spoils," and this was four hundred years before the Law, and is confirmed in the New Testament, the Lord Jesus Himself said concerning the tithe, "... these ought ye to have done ..." ( Genesis 14:20; Leviticus 27:30; Proverbs 3:9, 10; Malachi 3:10; Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; Acts 4:34, 35, 37; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7; Galatians 6:6; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:17, 18; Hebrews 7:2, 4; 1 John 3:17).

This chapter is a great example of how our gifting through the love of God should be to fellow Christians that there be no lack and that equality exist among all Christians. God help us!

I'm in agreement with the other responses you received, StandTro, that Paul was the last apostle. Of course, when we think of apostles, we understand that they had to have been with Jesus in His earthly ministry & also appointed by Him to take the Gospel into all the world. Paul seems like the exception, though we know that Jesus spoke to Him on Damascus Road via the brilliant light from Heaven & Jesus' discussion with him & his appointment ( Acts 9:3-6) - so this would qualify Paul to be included with the twelve.

And we also have references to other 'apostles', such as Barnabas ( Acts 14:14); James (the Lords brother, Galatians 1:19); Epaphroditus ( Philippians 2:25, note: 'messenger' in the Greek is 'apostolos'); & Titus & a few others ( 2 Corinthians 8:23; again 'apostolos' used here). I understand these men, though referred to as apostles, were apostles in the general sense of doing the apostolic work (today, we would call them 'missionaries'). So, Paul spoke of them as apostles, yet were not numbered with the original twelve, plus Paul. In that sense, today's missionaries taking the Gospel to unreached peoples could also be considered as apostles, doing the same work that Jesus commanded the twelve plus one, to do.

You are welcome. Please allow me to make myself be clear. Please read the entire chapter of John 1. John1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. When you see capital letter "W" Word in the Bible it means Jesus Christ. John 1:14. The lower case "w" word means the Bible. You cannot come to God the Father but by Jesus Christ John 14:6-7; For through him (Jesus Christ) we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Ephesians 2:18; it is a mystery Colossians 2:2-3; God gave to Jesus everything we need to know Revelation 1:1. In conclusion, There is one God the Father, one God the Son the Lord Jesus Christ, and one God The Holy Spirit. Three persons if you will, manifested from ONE GOD. Thank you so much for your question, I know how hard it is to many people understanding this concept, for I now have to be careful explaining it to you as well. Very happy for the opportunity. Glory to God.

More verses to prove Jesus is God. I will pray that you will be guided by the Holy Spirit in your journey to God. Agape.

1 Corinthians 1:10

Romans 16:25

1 Corinthians 1:9

2 Corinthians 8:6

2 Corinthians 1:19

2 Corinthians 4:6

2 Corinthians 5:18

2 Corinthians 13:14

Ephesians 1:17

Ephesians 3:9

Philippians 2:11

Revelation 1:5

Revelation 1:9

2 Corinthians 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. Luke 16:20

As we know some are born blind, crippled, deaf, some never talk. This don't say its ok to draw a check and complain about conditions. Most anyone can find a way to do good and let our light shine.

A young man (lived homeless on the streets) who's dad was worth millions, got in contact with his son (a few yrs before he died) offered him his half if he would come home and do right - the young man refused.

2 Corinthians 9:7 - Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a CHEERFUL giver.

Malachi 3:8-12 - Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

Malachi 3:10 - Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

Matthew 6:1-4 - Take heed that ye do not your giving before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 23:23 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Luke 6:38 - Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye give withal it shall be measured to you again.

Luke 11:42 - But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

Luke 18:12 - I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. [don't brag]

Acts 2:44-47 - And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

Acts 20:35 - I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

1 Corinthians 16:2 - Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

Give to missionaries

God is at work within our human wills to see Him, and follow Him. He does not "over-ride" our wills. He always says, "Choose This Day"

Philippians 2:13

For IT IS GOD which worketh in you both to WILL and to DO of his good pleasure.

Romans 7:18

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

2 Corinthians 8:11

Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

Think on these things.

"This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears" Luke 4:21

"Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" Hebrew 4:7

"Behold, now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation" 2 Corinthians 6:2

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation." Hebrews 2:3

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you" 2 Corinthians 9:8

"The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance" Romans 2:4

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" Ephesians 2:19-20

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that these ye might be partakers of the divine nature" 2Peter 1:4

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" Titus 2:11-14

"the spirit of grace and supplications" Zechariah 12:10

"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing" Romans 7:18

"But by the grace of God I am what I am" 1 Corinthians 15:10

"This is the true grace of God wherein ye stand" 1Peter 5:12

"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" Revelation 2:10

"He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" Matthew 24:13

"See that ye abound in this grace" 2 Corinthians 8:7

"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" 2Peter 3:18

"For God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5

For if, by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; much more shall they that receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, (even) Jesus Christ. Adam's sin has allowed death to "reign" over the human race. We face physical and spiritual death because of sin. We may say that at the present time death is king of the hill ( Hebrews 2:15) for all who are not Christians. Death ceases to be king for those who become Christians because the saved "reign in life through Jesus Christ." Those who are in Christ are able to overcome the spiritual consequences of sin, and they overcome physical death in the sense that they will be raised to inherit eternal life. Death is no longer an unbeatable enemy. It may win a battle when it claims our life, but it will not defeat the Christian in the war for the soul. For information on the word "trespasses" (paraptoma), see the commentary on verse16. Concerning the word reign (basileuo), this same term is used of an earthly ruler in Matthew 2:22, sin ( Romans 6:12), and Jesus Himself ( 1 Corinthians 15:25). It is also found in verse21. Here, it is used twice, and its dual use shows that the reign of death can be defeated if we accept the reign offered by Christ. Describing God's grace as "abundant" (perisseia) caused Paul to use a term found only here, 2 Corinthians 8:2; 2 Corinthians 10:15; James 1:21. In each of these places it refers "to something above or beyond the normal. It suggests 'the element of excess and fullness that overflows the set bounds. In this process of overflowing, the existing standards and rules are transcended and what was comparable becomes incomparable'" (CBL, GED, 5:160). We have access to God's grace right now because "receiving" is a present tense verb. Notice too that our ability to overcome the consequences of sin is only possible "through" (ASV) or "by" (KJV) Christ. This is absolutely consistent with other verses like John 14:6.

For the enforcement the bible is great

The God of our salvAtion NEVER applies pressure. Any work or gift accounted for the salvAtion of souls comes from the heart of the person to whom God has given the word that He will never take us beyond that which we are able. Pressure is not of the Lord. If pressure were a work given to a soul winner we 'd have no problem soulwinning.

Abound in every thing: grace, faith, knowledge, diligence and love. "Love one another, as I have loved you", was Jesus' final commandment. Live and love in the realm of holiness, and the God of all love, and peace shall be with you.

Amen!!!

While many religions focus on an external ministry, Paul reminded us of the need of an internal ministry. This can be a caring of those taking the lead among us, but also our fellow brothers and sisters. ( Vs. 6) We are not asked to give beyond our means, but to whatever we can reasonably give. So, continue the generous spirit, but never be pressured to give beyond what you can.

Appeal made for the poor and needy Saints in Jerusalem: Paul encourages people at Corinth give liberally. Corinthians Christians abounded in many things: other graces: had example of Christ’s giving, encouraging give unselfishly: Macedonian churches been generous:Titus to Corinth: collection. Paul recommends him and his companions: God will bless them for giving: and it will give glory to God!

Thank you Lord,I love you for I know that your Grace is sufficient for me

Vicki, another meaning would be: we do you to wit (to know) of the grace of God. Amen

Wit means know or knowledge; like in the saying, At my wits end. A more clear translation would read: "But, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God..." (Wycliffe Bible)

I’d like to know what “we do you to wit” means. I know there’s supposed to be a built in dictionary but I can’t figure it out.

Amen.

2 Corinthians 8:15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over and he that had gathered little had no lack. I praised the Lord for what little I have. I thank God for struggles in life, for it helps me grow in the Lord.

To Linda - What a beautiful testimony!!

Raising four children with a man that would not let me work, but could not keep a job, we tithed. W were blessed beyond measure. We loved the Lord and loved our church. God is good.

In verse 4 they begged to have a share even though they were in deep poverty.

An important point, I feel. (V. 5) "...but first gave their own selves to the Lord..."

2 Corinthians 8:9 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. Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Isaiah 61:2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Life is short. Of course, this is a common truth, but do we often remember about it? How can we feel the value of life staying at home? They say if you don't like the place where you are - move, you're not a tree after all. By the same principle, I want to say that traveling - is an important component of fulfilling life. Let's not waste life without avail but explore this wonderful planet! It rem

Preachers try to manipulate people into giving what they don't have and this is not God's way at all.read the word of God and be blessed.

Looking back over my life from my childhood I know I have a lot to give God thanks for I thank Him for agreeing to let his only Son take my pain,I love you Lord Jesus.