Exhortation to Readiness
March 24, 2020
Commentary
Why is it that Christians often need to be motivated to give when God has given us so much? God had provided for the Corinthians in such a wonderful way, and yet they were hesitant to share what they had with others. One year before this, the Corinthians had enthusiastically said they would share in this offering for the needy saints. Paul had used this zeal of the Corinthians to challenge the Macedonians (vv. 1-2). The Macedonians had followed through on their promise, but up to this point the Corinthians had done nothing. Since there were special representatives from the Macedonian churches on this financial committee, Paul was concerned that his boasting might not be in vain (Acts 20:4). It would not only be an embarrassment to the apostle but a disgrace to themselves if they did not keep their promise.
While he applied pressure, he tactfully suggests that he was only concerned that they be on schedule (v. 3). Apparently, Paul did not see anything wrong or unspiritual about asking people to give. He did not tell them how much to give, but he did expect them to keep their promise. If it is acceptable to make financial commitments for telephones, credit cards etc. then it certainly ought to be O.K. to make commitments for the work of the Lord. We must not give to be praised by people (Matt. 6:1-4) but we must also be good examples. If we make promises, we need to keep them (vv. 4-5).
Application
God has blessed me financially and materially so that I can give to the needs of others. This means that I need to be alert to the needs of others and be faithful in fulfilling my commitments.
2 Corinthians 9:1– 5 (NET)
1 For it is not necessary for me to write you about this service to the saints, 2 because I know your eagerness to help. I keep boasting to the Macedonians about this eagerness of yours, that Achaia has been ready to give since last year, and your zeal to participate has stirred up most of them. 3 But I am sending these brothers so that our boasting about you may not be empty in this case, so that you may be ready just as I kept telling them. 4 For if any of the Macedonians should come with me and find that you are not ready to give, we would be humiliated (not to mention you) by this confidence we had in you. 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to urge these brothers to go to you in advance and to arrange ahead of time the generous contribution you had promised, so this may be ready as a generous gift and not as something you feel forced to do.