The Cheerful Giver
September 20, 2022
Commentary
If you want spiritual enrichment from your giving (v. 11) you must practice enjoyment and be glad for opportunities to give. In these verses Paul points out principles found in the Word of God as well as those drawn from experience to show why and how we are to give. Look at God’s promises to faithful givers! How can you lose?
1. The givers are blessed (vv. 6-10).
2. The receivers’ needs are met (vv. 11-12).
3. The Lord receives glory (vv. 13-15).
Warren Wiersbe says, “Giving is not something we do, but something we are.” When the material things of life are placed first, God is usually excluded, but when the “kingdom of God” is placed first (Matthew 6:33), God sees to it that all our needs are met (Philippians 4:19). The following principles of life can be seen in this passage:
1. We reap what we sow (v. 6). Just as the more seed a farmer sows, the better chance he will have for a bigger harvest; the more we invest in the Lord’s work, the more “fruit” will abound to our account (Philippians 4:10_20).
2. We reap as we sow with right motives (v. 7). Whether the farmer’s motive for reaping is money, pleasure, or pride makes very little difference. However, the Christian’s motive for giving is very important, and God cannot bless the giver unless his heart is right.
3. We reap even while we are sowing (vv. 8-11). The farmer has to wait for his harvest, but the believer begins to reap a harvest immediately as he invests in the Lord’s work.
Application
I need to consider if I am a generous sower or is it something I do reluctantly. I always need to be looking for opportunities to get the gospel out.
2 Corinthians 9:6– 15 (NET)
6 My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work. 9 Just as it is written, “He has scattered widely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever.” 10 Now God who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your supply of seed and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God, 12 because the service of this ministry is not only providing for the needs of the saints but is also overflowing with many thanks to God. 13 Through the evidence of this service they will glorify God because of your obedience to your confession in the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your sharing with them and with everyone. 14 And in their prayers on your behalf, they long for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown to you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!