Exhortation to support the work of the saints

Exhortation to support the work of the saints

S-2Cor 8 NASB

3For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, 4begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 5and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 6So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well.

3For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, 4begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 5and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 6So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well. 7But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also.

O - Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthians is to follow the other church’s examples who give and serve beyond what is comfortable, and that they do not give to receive but so that others will receive.  Paul’s ministry is funded not by the church’s which he is at but church’s which is has come from.   When those church’s become engulfed in the mission of the church at large they do not look at their personal circumstances but rather that of the saints in Jerusalem that are fighting the good fight at establishing the church and to those places that are yet to be reached with the Gospel.   This take real work and sacrifice.  Paul is exhorting the Corinthians to reflect on this.

A - The application for me is that I am convicted that in in my work in my life and challenges I have faced in this past season I have once again focused too much on me an forgot my compulsion to support the saints that are doing the work of the ministry.  I must once again look to provide the tithes to the local church at the tithe that I know I owe, not out of compulsion but out of God’s provision in my life.   I also must look to serve, and not just at work.  There is so much there at work but it is not all that I am called to serve.  I am called to serve my wife and children.  I feel good about where I am with service at work and at home but need to begin giving out of God’s abundance to support my extended family and the local church.  I must seek to see what God would have me do, and be satisfied with my role in this season.

P -  Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your service to me and my family.  I know that you have been with us through this last season, and that you are preparing us for a new season.  Lord I pray for forgiveness as I have again become self centered and protective of my time and money.  I pray that you would guide me on where I can give out of the abundance you have provided to me.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.