18
August
2008
Translation from Bible.org
To hear it read, click here.
2 Corinthians 13
Paul’s Third Visit to Corinth
13:1 This is the third time I am coming to visit you. By the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter will be established. 13:2 I said before when I was present the second time and now, though absent, I say again to those who sinned previously and to all the rest, that if I come again, I will not spare anyone, 13:3 since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak toward you but is powerful among you. 13:4 For indeed he was crucified by reason of weakness, but he lives because of God’s power. For we also are weak in him, but we will live together with him, because of God’s power toward you. 13:5 Put yourselves to the test to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize regarding yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you - unless, indeed, you fail the test! 13:6 And I hope that you will realize that we have not failed the test! 13:7 Now we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong, not so that we may appear to have passed the test, but so that you may do what is right even if we may appear to have failed the test. 13:8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the sake of the truth. 13:9 For we rejoice whenever we are weak, but you are strong. And we pray for this: that you may become fully qualified. 13:10 Because of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive I may not have to deal harshly with you by using my authority - the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down!
Final Exhortations and Greetings
13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice, set things right, be encouraged, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 13:12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. 13:13 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
13:14 [[OMITTED]]
rochcov 
New Testament, 2 Corinthians 
Comments (0) » |
18
August
2008
8:1 Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia, 8:2 that during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity. 8:3 For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily, 8:4 begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping the saints. 8:5 And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 8:6 Thus we urged Titus that, just as he had previously begun this work, so also he should complete this act of kindness for you. 8:7 But as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you - make sure that you excel in this act of kindness too. 8:8 I am not saying this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love by comparison with the eagerness of others. 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that you by his poverty could become rich.
1 Cor 8:1-9 NET
Key Point: God gives us the grace of giving to help us experience freedom and to express our faith in, and love for Christ
“Money makes the world go `round”
“I hate my life but I’m in love with my lifestyle!”
We may have more money but often less happiness
Banking on money leads to moral bankruptcy
FUBU = For Us; By Us \= generous giving; = self interest
God’s work done in Jesus’ way receives the Holy Spirit’s blessing
How have we been blessed?
The 1st “Call to Offering”
16:1 With regard to the collection for the saints, please follow the directions that I gave to the churches of Galatia: 16:2 On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some income and save it to the extent that God has blessed you, so that a collection will not have to be made when I come. 16:3 Then, when I arrive, I will send those whom you approve with letters of explanation to carry your gift to Jerusalem. 16:4 And if it seems advisable that I should go also, they will go with me.
1 Cor 16:1-4 NET
>Procedures:
V. 2 Don’t wait until we can “afford” to give
V. 5 Start by giving ourselves
V. 7a Give according to a plan
16:2 On the first day of the week, each of you should set aside some income and save it to the extent that God has blessed you, so that a collection will not have to be made when I come.
1 Cor 16:2 NET
V. 7b Give joyfully
>Principles:
God blesses givers
9:8 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. 9:11 You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God,
2 Cor 9:8, 11
Giving to others = giving to God
9:12 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.
2 Cor 9:12
V. 9 We can’t outgive God
Story of the “EGR” gift
rochcov Pastor Gary Downing, Combined Service, New Testament, Sermons, 2 Corinthians Comments (0) » |
Email it
