S= "Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also ...
"For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich." (2 Corinthians 8:7, 9)
O= C. I. Scofield explains that in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul is emphasizing Christian giving. It is a 'grace", something that the Holy Spirit inclines believers to do. Here in these verses Paul is encouraging the believers at Corinth that just as they abound in faith, utterance, diligence, knowledge, and love, they should also abound in giving. In verse 9 he gives them the example of Christ, who, though He was rich, became poor for our sakes -- so that we, through His poverty, might become rich.
A= I'm so very thankful that over time, God has showed me the many blessings that come from giving. Over and over He has inclined me and/or my husband to give generously to others. In this, as in all other things, Christ is our great Example. He left Heaven's glory to become poor -- to lose everything, even His life, for my sake, to provide eternal life and a transformed life for me.
K= Lord, how thankful I am for all that You have given to me. The gracious gifts of salvation and eternal life cost You everything. I'm so thankful for Your example in this, as in all things. I thank You for how You've inclined me and my husband to give to others over the years. What a blessing it is to be used of You in this way! I pray that You will help us to be continually sensitive to Your leading in this area, in Jesus' name, Amen.
I hope this simple study has been an encouragement to someone else today!
Yes, Christ was indeed our example, especially in giving, He gave so much so I too might live! I have found when giving especially sacrificially that there is a joy so unspeakable.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a great reminder of living our lives by following the example of our Lord, thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Sue
I'm glad you were blessed by it, Sue!
DeleteWe are so blessed to be the recipient of God's greatest gift, His Only Son, Jesus Christ, as the great atonement for our sins. And because of this great gift of grace so freely bestowed upon us, it behooves us to give grace and love and forgiveness to others. And yes, give of our substance as well, as the Lord directs us to give. This means more than just financial giving...we are to give of our BEST to the Master...whatever gifts we possess should be offered up to the Lord with Thanksgiving. Wonderful verse today. Thank you for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am so glad you pointed out that this involves much more than financial giving, but giving of ourselves in every way. Very important point that I neglected to mention. Thank you!
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