session 3 what we - clover...

SeSSion 3

whAt we work for

34 S E S S I O N 3 © 2013 LifeWay

The PointSupport God’s kingdom work with your income.

The Bible Meets LifeMost of us were taught at a young age about the virtue of saving money. During

uncertain economic times, this notion moves from being more than a virtue—it

is a necessity. The virtuous nature of saving, though, dissipates when we hold on

to our money and assets at the expense of others. We do not earn money just to

have money; we earn money to meet our needs and the needs of others.

The Passage2 Corinthians 8:1-9

The SettingThe churches in Macedonia had been collecting an offering to help with the

needs of the poverty-stricken believers in Jerusalem. The church at Corinth was

to participate in this offering, but Paul needed to encourage them to follow

through with their gift. He used the example of the Macedonian churches, who

gave out of their poverty, to challenge the Corinthians to excel in the grace

of giving.

B i B l e S t u d i e S f o r l i f e 35© 2013 LifeWay

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 (HCSB)

1 we want you to know, brothers, about the grace of god granted to the churches of Macedonia:

2 during a severe testing by affliction, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of their generosity.

3 i testify that, on their own, according to their ability and beyond their ability,

4 they begged us insistently for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints,

5 and not just as we had hoped. instead, they gave themselves especially to the Lord, then to us by god’s will.

6 So we urged titus that just as he had begun, so he should also complete this grace to you.

7 now as you excel in everything—faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us—excel also in this grace.

8 i am not saying this as a command. rather, by means of the diligence of others, i am testing the genuineness of your love.

9 for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus christ: though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

Key Words

deep poverty (v. 2)—Poverty in Macedonia was severe. Among believers it was worse, made so by persecution for their faith. They were at rock bottom, destitute.

wealth (v. 2)—Despite their destitution, Macedonian believers gave with a remarkable depth of generosity. Here, the word “wealth” refers to the spirit and sacrifice with which they gave.

all diligence (v. 7)—Literally, “haste” or “speed.” By implication, this means that which is done quickly or promptly, as with eagerness, zeal, diligence, or earnestness.

What does the Bible say?


GEt iNto thE StuDYDiSCuSS: Ask the opening question

on page 29 of the Personal Study Guide

(PSG): “What do you enjoy spending

your money on?” #BSFLwhat

SuMMaRizE: Spending money on

certain items brings enjoyment. Even so,

knowing what to spend money on, when

to save, when to spend, and where to

tighten the budget can be challenging,

particularly in the current economy.

GuiDE: Direct group members to select a sentence from “The Bible Meets Life”

section on page 30 of the PSG that illustrates one of their feelings about money.

Say: “God has entrusted us with money resources. Let’s examine why.”

PRay: Transition by thanking God for work, for money, and for the wisdom to know

what do to with both of those.

10 minutes

Support God’s kingdom work with your income.

Notes

B i B l e S t u d i e S f o r l i f e 37

thE PoiNt

© 2013 LifeWay

Notes

2 Corinthians 8:1-2

1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God granted to

the churches of Macedonia: 2 During a severe testing by affliction, their

abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of

their generosity.

REaD: 2 Corinthians 8:1-2.

Say: “The Macedonians were known for generosity, not because they had

limitless resources but because they had the grace of God.”

DiSCuSS: Question #2 on page 32 of the PSG: “Who is the most generous

person you’ve known? Why?”

ENHaNCEMENT: To reinforce that it’s possible and beneficial to choose

generosity, no matter what one’s current status, display Pack item 3:

“Generosity Overflows.”

Say: “God’s grace is the impetus for your generosity, as it was for

the Macedonians.”

oPTioN: To show the joy of using our money to support God’s kingdom, and to

show that you don’t have to be financially wealthy to make a difference, display a

five dollar bill. Challenge group members to work in trios to come up with several

ways to use this relatively small amount of money to show God’s love to someone.

How might we multiply the dollars’ buying power to meet more needs? Suggest

each group member take five dollars from their own pockets to show generosity

this week in one of the ways they stated.

TRaNSiTioN: Generosity is a matter of the heart. Let’s discover how we can

practically demonstrate a generous heart.

StuDY thE BiBLE

TIP: Some people grasp truth more easily when visuals are used. The pack items give you ready-made visuals that match this study.

10 minutes


2 Corinthians 8:1-2 Commentary

Paul began by imploring the Corinthian churches to fully comprehend the grace of God granted to the

churches of Macedonia. It was not by accident that Paul highlighted the grace of God as the central

facet of this particular passage. Paul began chapter 8 and ended chapter 9 with God’s grace being a

central theme underlying the collection for the poor. A bedrock principle of Paul’s writings revolves

around God’s grace being manifested in the lives of believers. This grace was most-fully seen in the

incarnation of God’s Son—Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:15,17). Yet God’s grace can also come by hearing God’s

Word, through which the Father seeks to reconcile men and women to Himself (see 2 Cor. 6:1). However,

in this case the grace which Paul is referring to specifically is the sacrificial, freely given, spontaneous

generosity demonstrated by the Macedonians. This type of grace testifies to the character and nature of

God highlighted in and through the Macedonians’ desire and ability to contribute to the poor.

In 8:2 Paul spoke of the deep poverty of the Macedonian churches. The Greek construction in this

verse points to the very depth of the church’s destitution. It is because of this deep poverty that the

churches in Macedonia had a special empathy with the poor in the Jerusalem church (see Rom. 15:26).

In spite of their deep poverty, the churches in Macedonia gave sacrificially out of their joy in Christ.

Contrasting the deep poverty of the Macedonian churches, Paul used wealth to describe the nature

of the Macedonians’ willing generosity. The noun described a generosity that is lavish or abundant. It is

vitally important to notice that Paul was not speaking of material wealth, for the Macedonian church had

none. Rather, the wealth Paul spoke of in the context was spiritual blessings. It is quite clear throughout

Paul’s letters that a Christian may experience unbounded joy in the midst of great persecution or

poverty. Material wealth can and often does mask spiritual poverty (see Rev. 3:14-22). The depth of the

Macedonians’ walk with Christ, led to the depth of their generosity toward the Jerusalem believers.

The idea of sacrificial generosity is amply illustrated by the second verse, where Paul stated, their

abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of their generosity.

Paul made it quite clear that through severe testing by affliction, their generosity flowed. Paul pointed

out the persecution of the Macedonian believers. Perhaps the social ostracism coupled with the ensuing

economic disparity produced the severe testing by affliction of which Paul wrote. Regardless, the

persecution and economic poverty produced in the Macedonians an abundance of joy that brimmed

over into the wealth of their generosity. This particular set of circumstances would seemingly produce

despair. Yet, in the kingdom life of a Christian, Christ has stated that those who would be first will be last

(Mark 10:31). In God’s kingdom even the very poor may give sacrificially and be blessed for doing so with

a full heart! Paul illustrated the nature of their giving by emphasizing the wealth of their generosity.



thE PoiNt

© 2013 LifeWay

Notes

2 Corinthians 8:3-7

3 I testify that, on their own, according to their ability and beyond their

ability, 4 they begged us insistently for the privilege of sharing in the ministry

to the saints, 5 and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves

especially to the Lord, then to us by God’s will. 6 So we urged Titus that just

as he had begun, so he should also complete this grace to you. 7 Now as you

excel in everything—faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in

your love for us—excel also in this grace.


GuiDE: Using the “2 Corinthians 8:3-7” section on page 33 of the PSG make

connections between giving our hearts to God and giving to help people. Invite

group members to name and explain even more principles for excelling in giving

based on these verses.

DiSCuSS: Question #3 on page 33 of the PSG: “How do we give

generously when finances are fixed or uncertain?”

DiSCuSS: Question #4 on page 33 of the PSG: “Which is easier to excel in:

speech, knowledge, love, or financial generosity? Why?”

TRaNSiTioN: We don’t have to muster up heart motivation to support God’s

kingdom. We have an example who keeps it strong.

StuDY thE BiBLE10 minutes



Notably, the Macedonians begged … insistently to contribute on behalf of the poor. The liberality of

the Macedonians is evidenced by four major factors which Paul cited. First, the Macedonians gave over

and above their ability. Second, their giving was from the heart and not compulsory. They considered it

a privilege of sharing. The Macedonians gave so freely that Paul did not even have to request of them

a collection. Christians in the region of Macedonia gave of their own free choice as though they were

giving to Christ Himself. Third, the Macedonians illustrated a magnanimous spirit by their very pleading

to be involved with the Jerusalem church. They begged … insistently to contribute.

Reading the context of the Corinthian correspondence closely, one notices that it is not the amount that

the Macedonian church gave but their attitude and spirit in giving that Paul commended. Fourth, the

Macedonians first gave themselves especially to the Lord, then, in keeping with God’s will, to Paul

and his cohorts. To expand God’s kingdom even further, Paul pressed the example of the Macedonian

act of grace in verses 6-7. It appears that the Corinthian church had lessened their zeal in the ministry for

the poor in Jerusalem. Paul was sending Titus to further encourage the Corinthian church—something

that Titus had evidently done before. Paul’s emphasis in verses 1-7 is highlighted in verse 7. This verse

begins with a contrastive conjunction, yet it is the verb that paints the clear picture: Now as you excel

in everything. The Corinthian church had excelled or overflowed in all kinds of gifts and talents as

a church. By using the idea of “excelling” or “overabundance,” Paul was subtly drawing a comparison

between the Macedonians (who overflowed with joy and generosity, v. 2) and the Corinthians. Indeed,

the Corinthian church overflowed in spiritual giftedness. They possessed faith, speech, knowledge,

… diligence, and … love. The Greek word that Paul used to denote diligence may also be translated

as eagerness, earnestness, zeal, or devotion to a cause . In this particular passage, Paul encouraged the

Corinthians to be zealous in their contribution for the poor.

Paul urged the Corinthian church to excel also in this grace—the grace which was so prevalent

in the Macedonian churches needed to be alive and thrive with the Corinthians. At issue here is this:

a life centered in the fullness of Christ’s teaching reveals that God’s grace is active by reaching both

inward and outward. It is not enough to simply build up the local body of believers. To follow Christ is

to be a part of the entire body of Christ—and if the church that is universal (made up of all born-again

believers) is suffering then the whole body suffers. Genuine Christian generosity comes first from a

relationship with Jesus Christ. If one is truly walking with Christ in a personal relationship, that person

will feel what Christ’s heart feels. When we give ourselves to Christ, we are giving Him permission to

direct our thoughts, feelings, and yes, our finances to further His kingdom. The measuring rod for giving

sacrificially, according to Paul, is none other than the giving displayed on the cross by Jesus Christ.



thE PoiNt

© 2013 LifeWay

Notes

2 Corinthians 8:8-9

8 I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of

others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. 9 For you know the grace of

our Lord Jesus Christ: Though He was rich, for your sake He became poor, so

that by His poverty you might become rich.

Say: “Jesus Christ is the highest example of giving. He gave up the riches of

heaven so that you and I could become rich in Christ’s forgiveness and mercy.”


SuMMaRizE: Beyond what we say we believe, our actions ultimately tell what

we believe about God and about giving. The opportunity to help the Jerusalem

Christians would reveal the genuineness of the Corinthian Christians’ love for God.

Do: Direct group members to complete the activity on page 34 of the PSG.

My GiViNG SuPPoRTS

All ministries in the church are needed, but which ones especially motivate you to

give to your church? Why?

Evangelism

Student ministry

Ministry to the needy

Children’s ministry

Facilities and supplies (buildings, Bible study books, heat, AC, lights)

Adult ministry

Discipleship/ Bible study/ Small groups

Women’s ministry

Single’s ministry

_____________________

DiSCuSS: Question #5 on page 35 of the PSG: “What can we change in our

community if we, as a group, give generously?”

TRaNSiTioN: Let’s commit to at least one action that supports God’s kingdom.

StuDY thE BiBLE10 minutes



Paul explained his reasoning, his theological rationale for giving. First, Paul made it clear he was

not making a command. Although his language had been direct and clear, the preceding was not a

command. In other letters (see for example 1 Cor. 7:6,25), Paul mentioned commands coming from

the Lord. Even so, it was in the Corinthians’ spiritual interest to give freely out of Christ’s abundant love.

In the latter half of verse 8, Paul told the Corinthians, i am testing the genuineness of your

love. The word testing in the Greek can be translated as “examine, prove by testing, discern, accept

as proved” or “approved,” as well as “be found worthy .” This term is different from other words that

might be translated with similar English words in that it expects the desired or positive result will be

the outcome of the testing. Second, Paul tested the genuineness of the Corinthians’ love as compared

to the diligence of others. Once again he alluded to the benchmark of the Macedonians’ faith. If the

Corinthian church embraced the example set by Christ (the next verse in this passage), then they would

follow the example set by the Macedonian churches in giving from their hearts. Third, Paul wanted

to verify the genuineness of the Corinthians’ love. Grammatically, the love which Paul was writing

about could be for Paul, Christ, or even fellow Christians. It is probably best to read the love here as

the love of/for Christ but shown through their ministry to fellow Christians. The love which one has for

Christ will empower one to overcome barriers and obstacles such as poverty and harsh circumstances.

Paul began verse 9 by noting, For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. He appealed

to the ultimate incentive for grace giving—the incarnation of Jesus Christ! Because of Christ’s selfless

sacrifice, Paul urged the Corinthians to follow His model. The next phrase reveals both a cognitive and

experiential element in the life of every believer: Though He [Christ] was rich, for your sake He

became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich. The Corinthian church was faced

with a real and important theological question. Since Christ showered humanity with such blessings

and undeserved grace, how then could they as believers shut their hearts towards their brothers and

sisters in need (1 John 3:16-20)? Three elements rise out of this passage to point to blessing others in

need. First, Paul stressed that He [Christ] was rich—a richness that undoubtedly points to the pre-

incarnate status of Jesus in the realms of heavenly glory before His lowly birth. Philippians 2 makes

clear the depths to which Christ emptied Himself to serve others. Christ voluntarily, graciously, willingly

stepped down to earth and took on a slave’s status so that humanity might partake of His eternal riches

and righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21). Second, Paul reminded the Corinthians that Christ became poor for

humanity’s sake. Christ became poor literally (“The Son of Man has no place to lay His head” [Matt. 8:20;

Luke 9:58]), and also by taking on mortality (see Phil. 2). What Paul was seeking was a living, sacrificial,

Spirit-led generosity that finds its impetus in the life of Jesus Christ.



thE PoiNt

© 2013 LifeWay

Notes

LiVE it outSay: “How will you support God’s kingdom with your financial resources?”

> acknowledge that you’re not the center of the universe. Let your

money spending and giving be used for God’s kingdom purposes, not for

your own.

> Re-prioritize your spending. As part of the process of using your money

for God’s purposes, some budget lines may need to move further up the

priority list and some move further down. For example, give up buying a new

shirt so you can give that same money to support God’s kingdom.

> Tithe on Sunday. Make this week’s offering ten percent of this

week’s income.

Wrap it Up

Say: “God has given so much to you. He has entrusted resources to you. Get

caught up in the joy of spending for God’s kingdom.”

GuiDE: Prompt group members to use the QR code below the “Live It Out”

section on page 36 of the PSG to read the free supporting article.

5 minutes


My group's prayer requests

Additional suggestions for specific groups (women, men, parents, boomers, and singles)

are available at BibleStudiesforLife.com/blog.

Spend Less, Give More

Like many Americans, you may be feeling bruised by the nation’s economic problems and may be less inclined to stick with a giving plan. It can be tough to think about writing a check toward charitable causes when you’re struggling to pay monthly bills and put food on the table. But regardless of your situation, here are some tips that can help jump-start your giving plan.

to continue reading “Spend Less, give More” from HomeLife magazine, visit BibleStudiesforLife.com/articles.

B i B l e S t u d i e S f o r l i f e 45© 2013 LifeWay

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