2 Corinthians 8:1-7

Excel in Giving

8 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:

2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,

4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.

6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well.

7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.

Context

• How could they be rich in the “gifts” of grace but not in the “grace” of giving? (1 Corinthians 1:4, 5, 2 Corinthians 11:9, Philippians 2:25, 4:15-18, 1 John 4:16, 17)

Reflection

1. What conditions in v. 2 showed “the riches of their liberality”? (Exodus 35:5, 6, Acts 11:27-29, 2 Corinthians 6:10, 1 Thessalonians 1:6)
2. How could the poor be more generous than the wealthy? (Mark 2:43, 44, Acts 11:29, Romans 15:26)
3. Why must we first give ourselves to the Lord before giving? (Deuteronomy 15:7-14, Psalm 43:1-3, Proverbs 19:17, Mark 8:35, John 15:7)
4. How should giving be a part of “abounding in everything”? (Proverbs 22:9, Matthew 19:29, Luke 6:38, Acts 4:32-34, Romans 12:1)

Testimony Time

1. How generous am I in my giving? How generous has God been to me? (Psalm 103:2, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 1 John 3:16)