Nathan Neighbors
Follower of Christ, Husband, Father, & Youth Pastor
Often within one chapter of scripture Paul will cover a variety of topics, but not in these two chapters. Paul spends the entirety of chapters 8 & 9 talking to the church about giving and financial support of the ministry.
Giving is a discipline, just like any other spiritual disciplines. We don’t automatically become “cheerful givers.” It takes time and practice. By nature we are selfish creatures, but with practice and a change of heart – we can become givers. The Lord doesn’t ask us to give money because He needs it, but because we need to give it. It changes us just as much as the person who receives it. Giving to others and the work of the church is one of the greatest opportunities we have as Christians. I pray we would all be people who GIVE. Let us follow the example of Jesus – who gave it all.
“But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” – 2 Corinthians 8:7
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Often when we read God’s Word, we read one verse or one short passage at a time, but how often do we read the Bible chapter by chapter? How often do we look at the connections between the chapters? Paul didn’t write the chapter and verse numbers in as we see it now. Those were added much later to help us reference passages.
The space between chapters 6 & 7 is important. It’s linked together by the word, “therefore.” At the end of chapter 6 Paul encourages the church to live separate, holy and pure lives. And then when you begin chapter 7 he tells us to love this way, “out of reverence for God.” (7:1b)
As I read these two chapters today, the Lord reminded me that it’s important to read it all – not just one or two key verses per day. There is much that can be learned even in the space between chapters and verses. Let’s keep reading. Let’s keep walking together through our Summer Bible Reading. We are almost half way there. Keep up the great work. God’s Word is amazing and He has so much truth to show you.
“What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”” – 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 NIV
“Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” – 2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV
In these two chapters Paul spends a lot of time encouraging the church that this life is not the end. We have a treasure in Christ and that treasure will be seen in full one day in heaven. Our earthy bodies will waste away, but our spirit will live forever. Therefore, Paul encourages the church to make the most of every opportunity. He tells them to, “…fix our eyes on what is unseen…what is eternal” (2 Cor. 4:18). Because this world is not the end, Paul urges for church to proclaim the Good News and help share the ministry of reconciliation.
Some of my favorite verses of the Bible are found in Chapter 5. They have been encouraging to me over the years and ones I often share with students.
“If we are out of our minds, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.” – 2 Corinthians 5:13
This has always been a great reminder that the world will think we are a bit crazy to follow after God. We won’t be “normal.” Whether we appear normal or a bit zealous and out of our minds – it’s all for the glory of God.
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” – 2 Cor. 5:17
This is the hope of the Gospel. It’s the promise of God that we can be restored to a right relationship with the Father through the Son. We no longer live in sin and shame. We are made new!
Paul goes on to finish the chapter by saying that since we have been reconciled, we ought to help others by being messengers of this reconciliation so that others can find the hope we have in Christ. I’m so thankful that these early believers did just that. Because they proclaimed the Good News, many came to faith in Christ. In fact, if they hadn’t – we wouldn’t know today. So, let’s take seriously the call to go and tell so that this generation and those to follow will know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Nathan Neighbors 