2 Corinthians 9 and 10 — All for the LORD
Introduction: In chapter 9 Paul wanted to be sure the Corinthians were prepared to complete the preparations they had made to help other churches, and he made comments about the liberal sharing of believers in Macedonia who had fewer resources but were eager to help others. Then in chapter 10 Paul wrote about how he would deal with some opposition and disparaging remarks made by some in Corinth who had little respect for Paul’s ministry as a teacher and leader.
NOTE: Bible passages are from the American KJV.
A — Saints Should Minister to the Needs of Other Saints
2 Corinthians 9 “1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: 2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has provoked very many. 3 Yet have I sent the brothers, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, you may be ready: 4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, you) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brothers, that they would go before to you, and make up beforehand your bounty… that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.”
Comments: Paul said he knew it was not really necessary to ask the Corinthians to help supply the needs of other saints since they had already demonstrated some preparation; but he still wanted to encourage them to follow through with what they had started a year ago. Before he would visit Corinth with some believers from Macedonia, he was sending brothers ahead to be sure that the boasting he had done about the Corinthians would not lack in measure. He especially did not want the Corinthians to be ashamed in this matter — that any withholding of their bountiful sharing might have the appearance of coveting their abundance.
B — The Lord Rewards Sharing When It Is Genuinely Purposed in the Heart
2 Corinthians 9 “6 But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work… 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causes through us thanksgiving to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings to God… 15 Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.”
Comments: God has given grace to believers and as they freely give with a fervent heart, they should share what they have without feeling compelled to do so, or begrudging anyone. Knowing that God loves a cheerful giver will be a bountiful comfort to the believer who ministers with hospitality and charity. Psalm 112:9 says “He has dispersed, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever.” Isaiah 55:10–11 uses the rain from heaven that gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater as a picture of God’s Word accomplishing its purpose. 1 Peter 4:8–10 urges fervent charity among believers and hospitality without grudging, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Galatians 6:7–10 gives the classic promise: “Be not weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” This has more than the physical benefit realized because it brings more praise to God when truly ministered in His name. Paul then wrote a prayerful phrase: “Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.”
C — Bringing into Captivity Every Thought to the Obedience of Christ
2 Corinthians 10 “1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: 2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, with which I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.”
Comments: Paul appealed to the Corinthians to realize that his demeanor when in person with them was as he desired for it to have the “humility and gentleness of Christ,” even though some portions of his letters were very direct and firm. He would prefer that when he was present with them again it would not be necessary to take a stand with unwavering confidence against opposition from those who considered him as one who trusted in the flesh. The weapons of warfare against the powers of darkness are not in the flesh, but only available through God’s grace. The great strength of the LORD pulls down strongholds and tramples imaginations of every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” Romans 13:12–14 urges casting off the works of darkness and putting on the Lord Jesus Christ.
D — Paul Wrote That He Would Be the Same in Person as in His Letters
2 Corinthians 10 “7 Do you look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s. 8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord has given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed… 10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. 11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.”
Comments: The outward appearance and demeanor of any person can be very misleading, and Paul wrote that he was as much a follower of Christ as any of the Corinthians who claimed to be superior to Paul as evidenced by comparisons within their select group. He had no intention for his letters to frighten, as his opponents were saying that the letters were severe and powerful but his presence was weak and his speech detestable. Paul wrote that those who think that way will find that he will be the same in person as he had needed to be in his letters. 1 Samuel 16:7 “The LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.”
E — Let Whoever Boasts, Only Boast in the Lord
2 Corinthians 10 “12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God has distributed to us… 17 But he that glories, let him glory in the Lord. 18 For not he that commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.”
Comments: Paul wrote that those at Corinth who commended themselves to be better by comparing with each other marked themselves as unwise. Paul did not boast about his own abilities, but rather the measure of knowledge which God has distributed to him for the benefit of others. He did not desire to build on the labor of others who had gone before him; so he planned to go to territory beyond Corinth to begin new work of sharing the gospel. Each man should boast only in the LORD, for the one who commends himself is not truly approved, but only the one whom the Lord commends. Romans 15:20–21 shows Paul’s commitment to preach the gospel where Christ was not yet named. 3 John 1:1–11 is also instructive, showing how John commended Gaius while noting he would deal with the prideful Diotrephes “who loves to have the preeminence” if he made a visit.
Reflections in Prayer
LORD, I thank you for the faithful material blessings you have provided at special times throughout the years, either before or after I had used opportunities to show hospitality and generosity to honor you through courteous interactions with other people. I don’t want to give grudgingly or only because I feel compelled, but rather to have the proper motives in meeting the needs of others. As I read and study your Word, I want to give you all the praise for any spiritual gifts you have given to me, and I ask that you guide me in displaying genuine humility before others. Allow me to enjoy the perspectives of fellow Christians without trying to evaluate their educational credentials or many years of demonstrated authentic faith. Guide me to avoid disputes, unless I am convinced through prayer that there is truly no alternative. Teach me to pray more consistently as I read the Word of God, and seek understanding through the Holy Spirit. All praise to my Savior and Lord, Amen!
Published 7 March 2021