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CHURCHES MUST HELP ONE ANOTHER
LORD’S DAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 23
2 Corinthians 8:10-15
Exodus 16:19-21
 
“… your abundance may be
a supply for their want …”
 
CHURCHES MUST HELP ONE ANOTHER
 
Paul reiterated that he did not mean for the Corinthian Christians to give beyond their means, unlike what some “prosperity gospel” churches would teach today. What the Lord desires is for us to be good and willing stewards of that which He has bestowed upon us. As we give cheerfully according to the means which the Lord has blessed us with, the Lord can use us to be a channel of blessings unto others. It is not the size of the gift that matters but the attitude and motive in giving.
 
Paul was not asking the Corinthian Christians to be impoverished so that the Jerusalem Christians may be enriched (2 Cor 8:13). Rather, Paul was urging the Corinthian Christians to consider how their current state of abundance presented a wonderful opportunity to help the poor saints in Jerusalem out of Christian charity. Paul’s mention of the principle of equality hearkens back to the example of the saints just after Pentecost. “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Acts 2:44-45). This is not a promotion of communism, but rather a teaching of genuine concern for the needs of others. The saints’ possessions were meant to bless others and promote the kingdom of Christ. Thus, they willingly parted with their possessions as their brethren had a need. The Corinthians were to consider this and follow in their footsteps.
 
Paul then quoted Exodus 16:18 in support of this principle of equality. The historical scenario of this verse involves the gathering of manna. Every man was to gather what he needed. If he gathered beyond his need, the excess would breed worms and stink (Exod 16:20). The principle here is that we must be good stewards of the resources which God has given to us. If we do not use those resources wisely, then all may be in vain. The Lord may even take them away from us, for what use is there for us to have those possessions if we do not use them for God’s glory? These possessions would be just like the excess manna that stank. May we be good stewards in the sight of God.
 
THOUGHT: Have I used my possessions wisely for the Lord?
PRAYER: Father, grant me wisdom to be a good steward.

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