2 Corinthians 8
July 18, 2022
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” (v9)
Right in the middle of the Bible’s longest section of teaching on financial giving, Paul references the gospel. Paul does this because he wants Christ’s giving of Himself to motivate the Corinthians’ giving of their money. He doesn’t want a works-righteousness driven generosity, where Christians give in order to try to earn God’s favor. He wants Christians who give in a grateful response to the One who first gave Himself to us.
Lord Jesus, I praise You for sacrificially giving Yourself for me - even while I was selfishly living for myself. Thank You for being willing to leave the riches of Heaven to become poor - so that I might become spiritually rich. As I grow in my understanding of the gospel, may it result in me also growing in generosity: giving of my time, talents and treasures for the sake of others.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
