2 Corinthians 9

July 19, 2022

“You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.” (v11a)

This verse is the anti-prosperity gospel message. Peddlers of the prosperity gospel promise their hearers riches IF they’ll give generously to their ministry. According to the prosperity gospel, God’s favor is contingent on something we first do for God or something we first give to God. But not so, according to the true gospel. In the true gospel, God’s grace always comes first. And then we give in response to His grace. God makes us rich in Christ, and provides all that we need to live the life He calls us to - and THEN, in response, we become a people who live and give generously, reflecting the generosity of our Savior, who “though He was rich, became poor for our sake.” (8:9)

Father, I praise You for being a God who is gracious, a God who always gives first, and a God that we can’t out-give. Thank You, Jesus, for modeling the kind of generosity that You call me to: a generosity in response to Your riches, not a generosity to get riches. Thank You for giving Amanda and me this ‘financial life verse’ (2 Cor 9:11). You have poured out upon us so many blessings, some of which are financial. Make us aware of the riches You are giving us - so that we are inspired to be generous on every occasion.

— Pastor Joshua Brooks

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Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…

Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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?
➡️ 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?