The Grace of God to Give

Paul’s sudden and abrupt change of subject to the matter of giving might come across to us as just another standard, run of the mill, giving appeal. The unpleasant but necessary side of ministry to which all of us submit in order to keep the wheels of ministry turning. Even so, in a letter deeply concerned about the proper spiritual development of believers, it would still come as a shocking surprise that he would make such a sharp and sudden turn to the crass business of raising money. But in fact, nothing could be further from the truth. As we’ll see over the next several weeks, Paul’s careful instruction in chapters 8 – 9 is part and parcel of the loving concern and painstaking pastoral care he exhibits toward them throughout the remainder of the letter. His one, singular, aim and purpose being their spiritual good and well-being. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 he puts his finger on a vitally important but seriously under-developed aspect of their spiritual life, in a message entitled “The Grace of God To Give”.