The final matter to which Paul turns in 1 Corinthians is generosity. Paul had been collecting relief aid for poor Jewish believers in Jerusalem from a number of churches. He explains his motivation for this collection in Romans.
“If the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings.” (Romans 15:27)
The principle is simple. Those who have been blessed generously by God with spiritual blessings ought to reflect that generosity, and we have been blessed generously!
“You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. (2 Cor. 8:9)
I was reminded of one of the ways the early church in Jerusalem was described.
“And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts.” (Acts 2:46)
That’s what Paul wanted for the Corinthians (and for us!). Glad and generous hearts.
Erik Thoennes will be preaching this week and Kenny Clark will be leading us in our sung worship. Would you pray for each as they prepare?
And let’s pray for one another the way Paul prayed for the Corinthians. May we “be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” (2 Cor. 9:11)
See you on livestream, Grace! Come hungry.
SONG OF THE WEEK
How Rich a Treasure We Possess by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa