“It is well known that the Apostle Paul organized a collection from the Greek churches of Achaia and Macedonia for the benefit of the impoverished churches of Judea. It may seem extraordinary that he should have devoted so much space in his letters to this mundane matter, referring to it in Romans 15, 1 Corinthians 16, and II Corinthians 8-9. But Paul did not see it as a mundane matter. On the contrary, he saw it as relating to the grace of God, the cross of Christ and the unity of the Spirit. In fact, it is very moving to grasp this combination of profound Trinitarian theology and practical common sense.
Moreover Christian giving is an extremely important topic on the contemporary church’s agenda, for I doubt if there is a single Christian enterprise in the world that is not currently hindered and hampered by a lack of funds.
In II Corinthians 8 and 9, the apostle develops ten principles of Christian giving.
Christian giving…
is an expression of the grace of God (8:1-6)
can be a charisma, that is a gift of the Spirit (8:7)
is inspired by the cross of Christ (8:8-9)
should be proportionate to our wealth (8;10-12)
contributes to equality (8:13-15)
should be carefully supervised (8:16-24)
can be stimulated by [the generosity of others] (9:1-5)
resembles a harvest (9:6-11a)
has symbolic significance
promotes thanksgiving to God (9:11b-15).
It is truly amazing that so much is involved in what may seem to be a straightforward transfer of money. On the one hand, the doctrine of the Trinity is involved–the grace of God, the cross of Christ and the unity of the Holy Spirit. On the other, we see the practical wisdom of an apostle of Christ.
I hope that this study of these chapters will help to raise our giving to a higher level and will persuade us to give more thoughtfully, more systematically and more sacrificially. I for one (having already ‘preached this sermon’ to myself before ‘preaching’ it to you) have already reviewed and raised my giving. I venture to hope that you may do likewise.”
John R.W. Stott in Stott on Stewardship: Ten Principles of Christian Giving (Chattanooga, TN: Generous Giving, 2003).