“In 2 Corinthians 8-9 the Apostle [Paul] epitomizes the Christian doctrine of giving. It may thus be summarized: It is a “grace,” that is, a disposition created by the Spirit (8:7), in contrast with the law, which imposed giving as a divine requirement, Christian giving is voluntary, and a test of sincerity and love (8:8-12; 9:1-2, 5, 7). The privilege is universal, belonging, according to ability, to rich and poor (8:1-3, 12-15. Compare 1 Cor. 16:1-2). Giving is to be proportioned to income (8:12-14)…and the rewards of Christian giving are joy (8:2); increased ability to give in proportion to that which has already been given (9:7-11); increased thankfulness to God (9:12); and God and the gospel [are] glorified (9:13-14).”
Cyrus I. Scofield (1843-1921) in The Scofield Study Bible: ESV (New York: Oxford University Press, 2006) 1537.
What a joy that this “grace” created by the Spirit also represents a “privilege” that is “universal” from God. It is voluntary and simultaneously serves as a test of sincerity and love that comes with rewards. What a summary! If any aspect of this list strikes a chord with you, sit with it today. Take time to ponder what growth in that area might look like or how God’s Word may be instructing your heart.
Sammy and I (with about ten other men) are hunting pheasant in St. Francis, Kansas, with our dog, Joy St. Clare this weekend. It’s our annual hunting trip, and this year we will remember and celebrate “Captain Koeniger” who taught us to hunt! He passed away unexpectedly in August. Picture a lot of walking in cut corn fields and CRP about 20 yards apart with “margin” to think, so I plan to spend the day pondering a few of these phrases and hopefully shooting a few pheasant.