DEVOTIONS FROM 2 CORINTHIANS – CHURCHES MUST HELP ONE ANOTHER
Text: 2 Corinthians 8:10-15; Exodus 16:19-21

When Paul asked the Corinthian Christians to help the poor saints in Jerusalem, he was not asking them to give beyond their means. Some “prosperity gospel” churches today teach members to “give till it hurts”. Such a practice is unbiblical. The Lord’s desire is not for us to give beyond our means but rather that we should be good and willing stewards of that which He has bestowed upon us.

With regards to our own provisions, Matthew 6:33-34 applies. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Having received of the Lord, we are to give cheerfully according to that which He has given. When we do so, the Lord can use us to be a channel of blessing unto others. It is not the size of the gift that matters but the attitude and motive in giving.

Paul was not asking the Corinthian Christians to be impoverished so that the Jerusalem Christians may be enriched (v.13). Rather, Paul was urging the Corinthian Christians to consider how their current state of abundance presents a wonderful opportunity to help the poor saints in Jerusalem out of Christian charity. Paul’s mention of the principle of equality hearkens back to the example of the saints just after Pentecost. “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” (Acts 2:44-45) This is not a promotion of communism, but rather a teaching of genuine concern for the needs of others. There was an under-standing among the saints that their possessions were meant to bless others and promote the kingdom of Christ. Thus, they willingly parted with their possessions if their brethren had a need. The Corinthians were to consider this and follow in their footsteps.

Paul then quoted Exodus 16:18 in support of this principle of equality. The historical scenario of this verse involves the gathering of manna. Every man was to gather what they needed. If they gathered beyond their need, the excess would breed worms and stink (Exo. 16:20). The principle here is that one must be a good steward of the resources which God has given to us. A careless use of these resources will ultimately prove to be futile and vanity. The Lord may even take that which we have away from us, for what use is there for us to have those possessions if we do not use it for God’s glory? These possessions would be just like the excess manna that stank.

As we consider the passage before us today, let us consider carefully what we can do with the resources which God have given to Tabernacle BPC. In what way can we use our finances and spiritual gifts to be a blessing to other churches?

May we be good stewards in the sight of God.

THOUGHT: Have I used my possessions wisely for the Lord?
PRAYER: Father, grant me wisdom to be a good steward.

>>>>>>>>

BE READY TO GIVE
Text: 2 Corinthians 9:1-5; 2 Corinthians 9:15

It is interesting that Paul thought it superfluous to write again to the Corinthian Christians concerning giving to the poor saints in Jerusalem. This was because he had earlier witnessed their willingness to give to the cause. Why then did Paul write about this issue in this epistle? Sadly, the lack of spiritual maturity among the Corinthian Christians caused several internal and divisive issues. This distracted the Corinthian Christians from contributing to the Jerusalem fund. Thus, Paul was now anxious that they should complete the collection during his next visit to Corinth.

To encourage the Corinthian Christians in the completion of their task, Paul revealed that he had earlier boasted to the Macedonians about the Corinthians’ generous spirit of giving. The example of the Corinthians provoked the Macedonians to give effusively to the Jerusalem saints. In fact, the Macedonians were so moved in their heart that they became more diligent than the Corinthians in their giving.

Since Paul had used the Corinthians as an example, what a shame it would be if the Corinthian church did not complete the collection. Therefore, it is necessary for the Corinthian Christians to be ready to give when the collection was made. This readiness to give must not just be in word, but also in action.

Similarly, when the call comes to give to the Lord’s work, are you ready to give? Do not let it be by Word only, but be always ready to give. Consider what great privilege it is that we can play a part towards contributing to the Lord’s work. When that work is completed, the window of opportunity to contribute will be gone. Even if we want to contribute, it will be too late. Consider this scenario in the building of the tabernacle. “And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make. And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing.” (Exod. 36:5-6) Therefore, let us hasten when it is time to give.

THOUGHT: Am I ready to give if the Lord demands it?
PRAYER: Lord, may I be ready to contribute to Thy work.

>>>>>>>>

TWO MCINTIRE MAXIMS ON THE SUNDAY SCHOOL

The Sunday School is a vital ministry of the church. It seeks to help the Christian grow in his love and knowledge of the Word of God. Without good teaching and feeding of the Word of God, the church will die! “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Prov. 29:18)

The Bible must always be the sole and supreme authority of the Sunday School. The Sunday School must never be found teaching the theories of men, but instead, the pure and unadulterated Word of Everlasting Life. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17)

Here are two maxims from Carl McIntire concerning the Sunday School:

We do not deal in theories. We do not talk about theories in our Sun-day school publications. We teach our young people the truth. And we do not judge our salvation on the basis of experience. We judge our salvation on the basis of the Word of God.

To be built up in the most holy faith requires personal knowledge and devotional study. It requires a Sunday school where the Bible is taught, and not some denominational literature with the current ecumenical propaganda program. It calls for a pulpit in the centre of the church, where the Bible rests upon its top, and a faithful minister ex-pounds and preaches the Word and feeds the flock.

We are serious in the development of the Sunday School in Tabernacle BPC. Our teachers and Sunday School administrators must know God’s Word and be well-equipped to teach the Scriptures. They must also be good examples to the students of what it means to follow Christ. “… but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12b)

May the Lord be gracious to sustain and grow the Sunday School ministry in Tabernacle BPC.

Yours affectionately,
Pastor Clement Chew