QT: Give Themselves 2Cor8:3-5 Week 35: 25/08/2023. Fri
Give Themselves
https://www.esv.org/2Cor8:3-5
Week 35: 25/08/2023. Fri
The act of being assigned to live in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11) and obeying the overall plan of God requires more than giving money, tithes, resources. It involves giving of themselves to the LORD first.
2 Corinthians 8:3–5 [3] For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, [4] begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—[5] and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. (ESV)
Paul referred to a similar example of the Macedonia church. The believers there were also facing affliction and extreme poverty in addition to the usual persecutions. In spite of that, their actions were overflowing with generosity, to help in "taking part in the relief of the saints" (8:4).
Their desire to give was strong—Paul wrote they the Macedonia church were "begging us earnestly for the favor" of contributing to the welfare of others.
Such acts of self-sacrifice are only possible when at the bottom of their personal values, they have already given "themselves first to the Lord" (8:4). Only can they give themselves and the monies attached to themselves, the strength coming out from their muscles, the words of praise to God, and encouragement to other saints. Are you giving today?
