In 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 we read of Paul’s commendation of the churches of Macedonia for their liberal giving unto the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. But one might ask, “Why would Paul make special mention of their giving?”
In verse 2 of this text we read that the churches of Macedonia were in deep poverty themselves. Verse 2 states,
“How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.”
Their poverty was primarily due to the afflictions brought about by those who opposed their preaching the Gospel message of Jesus Christ [the message of salvation unto eternal life] – and just importantly by the lives they lived for Christ. In verse 1 we read, “Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit [make known to you] of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia.” God’s grace manifested itself in an abundance of joy, [because] of their living and suffering for Christ. They knew the Lord – really knew Him – and they were committed to living and suffering for Him.
Though they were deeply impoverished themselves, they were willing to give unto the Lord – [because] they knew that Christ had given His all for them. And when asked to give, they gave liberally. In verses 3-5 we read,
“For to [according to] their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves [gave of their own accord]; Praying us with much intreaty [pleading] that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.”
Their actions were borne out of their love for Christ. In their liberality, they first gave their lives to Christ – all they were; secondly they gave their possessions – all they had; and they gave to help others according to the will of God – they gave beyond their ability, with open hearts, singleness of mind, and with determination to give.
Their “giving” truly exemplified the very essence of Luke 10:27,
“And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.”
But let us not forget the [because] for their giving – that is, the very reason they gave.
Hebrews 1:1-3 states,
“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
Romans 5:8 states,
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Hebrews 12:2 states,
“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 7:25 states,
“Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”
May we the saints of Cornerstone Baptist Church be willing to follow the examples of those in the churches of Macedonia. May it be said of our assembly that we give in our liberality – because we know Christ, really know Him, really love Him – are willing to suffer for Him, such that through God’s grace we will have abundance of joy. May our liberality be evidenced: in that we first give ourselves unto Christ – [because] He gave His all for us; in that we give our possessions unto Christ; in that we give beyond our ability according to the will of God – with open hearts, singleness of mind, and with determination to give.
