2 Corinthians 9 – The Listening Plan

Devotional

Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.

– 2 Corinthians 9:5

If you’re following along daily then you’ll notice that the theme of 2 Corinthians 9 is a carryover from chapter 8. Paul continues to provoke the Corinthian Christians to give, with a somewhat competitive challenge between they and the Macedonian Churches.

“I know you were willing and even zealous to give a year ago when I talked to you about the need, and I expressed just how passionate and zealous you were about this to the Macedonians. And your zeal stirred them to give above and beyond their ability. So listen. I’ll be in Corinth soon to receive the gift, and some of the Macedonian brothers are going to be with me. So I hope that my boasting wasn’t in vain, and I hope that you’re not caught unprepared!”

Uncomfortable yet? I’ve found that just about every time I teach on the topic of giving, those who are uncomfortable are those who are convicted. Moreover, it’s been my experience that our trust is revealed by how we spend our energy, assets and time.