Invest in Eternity
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:1-2
Affliction is a significant means by which God forms our character, but it is also a means by which He reveals our character. While Scripture gives us many examples of affliction exposing weak moral fiber, there are numerous examples of affliction highlighting virtue, too. One such example is that of the Macedonian church. Paul said that these early believers were “in a severe test of affliction” and in “extreme poverty.” What did this affliction reveal? An “abundance of joy” and “a wealth of generosity.”
The Macedonian model is worth pondering. That’s precisely why Paul mentioned them: he wanted the Corinthian church to learn from them—to “excel in this act of grace” (2 Corinthians 8:7). Consider what made the Macedonians worth emulating:
1. “They gave themselves first to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:5). Their generosity was simply an expression of their devotion to Christ. As Lord of all things, He ruled their finances.
2. They gave in response to God’s grace, which had been “given among the churches of Macedonia.”
3. They gave “beyond their means” (v 3). They were willing to forgo some legitimate wants in order that they might supply others’ real needs.
4. They gave “of their own accord” (v 3), not in response to external prodding.
5. They were “begging … earnestly for the favor” of giving to others (v 4)—generous giving was something they wanted to do, not what they felt they ought to do.
Paul wants us to compare ourselves with the Macedonians, so that we are prompted to ask ourselves questions such as these:
1. Am I giving myself first to the Lord?
2. Am I giving in response to God’s grace? Is that what directs the extent of my giving?
3. Am I giving beyond my comfort zone?
4. Am I giving without external compulsion, without being prodded and prompted?
5. Am I clamoring for the privilege of serving the saints?
We don’t know how the Corinthians responded. We can be sure, though, that God wants us to respond with faithful, joyful investment in eternal things. Eventually, we will all stand before Him, and none of that which offers earthly security—savings accounts, stock portfolios, real-estate investments, pension provisions—will mean a thing. On that day, all we will have is the treasure that we have laid up in heaven through our support for the gospel (Matthew 6:19-21).
What does your giving reveal about your character?
BIBLE VERSES
"For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:12
"Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands..." Psalm 90:17
"For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly." Psalm 84:11
"...but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5
"...By your favor you make us strong..." Psalm 89:17
“My times are in your hands…” Psalm 31:15
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 1:3
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26
“How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.” Psalm 31:19
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
"Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16
"If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him." Matthew 7:11
“And the Lord said...This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” Exodus 33:17
“The mind of man plans his way but the Lord directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9
“The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33
"And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." Genesis 12:2
"Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished." Luke 1:45
"Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever." Psalm 23:6
"These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open." Revelation 3:7
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