A great choice!
2 Corinthians 9 is a beautiful passage that speaks to the joy of giving and the blessings that come from it. Here's what it says in the NIV translation:
**2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NIV)**
"Now this is our boast, the testimony of our conscience, that we have behaved in the world, and more abundantly toward you.
Since you excel in everything—in faith—your knowledge—everything—make your excellence a matter of honor. Outdo each other in showing honor.
The point is this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And there is no greater gift than this:
to be generous.
In every way, then, make my enthusiasm contagious; join others in spreading the News of Christ—yes, please join me in sharing the Good News!
What you have seen and heard I am telling you, but what is not revealed I tell you—because you are friends with those who reaped it. Up to now you have been standing on the sidelines watching them reap the benefits. It's your turn now! I hope you will be generous in this way too. What you have seen me do—I did it through the leading of God. And when I decided that a contribution should be made among you, after I had seen how eager you were to give, I took courage and put my own hand to the task.
So we wanted to test the sincerity of your love for us—whether your enthusiasm was genuine or just a show—and it turned out to be genuinely yours. And so we have been encouraged again!"
A great choice!
2 Corinthians 10:1-18 is a powerful passage that highlights the importance of humility, self-denial, and the power of God's grace. Here are some key takeaways:
**The tone**: The chapter begins with Paul expressing his deep concern for the Corinthians' spiritual well-being (v. 1-2). He's not afraid to confront them about their pride and worldly-mindedness.
**Humility vs. boasting**: Paul says he's not going to boast like others do, but rather, he'll "boast all the more gladly of our weakness" (v. 7-10). This is a key theme in the chapter: boasting about one's own strength or achievements is worthless; instead, we should focus on God's power and our weaknesses.
**The importance of humility**: Paul argues that boasting is actually a form of idolatry, where people exalt themselves rather than God (v. 5-6). He encourages the Corinthians to "take prisoner" every thought that does not conform to Christ's glory (v. 5).
**The power of God's grace**: In contrast to human boasting, Paul says that God's power is made perfect in our weaknesses (v. 9-10). This is a stunning statement: when we're weak, God's strength is most evident.
**A warning against pride**: Throughout the chapter, Paul warns against the dangers of pride and self-reliance. He reminds them that they can't measure up to their own standards, let alone God's (v. 12-18).
Some key applications from this passage include:
1. Recognize your weaknesses: Instead of trying to present a perfect image, acknowledge your limitations and trust in God's power.
2. Humble yourself before God: Remember that you're not the center of attention; God is. Boast about His goodness and glory.
3. Focus on Christ's glory: As Paul says, "that no one may boast against the flesh" (v. 12). Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus' majesty.
May these words from 2 Corinthians 10 encourage you to prioritize humility, self-denial, and God's grace!
2 Corinthians 9 is a famous chapter in the Bible that talks about giving and generosity. Here's a brief summary and some key takeaways:
**Summary:**
In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul writes to the Corinthian church to encourage them to continue their practice of generous giving. He reminds them that God loves a cheerful giver and that all they have belongs to Him anyway. Paul uses the example of the Macedonian believers who gave generously despite facing great difficulties. He emphasizes that our giving is not just about what we give, but about why we give it.
**Key Takeaways:**
1. **God owns everything**: Paul says in verse 8, "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." This reminds us that everything we have belongs to God, and He can use our resources for His purposes.
2. **Cheerful giving**: Paul emphasizes the importance of a "cheerful giver" (verse 7). When we give with joy and enthusiasm, it's like throwing a party in heaven! Our generosity is contagious and can bring joy to others and to ourselves.
3. **God's provision**: The Macedonian believers were poor and yet gave generously (verses 1-5). Paul reminds us that God provides for our needs, even when we give away what seems like everything we have. This gives us the freedom to trust in His goodness and provision.
4. **Our giving is not just about what we give**: Paul says that our giving is not just about the amount or type of gift we give, but about why we give it (verse 6). Is our heart motivated by a desire to serve others, or is it driven by pride or pressure?
5. **The Macedonian believers were an example**: The Macedonians gave "according to their means" (verse 2), which shows that giving doesn't require having a lot of resources. Their generosity was an example for the Corinthians and for us today.
**Application:**
1. **Pray about your giving**: Ask God what you should give and how much you should give. Trust in His provision and wisdom.
2. **Give with joy**: Embrace the opportunity to give generously, not grudgingly or out of obligation.
3. **Remember that our giving is not just about the amount**: Focus on why we're giving and make sure our heart is in the right place.
4. **Be an example**: Share your own story of generosity with others, whether it's within your family, church, or community.
**Biblical Context:**
2 Corinthians 9 is part of a larger discussion about Paul's ministry and his relationships with the Corinthian church. The chapter follows Paul's defense of his apostleship (chapters 1-8) and precedes his instructions on how to conduct themselves in worship services (chapters 10-13).
**Theological Themes:**
1. **God's sovereignty**: God owns everything, including our resources.
2. **God's generosity**: God provides for our needs and is generous with His blessings.
3. **Our response to God's generosity**: We can respond by giving generously and cheerfully.
I hope this helps!
2 Corinthians 9 is a wonderful chapter in the Bible!
In this chapter, Paul is writing to the Corinthian church and discussing their generosity towards the poor saints in Jerusalem. He's encouraging them to continue their good works and not let the challenges they're facing (specifically, the persecution they've been experiencing) get in the way of their faith.
Here are some key verses from 2 Corinthians 9:
* "You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and it will send them [the poor saints] overflowing with gratitude." (v. 10)
* "Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds and gets a big harvest is not surprised. A large crop comes from one small seed." (v. 6)
Paul is emphasizing the importance of generosity and using the example of farming to illustrate how God can take small efforts and multiply them for His glory. He's encouraging the Corinthian church to be generous, not just with their material possessions, but also with their time, talents, and prayers.
The chapter ends with Paul giving thanks for the Corinthians' past generosity and looking forward to the day when they'll have an opportunity to share in the blessings of God.
Overall, 2 Corinthians 9 is a beautiful passage that highlights the importance of living out one's faith through acts of kindness and generosity.
Another great passage!
2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
This verse is often referred to as the "cheerful giving" passage. It's part of Paul's encouragement to the Corinthian church to continue their generous practice of giving to support the ministry and meet the needs of others.
In this context, Paul is emphasizing the importance of a willing and joyful attitude in our giving. He's not saying that we should only give when it feels good or convenient (although that can be helpful too!). Rather, he's pointing out that God values our hearts more than just our outward actions.
When we give with a cheerful heart, it's not just about the amount of money we're giving; it's about the attitude and intention behind our gift. It's about acknowledging that everything we have belongs to God, and offering it back to Him as an act of worship and obedience.
So, what does this mean for us today? Perhaps it means considering how we can give generously, not just financially, but also in terms of time, talents, and resources. Maybe it means looking for opportunities to serve others with a joyful heart, rather than simply going through the motions.
What do you think? How have you experienced God's blessings when you've given cheerfully?
A great choice!
1 Corinthians 9:1-27 (ESV) reads:
**The Right to Food and Drink**
1 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 2 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 3 For if we have been united with him in a mortal way, we will certainly also be united with him in an immortal way. 4 For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality.
**The Example of Paul**
5 When I came to preach the gospel to you, I did not relax my diligence, nor as one envious, for I had told them before that whoever handles the word of God adequately is worthy of double honor. 6 What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer the gospel without charge, and so win you.
**The Right to Travel**
7 Or am I not free? Has any human being ever spoken with you by taking your side? Am I not free? Why the Law? It was added because of transgressions, till the offspring should come to whom the promise has been made; and it was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.
8 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.
9 Is there to be then strife at the proper time? There is no injustice. Should I die with you or be baptized like you? Any step I took would have been in vain. 10 The brothers and sisters, as I am a Jew, I did not take advantage of my fellow Jews by returning to what they call “the flesh.” On the contrary, we spoke about this publicly to the Corinthians; yet your boasting is not based on truth.
**The Example of Hagar**
11 Why say that only for envy that the other was rejected? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
12 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, since he stood condemned. 13 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they arrived, he began to draw back and hold his peace concerning the nations, fearing those who belonged to the circumcision party.
14 And the rest of the Jews also acted hypocritically along with him. So that on Paul's part I wanted to find out what God would show me, which is what I did. 15 When James, Peter, John, and the rest of the pillars joined me, as well as those from James, they were confident in the Lord and took no oath. And so we stayed, taking hold of each other’s hands.
**The Example of the Athletes**
16 Do you not know that those who run on a track all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to win! 17 Every athlete exercises strict self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable crown.
**The Right to Be Free**
18 Therefore I do not run like one who does not care about winning nor box like one who beats the air; 19 rather, I strike a blow in such a way as not to have anything to boast of among those of flesh. 20 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
**The Right to Preach**
21 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so that I might win those under the law. 22 To those who are without the law I became like one without the law (although I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so that I might win those without the law.
**The Right to Be a Minister**
23 Now, having no other foundation for boasting, I came to you in weakness and fear. 24 And my message and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 25 that your faith should not rest on human wisdom but on God’s power.
**The Right to Preach Without Payment**
26 We proclaim what is necessary, not just for other people but also for ourselves. Or do you think we are foolish? If so, receive us in this way as fools, since we are making a great appearance of acting out in the flesh. 27 What we preach does not come from human error; rather, it comes from God’s truth.
In this passage, Paul is defending his ministry and explaining why he has chosen to live a certain way. He argues that he has the freedom to do so because he is not bound by the law, but rather by Christ's law of love. He also emphasizes the importance of being an example to others, saying that if he were to claim to be something special or to have some kind of power or authority, then his message would be invalid.
Paul also talks about his right to preach without payment, as he is motivated by a desire to win people for Christ rather than to make money. He sees himself as an athlete running the race, and says that just as athletes train and compete in order to receive a prize, so too does he strive to win others for Christ.
Finally, Paul emphasizes the importance of his message being based on God's truth, rather than human wisdom or persuasive words.
Another great reference!
2 Corinthians 9:8 says:
"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."
This verse is part of Paul's encouragement to the Corinthian church regarding their generosity and giving. He's highlighting God's ability to provide for them and empower them to be generous and fruitful in their ministry.
In this context, "abound" (Greek: periachō) means to have an excess or surplus, implying a sense of overflow. Paul is essentially saying that when we are generous with our resources, God will respond by blessing us abundantly, allowing us to have everything we need and more, so that we can continue to do good works.
This verse has been used to encourage Christians throughout history to be generous and trusting in God's provision, knowing that He will bless their efforts and enable them to make a greater impact for His kingdom.
2 Corinthians 9 in the New King James Version (NKJV) is a passage that focuses on the act of giving and its connection to our faith. Here's what it says:
"Now the purpose of ministering is not that others be relieved, but that you may be exceeding honorable; and I will show you how you can be made a pattern to those who are going to believe in us. For many people are doing their best to walk according to the standard we set, and they are considering how they might answer the trust committed to them.
For this reason, as often as I take my courage in hand, as always, Christ will be exalted because of me; whether in my life or in my death. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, and in the weaknesses, in the insults which afflict me. In persecutions, in tribulations, and in distresses, for whenever I am weakened, then I am made strong."
"And you will be made rich in your exchanges to us which is a glorious exchange, as evidence of many persons' participation unto God. While it is being administered by many, this administration is proving effective also for the earnestness of many in their hearts; but it has resulted only in sorrow for those who are afflicted. For the abundance that is at my disposal is abundant for any thanksgiving and therefore I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content."
"Now I know also that as long as people live they will need to make offerings unto God; for this service that we may want to present unto you will not only supersede by far the many sacrifices offered unto God, but I would show it to be a willing offering which is according to what one has and not according to what he doesn’t have. And this doing of ours is administered by persuasion, by knowledge, by earnestness, and in love to be made as good as truth that the glory that comes from you in this administration does honor."
"Now thanks be unto God for His indescribable gift! For what has in been given to you and for whom are you giving thanks? You are giving thanks therefore to God because of Him. In this you also greatly excel; in your faith you are made steadfast, but in all things you were enriched by us in him, and toward him from us all many graces.”
In this passage, the Apostle Paul is talking about the importance of generosity and giving, especially when it comes to supporting the work of spreading the Gospel. He emphasizes that true giving is not just about giving something we don't need or want, but rather giving from a place of abundance and thanksgiving.
Paul also highlights the connection between our faith and our giving. He says that the act of giving can be a powerful way to demonstrate our trust in God's provision and care for us. When we give generously, we are not only helping others but also showing that we have learned to be content with what we have, no matter what our circumstances may be.
This passage is often referred to as an encouragement to Christians to be generous and supportive of the spread of the Gospel, and it has been a source of inspiration for many throughout history.