2 Coríntios 9

2 Coríntios 9

Spurgeon - “Ah, how many times have I, for one, spoken upon this gift during the last forty years! I have spoken of little else. I heard one who said, ‘I suppose Spurgeon is preaching that old story over again.’ Yes, that is what he is doing; and if he lives another twenty years, and you come here, it will be ‘the old, old story’ still, for there is nothing like it.....If you preach Christ, you will never run short. If you have preached ten thousand sermons about Christ, you have not left the shore; you are not out in the deep sea yet. Dive, my brother! With splendour of thought, plunge into the great mystery of free grace and dying love; and when you have dived the farthest, you will perceive that you are as far off the bottom as when you first touched the surface.” McShane - saints are marked by their liberality it is because they are children of God and partake of His character. All giving begins with God and is God-like. While dealing with the Macedonians and thinking of their poverty, Paul turned his thoughts toward Christ who became poor. Now when he thinks of the more wealthy Corinthians he directs his mind to the richest of all, and to His greatest gift. It was the news of this wonderful gift that had reached Corinth and had been received by the readers of this epistle that had turned them from selfish heathens into liberal saints, so no explanation was thought needful to make clear what or whom he has in mind, for there is only one gift that is "unspeakable": "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Rom 8:32). (What the Bible Teaches 1 & 2 Corinthians) Murray Harris asks a relevant question - Were Paul's appeals to the Corinthians in these two chapters successful? The apostle paid his third visit to Corinth as planned (2Co 12:14; 13:1), spending three months (the winter of A.D. 56-57) in Greece (Acts 20:2, 3), during which he wrote Romans (see Ro 16:23; 1Cor 1:14). In Ro 15:26, 27 he writes, "For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution (koinonian tina; see note) for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem; they were pleased to do it... " (RSV). Evidently in the five or so months between the writing of 2 Corinthians and Romans, the believers at Corinth had responded to Paul's appeals. Why then does Acts 20:4 make no reference to a delegate or delegates from Achaia? It is unlikely that Paul himself was their appointed delegate, but it is possible that Titus was, and for some reason Titus is nowhere mentioned in Acts. (1 and 2 Corinthians The Expositor's Bible Commentary) Indescribable Chris Tomlin From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea Creations revealing Your majesty From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring Every creature unique in the song that it sings All exclaiming Indescribable, uncontainable You placed the stars in the sky And You know them by name You are amazing, God All powerful, untameable Awestruck we fall to our knees As we humbly proclaim You are amazing, God Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light Yet, conceals it to bring us the coolness of night None can fathom Indescribable, uncontainable You placed the stars in the sky And You know them by name You are amazing, God All powerful, untameable Awestruck we fall to our knees As we humbly proclaim You are amazing, God You are amazing, God Indescribable, uncontainable You placed the stars in the sky And You know them by name You are amazing God All powerful, untameable Awestruck we fall to our knees As we humbly proclaim You are amazing God Indescribable, uncontainable You placed the stars in the sky And You know them by name You are amazing, God Incomparable, unchangeable You see the depths of my heart And You love me the same You are amazing, God You are amazing, God Gift (1431) dorea from didomi = to give) refers to a free gift and emphasizes the gratuitous character of the gift. Dorea describes that which is given or transferred freely by one person to another. It is something bestowed freely, without price or compensation. Dorea - 11v - Jn. 4:10; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:20; Acts 10:45; Acts 11:17; Rom. 5:15; Rom. 5:17; 2 Co. 9:15; Eph. 3:7; Eph. 4:7; Heb. 6:4 Indescribable (411)(anekdiegetos from a = negates + ekdiegeomai = to tell in detail > ek = out + diegeomai = to relate fully) means defying expression or description. Pertains to that which cannot be fully related or communicated. Incapable of being adequately expressed or uttered, unspeakable, inexpressible, unutterable, ineffable. This word means that which words are inadequate to thoroughly express. Elsewhere the word occurs only in writings of the Early Church. Some suggest Paul may have coined the term. Only here in the Bible. Clearly one of the key words in 2Co 8-9 is grace, the Greek word charis which is used 10x in two chapters: 2Co. 8:1 = the grace of God 2Co. 8:4 = the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 2Co. 8:6 = he would also complete in you this gracious work as well. 2Co. 8:7 = see that you abound in this gracious work also. 2Co. 8:9 = you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2Co. 8:16 = But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus. 2Co. 8:19 = his gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, 2Co. 9:8 = God is able to make all grace abound to you, 2Co. 9:14 = by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 2Co. 9:15 = Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! Irving Jensen - What is the world’s greatest need today? Can it be filled? What is the biggest gift you personally can give? Think about these lines: “Withhold not the Gospel from souls needing bread, For giving is living,” the bright angel said. “And must I be giving again and again?” My peevish and pitiless answer ran. “On no,” said the angel, thus piercing me through, “Just give till the Saviour stops giving to you.” (Anonymous) Make A Difference Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. —2 Corinthians 9:15 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 History is often portrayed as a sequence of catastrophes. But Thomas Cahill’s projected 7-volume set called Hinges Of History seeks to “retell the story of the Western world as the story of the great gift-givers.” Volume 3 deals with Jesus of Nazareth, whom Cahill calls “the central figure of Western civilization.” Did Jesus make a difference in the world? Cahill’s conclusion is a resounding yes! During the Christmas season, we try to give a gift that will make a difference in someone’s life. But too often our gifts are inadequate. Why? Perhaps because we have not learned from our heavenly Father the art of giving. In John 3:16 we read, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” That powerfully simple expression of the gospel tells us that God, out of love, gave Himself. It’s no wonder we can exclaim, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). Whether we give a hand-painted picture or a home-cooked meal, the key is to give ourselves with it. It’s the spirit of love that brings life-changing encouragement and hope. May our gifts be sacrificial, From our hearts, and full of love; Following our Lord's example When He came from heaven above. —Sper The best gifts are tied with heartstrings. James Smith - Handfuls of Purpose - There is something wrong with us if, now and again, we, too, are not similarly affected. One infallible test of a real growth in grace is a growing appreciation of the love of God in Christ, and of His substitutionary death on the Cross. For God’s gift cannot be overestimated, cannot be over-valued. His riches are unsearchable, and His love passeth knowledge. God’s gift is a Person. And such a wondrous Being. Have you thanked God to-day for His unspeakable Gift? Is that Gift unspeakably precious to you? 2Corinthians 9:15 In the early 19th century, a war-weary world was anxiously watching the march of Napoleon. But during that time, obscure, seemingly insignificant events were occurring that would help to shape the future. In 1809, between the battles of Trafalgar and Waterloo, William E. Gladstone was born in Liverpool; Alfred, Lord Tennyson in Summersby, England; Oliver Wendell Holmes in Boston; Felix Mendelssohn in Hamburg, Germany; and Abraham Lincoln in Hodgenville, Kentucky. Now, 200 years later, is there the slightest doubt about the greater contribution to history—those battles or those babies? GOD'S GIFT TO A DYING WORLD IS THE LIFE-GIVING SAVIOR. The Best Of Gifts Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! —2 Corinthians 9:15 Having trouble selecting that perfect gift for someone? A friend shared with me a few suggestions: • The gift of listening. No interrupting, no planning your response. Just listening. • The gift of affection. Being generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, and pats on the back. • The gift of laughter. Sharing funny stories and jokes. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.” • The gift of a written note. Expressing in a brief, handwritten note your appreciation or affection. • The gift of a compliment. Sincerely saying, “You look great today” or “You are special” can bring a smile. But as we begin this special month of celebration, why not pass on the best gift you’ve ever received? Share the fact that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 6:23). Or share this verse from John 1:12, “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” Remind others that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). The greatest Gift that has ever been given Is Jesus Christ who was sent down from heaven. This Gift can be yours if you will believe; Trust Him as Savior, and new life receive. —Hess The best gift was found in a manger. Gifts Within The Gift Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! —2 Corinthians 9:15 Today's Scripture: 1 John 5:9-13,20 Sharon’s favorite Christmas gift last year from her husband Andy was an antique treasure chest. Inside were three boxes with additional gifts of chocolates and jewelry. She enjoyed each gift within the gift. When God sent His Son Jesus to be the Savior of the world, He gave us many gifts within the Gift. Now when people receive the gift of Jesus, they also receive these special gifts, which they could obtain in no other way: Forgiveness of sin. “In [Jesus] we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). Teaching from the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised, “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things” (John 14:26). Eternal life and a home in heaven. John said, “He who has the Son has life” (1 John 5:12). Jesus promised, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; . . . I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). A love like no other. “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you . . . . Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:9,13). The ABCs Of Salvation Admit that you’re a sinner (Rom. 3:23). Believe on Christ (Acts 16:31). Confess your faith (Rom. 10:9-10). Jesus is both the gift and the Giver of every good gift. ILLUSTRATION - A four-year-old boy asked his father, “Daddy, what does ‘ignore’ mean?” His father explained that it meant not to pay attention to someone. The boy responded, “I don’t think we should ignore Jesus.” Puzzled, the dad replied, “I don’t either.” Then the boy explained, “But that’s what the Christmas carol says, ‘O come let us ignore Him.’” Many people really sing it that way, don’t they? They ignore God’s indescribable gift while they furiously pursue exchanging and collecting expensive junk that nobody really needs. Meanwhile, churches often need funds, missionaries lack support, and opportunities for the gospel to penetrate unreached people groups are missed. We need to seek first His kingdom and righteousness! God's Precious Gift Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift. —2 Corinthians 9:15 Today's Scripture: Romans 6:15-23 It has been said that one of the Roman emperors gave an expensive present to a friend. But when the ruler offered the gift, the friend said, “This is too much for me to receive.” The emperor replied, “But it is not too much for me to give.” When we think about all our sinfulness and rebellion, God’s “indescribable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15) of forgiveness through Jesus Christ seems too much for us poor sinners to receive. God is so rich in mercy, though, that it is not too much for Him to give. Someone has said, “The kindest thing that God ever did was to become a man.” What magnificent glory Christ left and what utter humiliation He suffered so that He could offer us the riches of salvation! We will never be able to understand it completely. It’s hard to fathom the truth that when we receive His gift we claim an eternal inheritance as adopted children of God. Yes, I know Him as my Savior, For my sins are washed away; And I'll never cease to praise Him For this truth through endless day. —Hallan Praise is the language of a heart set free. The Core Of Thankfulness Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! — 2 Corinthians 9:15 Today's Scripture: Romans 2:1-10 To have all earthly gifts, pleasures, and benefits without also knowing the heavenly Giver is a tragedy of eternal proportions! The Word of God clearly teaches that if we do not respond to God’s gracious gifts by acknowledging the heavenly Benefactor, our ungratefulness will only ensure our final doom and misery (Rom. 2:4-10). To appreciate and appropriate these lesser gifts from God, we must possess the greater Gift: Jesus Christ. To know Him is the heart and core of all true blessedness. All thankful praise must arise from hearts that can exclaim, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15). For Jesus Christ We give You praise; His love shall shine Through endless days! —HGB To appreciate God's many gifts, first thank Him for His greatest Gift.