2 Coríntios 9

2 Coríntios 9

Constable - Paul assumed that his readers would collect a substantial sum of money and that generosity rather than covetousness would motivate them. Paul was contrasting two attitudes to giving, generously or grudgingly, rather than two ways of securing the gift, simple reception or extortion. The subtle pressure that Paul put on his readers, which comes through especially forcefully in this section, raises a question as to his method of motivating his readers. Was he making it almost impossible for them to give from proper motives by stressing lesser motivating factors so strongly? Evidently Paul realized that the Corinthians might not follow through with their commitment unless they wanted to do so very strongly. After all, they had procrastinated a full year. The fact that he motivated them from several different directions does not indicate that what he presented as the proper primary motivation for giving in chapter 8 is secondary. If his primary arguments failed by themselves, these secondary arguments would add force and hopefully move his readers to do what was right. (2 Corinthians 9) ILLUSTRATION - As you probably know, George Muller supported over 2,000 orphans through prayer, without making his needs known. But Muller didn’t just ask and receive from God. He also gave generously to the Lord’s work. At one point he fully supported ten missionaries in China. Over a 54-year period, he gave away 86 percent of what he received for his personal support. He could have become wealthy and lived in luxury. Instead, he kept the bottom of the funnel open and God kept pouring in the top. Ask God for money to give and watch Him supply it! If you really want to be challenged read the devotional on Muller entitled Gifts and Giving. Thought (regarded) (2233) hegeomai from ago = to lead, carry, bring) has two basic meanings in the NT. One is to lead as one would do in a supervisory capacity as when describing men in any leading position - ruler, leader, governor (Acts 7:10+) and stands opposite of a diakonos or servant in (Lk 22:26+). The second meaning of hegeomai means to engage in an intellectual process (2Co 9:5, Php 2:25, Php 3:8, 2Pe 1:13). In this latter sense, hegeomai conveys the picture of leading out (note the root verb of origin = ago = to lead) before the mind, and thus to regard, esteem, count, reckon. Necessary (pressing) (316) anagkaios from anagke = necessity, compulsion) describes that which compels or makes something needful or necessary (as meeting a need). That which is indispensable, pressing, what one cannot do without. In Acts 10:24 it describes those who are intimate (friends, relatives). Necessary, intimate, close. “Being necessary and indispensable to the occurrence of some event” (Louw-Nida) 8v in NT - Acts 10:24; Acts 13:46; 1 Co. 12:22; 2 Co. 9:5; Phil. 1:24; Phil. 2:25; Tit. 3:14; Heb. 8:3 Urge (3870) parakaleo from para = side of, alongside, beside + kaleo = call) means literally to call one alongside, to call someone to oneself, to call for, to summon. The primary sense in the NT is to urge someone to take some action, especially some ethical course of action. Sometimes the word means convey the idea of comfort, sometimes of exhortation but always at the root there is the idea of enabling a person to meet some difficult situation with confidence and with gallantry. Uses in the Corinthian letters (note 3 uses in 2Co 7) - 1Co. 1:10; 1Co. 4:13; 1Co. 4:16; 1Co. 14:31; 1Co. 16:12; 1Co. 16:15; 2Co. 1:4; 2Co. 1:6; 2Co. 2:7; 2Co. 2:8; 2Co. 5:20; 2Co. 6:1; 2Co. 7:6; 2Co. 7:7; 2Co. 7:13; 2Co. 8:6; 2Co. 9:5; 2Co. 10:1; 2Co. 12:8; 2Co. 12:18; 2Co. 13:11 Go on ahead (4281)(proerchomai from pro - before + erchomai - go) means to go forward, go, to go before, to precede, in the advance of another. Gilbrant - In classical Greek it is used of going forward, advancing, stepping forward to speak, making progress in general, being advanced in years, or proceeding with a story. It can also mean “going or coming prior to” the others, such as being born first or moving out first. Josephus used it with the same senses. In the Septuagint it means to “go on ahead” before the others, as when Jacob went before his family to meet Esau (Genesis 33:3, see also Genesis 33:14; Judith 2:19). It can also mean “coming prior to” something else, as when lightning comes before the thunder (Sirach 32:10 [LXX 35:10]). Proerchomai occurs nine times in the New Testament and has three different meanings. (1) It can have the idea of going forward a certain distance, advancing, or proceeding. Peter and the angel went one block further before the angel departed from him (Acts 12:10). Jesus went on a little further and fell facedown to the ground (Matthew 26:39). (2) It can denote going before—as a forerunner, a leader, or a guide—in order to show others the way. John the Baptist went before the Messiah as a harbinger to announce His coming (Luke 1:17). Judas went before the Jewish authorities to point them to Jesus (Luke 22:47). (3) It can mean “going first or prior” to someone else. In Mark 6:33 some of the people ran ahead on foot and reached Jesus before the others. A fourth meaning which is not found in the New Testament is to “come or proceed out” of something.(Complete Biblical Library - Incredible Resource) Proerchomai - 9x in 9v - go(1), go on ahead(1), going ahead(1), gone on ahead(1), got there ahead(1), preceding(1), went...beyond(2), went along(1). Matt. 26:39; Mk. 6:33; Mk. 14:35; Lk. 1:17; Lk. 22:47; Acts 12:10; Acts 20:5; Acts 20:13; 2 Co. 9:5 Arrange beforehand (4294)(prokatartizo from pro - before + katartizo - prepare) means to make ready beforehand. To perfect or equip beforehand, make right. Getting something ready in advance, whether preparing, arranging, or completing beforehand. Hippocrates said that in medicine one must have all the various instruments, compresses, knives, and other materials ready beforehandUsed only in 2 Cor. 9:5 of the offerings for the Jerusalem church which the Apostle wished to find already prepared. Previously promised (4279)(proepaggello from pro = before + epaggellomai = to proclaim, to promise) to announce, promise, or proclaim beforehand. The idea is to announce with certainty in advance as to what one will do. Only in Ro 1:2 and 2Co 9:5. Not in Septuagint. Bountiful gift (2129) eulogia from eú = good, well + lógos = word; English = eulogy = a commendatory formal statement) is literally a good word, good speaking, fine speech or praise. A "blessing". Eulogia is the act of speaking favorably (cp Rev 5:12, 13, 7:12). Eulogia can speak of favor or benefit bestowed by God (cp He 12:17, Lxx uses - Ge 49:25, Ex 32:29, Lev 25:41, He 6:7, Ep 1:3, Ro 15:29) or bestowed by people (cp 2Co 9:5, 6). Eulogia - 14v in NT - blessing(11), bountiful gift(2), bountifully(2), flattering speech(1). Rom. 15:29; Rom. 16:18; 1 Co. 10:16; 2 Co. 9:5; 2 Co. 9:6; Gal. 3:14; Eph. 1:3; Heb. 6:7; Heb. 12:17; Jas. 3:10; 1 Pet. 3:9; Rev. 5:12; Rev. 5:13; Rev. 7:12 Ready (2092) hetoimos from an old noun heteos = fitness) means ready, prepared, in a state of readiness. TDNT - The clear meaning of this word group is preparation both in the active sense of “making ready” and in the passive of “readiness,” “ability” or “resolution.” Covetousness (4124) pleonexia from pleíon = more + écho = have) means literally to have more and describes a strong desire to acquire more and more material possessions, especially that which is forbidden. It is a desire to have more irrespective of one's need and is always used in bad sense. It describes an insatiable selfishness. Pleonexia is "a strong desire to acquire more and more material possessions or to possess more things than other people have, all irrespective of need." Even a pagan like Plato had the sense to recognize "The desire of man is like a sieve or a pierced vessel which he ever tries to, and can never fill." Pleonexia - 10v in NT - covetousness(1), deeds of coveting(1), greed(7), greediness(1). Mk. 7:22; Lk. 12:15; Rom. 1:29; 2 Co. 9:5; Eph. 4:19; Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1 Thess. 2:5; 2 Pet. 2:3; 2 Pet. 2:14 2 Corinthians 9:6 Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Amplified [Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings. KJV 2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. NET 2 Corinthians 9:6 My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. BGT 2 Corinthians 9:6 Τοῦτο δέ, ὁ σπείρων φειδομένως φειδομένως καὶ θερίσει, καὶ ὁ σπείρων ἐπ᾽ εὐλογίαις ἐπ᾽ εὐλογίαις καὶ θερίσει. NLT 2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this-- a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. ESV 2 Corinthians 9:6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. NIV 2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. YLT 2 Corinthians 9:6 And this: He who is sowing sparingly, sparingly also shall reap; and he who is sowing in blessings, in blessings also shall reap; ASV 2 Corinthians 9:6 But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. CSB 2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. MIT 2 Corinthians 9:6 Think it over: One who plants meagerly will harvest a meager crop. One who plants copiously will harvest a copious crop. I say: 1Co 1:12 7:29 15:20 Ga 3:17 5:16 Eph 4:17 Col 2:4 he who sows sparingly: 2Co 9:10 Ps 41:1-3 Pr 11:18,24 19:17 22:9 Ec 11:1,6 Lu 6:38 Lu 19:16-26 Ga 6:7-9 Heb 6:10 2 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Proverbs 11:24-26 (THE PRINCIPLE OF GIVING - LITTLE OR LIBERALLY) - There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. 25 The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered. 26 He who withholds grain, the people will curse him, But blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. Proverbs 3:9-10 Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; 10So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine. Proverbs 22:24-25 Do not associate with a man given to anger; Or go with a hot-tempered man, 25Or you will learn his ways And find a snare for yourself. Proverbs 19:17 One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed. Proverbs 28:27 He who gives to the poor will never want, But he who shuts his eyes will have many curses. Psalm 126:5 Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting. John 4:36-37+ (REAPING FOR TIME AND ETERNITY) “Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 “For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ Galatians 6:7-10+ Do not be deceived (STOP BEING DECEIVED! = present imperative with a negative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey), God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life (Jn 6:63, Jn 15:5). 9 Let us not lose heart (GROW WEARY) in doing good, for in due time we will reap (IN THIS LIFE, BUT CERTAINLY IN THE LIFE TO COME) if we do not grow weary. 10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. Luke 6:38+ (GIVING IS LIKE A BOOMERANG - IT WILL COME BACK TO YOU!) “Give (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey), and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure–pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” Andrus The point of all of these passages seems to be this: the more you give, the more God gives back so that you can continue to give. But if is it true that God will make us rich in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion, why don’t we see more of this? Well, I’d like to ask a different question: How many of us have really tried it? I’ve seen a few cases of people who have been exceptionally generous, and I have seen God give them an incredible amount of financial blessing, and they have just never quit passing it on. I think more of us would experience that kind of blessing if we truly practiced sacrificial giving. THE BOUNTIFUL BLESSING OF LIBERALITY Paul will now give some principles of giving first drawing from nature. Giving works like Gardening! “sow…reap." Now (de) this I say - Paul has just spoken of a bountiful gift and now will elaborate on the benefits of generous giving. It is interesting that Paul has not pressured the Corinthians to give, but in this section he presents the benefits which would surely stir the hearts of the Corinthians to give. It is to their (and our) advantage that Paul taught these important truths about giving that they (and we) might not miss the opportunity of a lifetime. For the Corinthians there might never be such an open door of opportunity to be so generous to their brothers and sisters in distress in Jerusalem. The following section presents this opportunity not as an obligation but as a high and holy privilege. THOUGHT- This is the only life we will have opportunity to give to the Lord. Do we view it as a privilege or a burden? We need to seize the opportunity! “The opportunity of a lifetime must be seized within the lifetime of the opportunity.” -- Leonard Ravenhill He who (present tense - continually) sows (speiro) sparingly will also reap sparingly (pheidomenos), and he who (present tense - continually) sows (speiro) bountifully (eulogia) will also reap (therizo) bountifully (eulogia) - This of course is the well-known principle of reaping what you sow. Sow little, reap little.Sow bountifully, reap bountifully. The word bountifully gives us our word eulogy which speaks of high praise or commendation (it forms a good contrast with sparingly). Paul's metaphor of sowing seed would indicate that it not only meets the pressing need, but is a gift which in some way keeps on giving by bringing glory to God and causing thanksgiving to God (2Co 9:11-12) Their generous giving would also reap in this sense it would be clear demonstration of the life changing effect of the Gospel on normally selfish human hearts (2Co 9:13)! Finally it would reap in the sense that if would also prompt prayers for the givers (2Co 9:14). Using this metaphor of seeds sown, Paul is clearly teaching that the funds the Corinthians give will not be wasted, but will yield a priceless harvest! When will they (we) reap? Not only in this life but the life to come, at the Bema Seat of Christ when "recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." (2Cor 5:10+ cf Mt 6:19-21+). "scanty sowing, scanty harvest; plentiful sowing, plentiful harvest" Alfred Plummer - "He that soweth on the principle of blessings, on the principle of blessings shall reap"