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"See that you abound in this grace also."

Text: 2 Corinthians 8:7

CULTIVATING THE GRACE OF GIVING

Paul was deeply impressed by the spirit of faith and generosity of the Macedonian Churches. He wanted Titus to teach the Corinthian Church to emulate the example of the Macedonian believers.

“So we urged Titus, that as he had begun,
so he would also complete this grace in you as well.
But as you abound in everything- in faith, in speech,
in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us-
see that you abound in this grace also.”
2 Corinthians 8:6-7

1. The ministry of Titus

a) He was a co-labourer of Paul.

b) He went to minister in Corinth when Paul was called elsewhere to serve.

c) His ministry obviously involved:

i) Preaching

ii) Teaching

iii) Mentoring

d) A special challenge was given.

Titus must seek to teach the Corinthian church to emulate the Macedonian believers.

2. Praise of the Corinthian Church

Paul listed a number of features that stood out:

a) Faith

b) Speech

c) Knowledge

d) Diligence

e) Love

These were qualities that were praised! The church was commended for having cultivated these virtues.

3. “See that you abound in this grace also”

a) The grace of giving was lacking in the Corinthian Church.

b) Paul had to write sternly to the Corinthian church to address a wrong understanding of support for the full-time servants of the Lord (1 Corinthians 9).

c) The challenge was given to the repentant Corinthian church

i) To learn well from what Titus would teach them.

ii) To cultivate the grace of giving till it was a prominent and praise-worthy feature of the church.

iii) To be inspired by the example of the Macedonian churches.