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"Testing the sincerity of your love..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 8:8

MORE THAN JUST FEELINGS AND WORDS

Feelings and words are important. They help us to gauge our response to the Lord. But no matter how good and uplifting feelings and words may be, our actions ultimately determine our sincerity.

“I speak not by commandment, but I am testing
the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.”
2 Corinthians 8:8

1. “I speak not by commandment”

a) Paul did not receive a direct commandment from God.

b) He made this important word known to his readers.

c) In what tone was he writing then?

i) On a personal level.

ii) On the basis of his personal relationship with the Corinthian church.

2. “But I am testing”

a) Paul was giving a personal test.

b) How would the Corinthian church respond to his teaching about giving?

c) Was the example of the Macedonian churches moving to the Corinthian church?

d) Would the Corinthians be motivated to raise their level of commitment to give?

3. “The sincerity of your love”

a) The word “sincerity” connotes the idea of that which is “true”.

b) This word was used to describe Timothy as a “true” (sincere) son (1 Timothy 1:2).

c) Love may only exist in words and feelings for some.

d) But love that is true will be demonstrated in life’s actions.

4. “By the diligence of others”

a) Paul was, of course, referring to the Macedonian churches.

b) Their love for the Lord and for the saints was well-proven.

c) The test of sincerity was a challenging one.

i) The benchmark was the example of the Macedonian churches (2 Corinthians 8:1-5)

ii) The Corinthians must at least emulate the example of the Macedonians.

iii) They may even attempt to surpass the benchmark set by the Macedonians.

iv) But the Corinthians cannot be inactive and unresponsive.

v) They must examine their professed love for the Lord and His saints.