August 12 – Giving Justly
August 9, 2018
Sunday School Lesson
August 12
Giving Justly
Devotional Reading: Proverbs 3:9, 10, 13-20, 27, 28
Background Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8, 9
7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and uttertance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
Key Verse
Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.—2 Corinthians 8:9
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
- Identify the circumstances of the offering Paul anticipated receiving from the Corinthian church.
- Explain how Paul’s use of Exodus 16:18supports his argument regarding sharing through giving.
- Perform an act of material kindness toward someone in the week ahead.
Introduction
- Robin Hood Justice
The exploits of Robin Hood and his Merry Men in Sherwood Forest have long entertained imaginations. Numerous film versions have been made of the Robin Hood saga, including remakes of the story on an asteroid, among gangsters in Chicago, and in an animated version in which the hero is a talking fox.
Central to the Robin Hood legend is his role as a “social bandit” or “heroic outlaw,” as expressed in the description that he “robbed from the rich to give to the poor.” In Robin Hood’s world, the rich are wealthy because of severe taxation, exploitative labor practices, and/or downright dishonesty. The poor are hard-working and honest, but suffer poverty because of oppression from the rich.
Robin Hood is therefore a hero to the poor (for whom he provides money and goods) and a villain to the rich (from whom he steals). His thievery is justified because of the positive things he does with his stolen wealth.
With some allowance for motive (Proverbs 6:30, 31), the Bible never condones stealing, however. The eighth commandment, “Thou shalt not steal” (Exodus 20:15), is applied consistently. The Scriptures also have harsh words for wealthy people who oppress the poor, which may be a form of stealing (Proverbs 22:16; Amos 5:11, 12; James 2:6, 7).
Is there a better way to correct economic inequity than to resort to Robin Hood’s methods? Is robbing the rich the only way to relieve the poor? Within the church, Paul teaches another way. It neither steals from the rich nor ignores the desperate plight of the poor. This is the subject of today’s lesson.
- Lesson Background
The travels of the apostle Paul gave him bases of operation in several cities of the Roman Empire in the mid-first century AD. He was a native of the commercial hub of Tarsus and studied in Jerusalem (Acts 22:3). He became a leader in the early Christian center of Antioch (11:25, 26). He founded churches in important Greek cities such as Philippi (16:11-40), Corinth (18:1-18), and Ephesus (19:1-41). He served as a bridge between the Greek/Gentile world and the Jewish world in the first-century church.
The latter was clearly evident in Paul’s role in the project we often refer to as the Jerusalem collection or the offering for the poor saints in Judea. Paul and Barnabas visited Jerusalem around AD 51 to help decide whether circumcision would be required of Gentile Christians (Acts 15:1-29; Galatians 2:1-10). They left the city assured that Gentiles did not need to be circumcised and with the responsibility to “remember the poor” (Galatians 2:10). This was more than just a request to be charitable. There seems to have been an expectation that Paul would be asking his network of churches to give money for the economic relief of suffering Christians in and around Jerusalem.
This relief project is mentioned several times in the New Testament. In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church (written about AD 56), Paul instructed the Corinthians to make weekly contributions to the fund so that it would be ready when he visited. They were also to select men who would accompany him in taking the offering to Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-4).
The collection of this gift provides the backdrop for Paul’s teachings on Christian stewardship that are found in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. Paul wrote 2 Corinthians about a year after writing 1 Corinthians, thus around AD 57. This indicates that the Jerusalem relief project was a plan spread over several years, for Paul did not arrive in Jerusalem until AD 58.
In 2 Corinthians 8:1-6, which immediately precedes today’s lesson text, Paul informed his readers of some details of this relief offering for the poor Christians of Judea. The offering from the Macedonian churches was complete, which likely includes the cities of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea (see Acts 16:12; 17:1, 13). The generous results of the collection effort encouraged Paul. Titus was coming to Corinth as Paul’s envoy to help the Corinthians complete their part of the relief mission (2 Corinthians 8:6).
How to Say It
AntiochAn-tee-ock.
ApollosUh-pahl-us.
BereaBuh-ree-uh.
CaesareaSess-uh-ree-uh.
MacedonianMass-eh-doe-nee-un.
PhilippiFih-lip-pie or Fil-ih-pie.
TarsusTar-sus.
ThessalonicaThess-uh-lo-nye–kuh (th as in thin).
- Excellent Giving
7a. Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith.
Paul commends the Corinthians for five specific qualities. To abound . . . in faith indicates they continue to be strong believers in spite of the various controversies within the church.
7b. And utterance, and knowledge.
To excel in utterance refers to the quality and fidelity of the preaching and teaching ministry. Paul’s commendation of the Corinthians’ knowledge refers to their growth in doctrine as gained from Paul, Apollos, and others (compare 1 Corinthians 3:2, 6). A connection between the two characteristics is easy to see since a person utters what he or she knows (compare 1 Corinthians 1:5).
7c. And in all diligence.
Diligence is a quality we may not tend to associate with the Corinthians as we read of their besetting problems. But Paul uses the Greek word translated diligence also in 2 Corinthians 7:11 to refer to the church’s “carefulness.” The picture is that of a congregation emerging from controversy and being stronger for it.
7d. And in your love to us.
The word us refers to Paul and Titus in this fifth of the five commendations. At times the relationship between Paul and the Corinthians has been strained (examples: 1 Corinthians 4:18-21; 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:5; 6:11-13; 10:10; 12:19-21). Relationships can be repaired when there is an underlying foundation of love and respect for one another. When love is lacking, even small disagreements can be fanned into flames of church warfare.
7e. See that ye abound in this grace also.
Paul desires that along with the five qualities just noted the Corinthians should strive to abound in a sixth: the grace of giving for the relief of the suffering of others. Although the word giving does not occur here, the words this grace refer back to “the same grace also” in 2 Corinthians 8:6, which in turn refers to the giving program of 8:1-5.
Churches still need a multifaceted foundation to become most effective and generous in their grace of giving. This is especially true of giving for purposes outside the congregation’s local needs. A church with a shaky foundation in the five qualities noted for Corinth may find it difficult to fund even the local monthly costs of building maintenance and staff salaries.
- I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
Paul is not issuing a command for the Corinthians to collect money for this offering. Christian giving should be a joy, not a duty; a privilege, not an obligation. Paul’s point is that the Corinthians and other churches have agreed to support this project. To keep this promise is not a test of fellowship, but a demonstration of the sincerity of the Corinthians’ love. The Greek word translated “diligence” in the previous verse occurs again here, this time translated forwardness, with the same meaning. The proveidea is reflected again in the concluding verse of this chapter.
The Giving Pledge
Noted businessman and investor Warren Buffett challenged his employees to predict the winners of the 2016 college basketball championship tournament. Any employee who guessed every correct pick in the first two rounds would win $1 million a year—for life! No one accomplished that feat, but two employees split the consolation prize of $100,000 for making the most correct picks in the first two rounds.
A few years earlier, Buffett had joined Bill and Melinda Gates in a more significant challenge: they called on the world’s billionaires to give more than half their wealth to philanthropic causes. As of June 2016, 154 individuals or families from 16 countries had joined the Giving Pledge, as the agreement was called. The causes they support are wide-ranging, with urban renewal, global economic opportunities for women, environmental issues, and scientific advancement among others.
We may be tempted to think that billionaires like them can afford to give all that money, but not us—we’re too strapped to give very much money away. Would the apostle Paul be impressed with that line of thinking? The benevolent cause to which he refers involved unwealthy Christians whose hearts were touched by the needs of Christians who were even worse off than they were (2 Corinthians 8:1-4). This situation challenges us continually, does it not?
—C. R. B.
What Do You Think?
How do you avoid basing your giving on unscriptural principles?
Points for Your Discussion
Regarding a partial or unbalanced consideration of biblical giving principles
Regarding secular “feel good” motives
Other
- Jesus’ Example (v. 9)
- For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
Paul sometimes points to himself as an example (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17), but not here. Christ’s willingness to leave His heavenly home and come to earth to live among men and women was an act of great humility (Philippians 2:6-8). Paul does not see Christ’s sacrifice as being limited to the cross. It began with His becoming human, the Word of God taking on flesh (John 1:14). Jesus was born to a simple peasant couple and grew up in an obscure Galilean town. His was never a life of luxury (Luke 9:58).
This creates a great and wonderful paradox for Paul. Christ’s humility and poverty make His followers spiritually rich. With Christ taking human form and dying for human sins, those who have accepted Him have become sons and daughters of God, and fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17; Titus 3:7). Paul sees that true wealth is found in the blessings of grace and salvation that God has provided for us in Christ (Ephesians 1:7; 2:7).
What Do You Think?
How does your giving to Christian causes and organizations differ from your giving to secular causes? How should it?
Points for Your Discussion
In times of immediate crisis
In terms of motive
In terms of delayed giving via pledges
Other
- Freewill Giving
- Well Begun (v. 10)
- And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
The reminder to the Corinthians of their spiritual wealth leads Paul to give them strong adviceconcerning what they should do to finish the offering for those in need in the Jerusalem church. Paul begins this by reminding them that a year ago they were forward in this project, meaning they were among the first to give. Now they should complete the offering and send it on its way.
- Get It Done (v. 11)
- Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
Churches and other Christian organizations often launch building campaigns or other projects in which financial pledges are received for future giving. Sometimes a project lingers without being completed for several months or even years. These projects are good endeavors, but they can become discouraging if not completed.
Rather than push the Corinthians for a specific amount, Paul tells them to do their best to collect what they can and move on. Remember: giving should be motivated by love, not guilt.
What Do You Think?
How do you stay motivated to keep giving?
Points for Your Discussion
When finances are tight
When tempted to divert a regular offering to buy a luxury item
Other
Follow-Through
Follow-through is stressed by coaches in many sports. Good coaches know that the most effective motion is one that doesn’t stop when the bat or club strikes the ball or when objects leave the hand.
Follow-through counts in other areas of life also. A prime example is how well children do in school. The University of Chicago Consortium on School Research reports that three factors affect success in school. The first is a student’s belief that hard work can bring improvement. Second, a student must have confidence that he or she belongs in school and can thrive in that setting.
Finally, the student must believe that what one does in school is valuable and relevant to life. Educators have found that students who don’t have these attitudes aren’t likely to succeed. In other words, these values help the student to “follow through” when school is difficult.
Paul’s counsel for his readers to follow through and make good their commitments is his counsel to us as well. Satan will try to defeat efforts to follow through (compare Nehemiah 4:6-11). But follow-through is too vital to let him win.
—C. R. B.
III. Equitable Giving
- Willing and Able (v. 12)
- For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
Two elements must be present for money to be given: (1) there must be willingness to give and (2) there must be ability to give. If a person is willing to give but not able, then no giving occurs. If a person is able to give but not willing, then no giving occurs.
Both elements of willingness and ability have been addressed in verse 11, but Paul senses that more needs to be said about ability. Assuming that a willing mind desires to give, that willingness results in the acceptability of a contribution that comes from available resources (compare Mark 12:43, 44). There is no guilt trip here (compare 2 Corinthians 9:7). No potential giver is expected to think of what he “should” give, then make up any shortfall by borrowing money. The readers are not expected to give money they don’t have. While there is room for faith and growth in giving, it is irresponsible for church leaders to push people to give beyond their means.
- Relief and Burden (vv. 13-15)
- For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened.
Paul also wants the Corinthians to know that no recipient of the gift will end up living a life of ease due to this offering. This is a matter of helping supply others’ needs, not aiding them in becoming wealthy.
Likewise today, it is improper to ask church members to give to support extravagant lifestyles for their leaders. The televangelist scandals of decades past still stand as somber reminders of the dangers in this area.
- But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality.
The two instances of the word equality are easy to misinterpret, and we must ask the question, “Equality in terms of what?” As always, it is context that determines: Paul is discussing how churches are to handle issues of dire need.
The equality he pushes for is equality in terms of meeting basic subsistence needs. People in one area may be experiencing a good economy, a bountiful harvest, etc., while people in another location live near the starvation level because of drought, war, etc. Such disparity may be regional, as it is in this situation between churches in Greece and churches in the Jerusalem area. When such a need and a corresponding abundance are known, the needy can be helped.
Should this situation be reversed in subsequent years, the helpers may become the helped. The Corinthians who offer help now may be the ones in need later. We must be ready both to give and to receive, depending on the need. Relief offerings can be one-time projects, such as the one with which Paul and the Corinthians are involved. There can also be ongoing efforts by congregations to support food banks and clothing closets for the needy. All in all, we should not understand Paul to be calling for exact equality of wealth, resulting in neither wealthy nor poor people in the church.
What Do You Think?
How would you deal with the challenges of depending on someone else’s generosity?
Points for Your Discussion
When making your need known
In receiving the gift
In maintaining the relationship
Other
- As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
Paul concludes this section by quoting Exodus 16:18, a verse drawn from the wilderness experience of the nation of Israel. The lesson the verse gives is related to the miraculous provision of manna for the people of Israel. Exodus 16 shows that there were many rules associated with the manna. There was no value in gathering extra to save, for it would spoil. The exception was gathering an extra amount on the day before the Sabbath. No one was allowed to hoard a surplus. When all was gathered, everyone had just enough.
Paul challenges his readers then and now to learn from Israel’s example. Just as the Israelites had to exercise faith in God in their gathering of manna, so it is when we give offerings for the poor. Many of us do not have substantial reserves of money. We give and have faith that God will provide for our future needs.
What Do You Think?
How do you establish the dividing line between unbiblical hoarding and reasonable savings for future needs?
Points for Your Discussion
Regarding short-term emergency or “rainy day” savings
Regarding long-term retirement savings or investing
Conclusion
- Their Examples
Frank Houghton (1894-1972) was a missionary in China. During the persecution of Christians there in the 1930s, he wrote a beautiful Christmas song titled “Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendor” to encourage his fellow missionaries. Its two opening lines are drawn directly from our lesson’s key verse, 2 Corinthians 8:9. Houghton and his fellow missionaries had given up much to preach the gospel to the Chinese, but he reminded them that the example of Christ surpassed by far anything they could ever have done.
Houghton is just one example of a long line of individuals who gave up much for the sake of Christ. This line stretches all the way back to the New Testament, beginning with Peter, who had a fishing business (Matthew 19:27). Paul himself was a highly educated rabbi who came from a family wealthy enough to send him from Tarsus to Jerusalem for schooling (Acts 22:3). Yet he adopted the vocation of an itinerant missionary who had to live hand to mouth at times (Philippians 4:12). The examples they set for giving includes martyrdom by some.
- Our Obligation
Churches and individual Christians should help relieve suffering for two reasons. First, it’s a biblical requirement to do so (1 John 3:17; etc.). In the Old Testament, assistance to the needy was seen as reflecting God’s compassion toward them (Psalm 140:12; Jeremiah 22:16). For His people to go through the actions of worship while ignoring the genuine needs of destitute people around them made their worship a sham and an insult to God (Isaiah 1:10-17).
Second, and less obvious, the giving of aid can help free the giver of selfishness, greed, and prejudice against those in need. And we probably have more of a fortune than we think, from which we can give. Consider this conclusion by Pew Research Center, published July 9, 2015:
The U.S. stands head and shoulders above the rest of the world [in terms of income]. More than half (56%) of Americans were high income by the global standard. . . . Another 32% were upper-middle income. In other words, almost nine-in-ten Americans had a standard of living that was above the global middle-income standard.
Most of us do have extra dollars; it just takes planning and sacrifice to free them up. It might be as simple as one less cup of coffee a week or as complicated as downsizing a home to make cash available. But the first question is, do we care?
- Prayer
Heavenly Father, may we look for opportunities to share with those in need of the bounty You have entrusted to us. May we be people who love others as You would have us to love them. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
- Thought to Remember
Measure generosity as God does.
