In his last hurrah on giving, the Apostle Paul urges the Corinthians one last time on the importance of selflessness and generosity. He wants the congregation to know that giving like Christ blesses God, will bless them, will bless the saints in Jerusalem, and will be a blessing to the entire body of Christ. The Apostle concludes by teaching that hearts that are open to God will be filled with all grace and sufficiency needed for life and godliness. The truly prosperous life is one poured out to Christ with a heart of cheerfulness for what He’s done for His people.

The ultimate gift of God’s grace is the person and work of Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians Ch. 8 Paul builds upon this truth as he urges the Corinthian church to participate in Christ’s glorious grace. As he brings the chapter to a close, Paul introduces several invaluable gifts of grace that were instrumental in his service unto the Lord.

Lawlessness Increasing and Love Growing Cold

Matthew 24:3-14

As the Apostle Paul continued to rally the troops to raise support for the saints in Jerusalem, he let the Corinthians know it was to their advantage. Paul’s heart was to communicate to them that blessing others brings a great return on investment. It’s a return of joy, peace, and fulfillment in Christ that money can’t buy.

Colossians 2:1-7

Prior to the downfall of ancient Jerusalem, the Lord raised up a young king who brought reformation and momentary peace. He recovered the Word of God, and returned the people to God’s commandments. In these last days, the Lord is calling on the church to return to His Word and have a holy reverence for Him.

It was Francis Havergal who once sang the lines, “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in endless praise.” The consecrated life is one that is holy and set apart to God. A life that is wholly dependent on Him and being led by His Spirit. In Romans 12:1 the Apostle Paul exhorts the church to lay everything on the altar for the sake of Christ. C.T. Studd summed it up well when he said, “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.”

The Apostle Peter learned a lot during his ministry with Jesus. The Lord was patient with him yet firm when he failed. Prior to Jesus ascending to heaven he restored Peter with the words, “Shepherd my sheep…feed my lambs.” Peter’s shepherding heart shows forth in 1st Peter where he encourages the church to stay strong, be holy, and above all look to the Chief Shepherd who is the guardian and sustainer of our souls.

Evangelizing and Sharing The Gospel, Philippians 1:27

It was John Flavel who once said, “No doctrine is more excellent, or necessary to be preached and studied, than Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” The path of freedom begins and ends with the cross of Christ. In Galatians 2:20 the Apostle Paul sums it up best, “I’ve been crucified with Christ, it’s no longer I who live but Christ lives in me..” The Christian life, lived out by the power of the Holy Spirit within us, leads us to bear much fruit and live in freedom all our days.