II Corinthians 9:7Read the text!Read the contextThis is a letter written by Paul to the church in Corinth.The context doesn’t mention money directly. Paul refers to their giving as a “bountiful gift” or “a service.”Compare translationsGreek – define key wordsGrudgingly - 3383 λύπη (lyp__ē) – regret, sadness, or being overcome with griefCompulsion - 340 ἀνάγκη (anagk__ē) – trouble, complete obligation, or inevitabilityCheerful - 2659 ἱλαρός (hilaros) – happy, cheerful, without grudgingFigures of speech“in his heart” – metonymy for a person’s mindMatthew 22:35; 18:35; 15:8 – many passages in the Bible refer to the state of a person’s heartHarmonize with other versesDeuteronomy 15:10; I Chronicles 29:17; Romans 12:8; Exodus 15:2Romans 12:8II Corinthians 8:12Matthew 6:3 – don’t give to show offLuke 6:38 – God blesses the generousI Corinthians 16:2 – Give every SundayActs 11:29 – give according to abilityCommentaries, articles, and sermonsIf you sow much, you will reap much, so give cheerfully. Some churches use this passage to compel their members to give more, which is against this passage!Conclusion and applicationI must be cheerful and happy to give whatever I can. I must not begrudge my responsibility and be happy in whatever way I can help my brethren.
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