We live in a world that tends to be self-focused. Ps Joachim preaches about the importance of living beyond ourselves
(Proverbs 11:24-26, Proverbs 22:9, Luke 11:41, 1 Timothy 6:18-19, 2 Timothy 3:1-5 and Micah 6:8).
โA life not lived for others is not a life.โ โ Mother Theresa
Ps Joachim also preached about 3 powerful traits that the New Testament believers in Macedonia embodied as they
lived a life beyond themselves.
1. Selfless Living (2 Corinthians 8:2)
- Selflessness is putting the needs, well-being and interests of others before our own (Philippians 2:3-4)
- This was exemplified by the Macedonian churches (2 Corinthians 8: 1-3)
2. A Sacrificial Heart (2 Corinthians 8:3-4)
- Selfless living enables sacrificial giving, shown by the Macedonian believers.
- They gave as much as they were able to (v3a)
- They gave beyond their ability (v3b)
- They begged Paul to let them partake in the relief giving (v4)
3. Love (2 Corinthians 8:5)
- Love enables us to live beyond ourselves (1 Corinthians 13)
- The Macedonians gave themselves to the Lord and to each other.