2Cor 9 | MHM | STEP | Charity Urged In this section, Paul continues to encourage the Corinthians to give generously to support their poor brethren. While he commends their previous efforts and enthusiasm, he also gently reminds them to complete the work they started. Paul approaches the topic with respect and care, showing his deep commitment to the cause of charity and his desire for the Corinthians to excel in this area. v. 1 : Paul begins by acknowledging that it is almost unnecessary to urge the Corinthians further, as they were already eager to help. He says, I know your willingness (2 Corinthians 9:1 ). He trusts in their readiness to do good and reminds them that they started this charitable work a year ago, which had inspired others to follow their example.

‏ 2 Corinthians 9

Charity Urged

In this section, Paul continues to encourage the Corinthians to give generously to support their poor brethren. While he commends their previous efforts and enthusiasm, he also gently reminds them to complete the work they started. Paul approaches the topic with respect and care, showing his deep commitment to the cause of charity and his desire for the Corinthians to excel in this area.

v. 1: Paul begins by acknowledging that it is almost unnecessary to urge the Corinthians further, as they were already eager to help. He says, I know your willingness(2 Corinthians 9:1 ^a). He trusts in their readiness to do good and reminds them that they started this charitable work a year ago, which had inspired others to follow their example.

v. 2: Paul shares that he had boasted about their zeal to the Macedonians, saying, Your zeal has stirred up the majority(2 Corinthians 9:2 ^b). Their enthusiasm for helping others had motivated many believers in Macedonia to be generous as well. Paul uses this commendation to encourage them to continue in their good work.

v. 3: Paul explains that he sent Titus and the other brothers to ensure the Corinthians would be ready when he arrived. He wanted them to have time to prepare their offering so that there would be no last-minute pressure or embarrassment (2 Corinthians 9:3 ^c). This shows Paul’s thoughtfulness in handling sensitive matters like giving.

v. 4: Paul expresses his concern that if Macedonians accompanied him and found the Corinthians unprepared, it would bring shame to both him and them. He says, lest we (not to mention you) should be ashamed of this confident boasting(2 Corinthians 9:4 ^d). Paul’s goal is to preserve their reputation and uphold the trust he placed in them.

Through these verses, Paul shows how to encourage others with respect and wisdom. He praises the Corinthians for their progress while reminding them of their responsibility to follow through. In doing so, he emphasizes the importance of generosity as part of a Christian’s witness and commitment to Christ.

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Charity Urged

In this section, Paul provides guidance on how to give in a way that pleases God. He explains the blessings that come from generous and cheerful giving, both for the giver and the recipient. Paul also emphasizes that giving glorifies God and demonstrates true faith in the gospel. He concludes with a heartfelt expression of gratitude for God’s greatest gift, Jesus Christ.

v. 6: Paul uses the example of sowing and reaping to encourage generosity. He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully(2 Corinthians 9:6 ^e). Just as a farmer gets a harvest based on how much seed he plants, those who give generously can expect a greater return in blessings.

v. 7: Paul reminds the Corinthians to give thoughtfully and willingly. Each one must give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver(2 Corinthians 9:7 ^f). Giving should come from the heart, with joy and gratitude, rather than feeling forced or regretful.

v. 8: Paul assures them that God will provide for those who give generously. God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that you always have sufficiency in all things and abundance for every good work(2 Corinthians 9:8 ^g). God is both willing and able to bless His people so that they can continue to do good and meet their own needs.

v. 9: Paul quotes scripture to emphasize the lasting impact of generosity: He has dispersed abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever(Psalm 112:9 ^h). A generous person leaves behind a legacy of righteousness that glorifies God and blesses others.

v. 10-11: Paul prays that God will bless the Corinthians’ giving. He says, May He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness(2 Corinthians 9:10 ⁱ). Paul teaches that God not only provides for our needs but also multiplies what we give for even greater blessings. This leads to enrichment in every way to all bountifulness, which causes thanksgiving to God(2 Corinthians 9:11 ^j).

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v. 12: Paul highlights how their giving will help meet the needs of the saints. This service not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God(2 Corinthians 9:12 ^k). Their generosity will not only relieve physical needs but will also inspire gratitude and praise to God.

v. 13: Paul explains that their giving will demonstrate their obedience to the gospel. By this experiment of service, they glorify God for your submission to the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others(2 Corinthians 9:13 ^l). Acts of charity confirm the sincerity of faith and bring glory to God.

v. 14: Paul adds that the recipients of their gift will pray for them. While they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you(2 Corinthians 9:14 ^m). This shows how generosity creates bonds of love and gratitude among believers.

v. 15: Paul concludes with a doxology, saying, Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift(2 Corinthians 9:15 ⁿ). While the context may refer to the grace of giving, this likely points to the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ. His sacrifice is the ultimate act of generosity, inspiring believers to give freely and joyfully in response to His love.