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2 Corinthians 9

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‹ Chapter 8 2 Corinthians — All Chapters Chapter 10 ›

1 Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you. 2 For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting to the Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared to give. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise. 3 But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove empty, but that you will be prepared, just as I said. 4 Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of you—would be ashamed of having been so confident. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you beforehand and make arrangements for the bountiful gift you had promised. This way, your gift will be prepared generously and not begrudgingly. 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever." 10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God. 13 Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others. 14 And their prayers for you will express their affection for you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

‹ Chapter 8 2 Corinthians — All Chapters Chapter 10 ›

Study Notes — 2 Corinthians 9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul discusses the collection for the Jerusalem church, encouraging the Corinthians to give generously and cheerfully. He reminds them of their previous pledge to give and emphasizes the importance of following through on their commitment. Paul also highlights the blessings that come from giving, including the multiplication of seeds sown and the harvest of righteousness. He encourages the Corinthians to give voluntarily, not grudgingly or out of obligation, but with a willing heart. The chapter concludes with a doxology, praising God for His indescribable gift of grace.

Context for the Chapter

2 Corinthians 9 is part of Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church, written to address various issues and concerns in the church. The chapter is situated within the larger context of Paul's discussion of the collection for the Jerusalem church, which began in 2 Corinthians 8. The chapter also connects to the broader narrative of the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of generous giving as a response to God's gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

As believers, we should give generously and cheerfully, without reluctance or compulsion, and with a willing heart. We should also remember that our giving is a response to God's gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, and that it should be characterized by joy, generosity, and a willingness to trust God with our resources.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about giving to the Lord's work with a willing and cheerful heart. Paul encourages the Corinthians to follow through on their pledge to give to the Jerusalem church, and reminds them that God loves a cheerful giver. As we give generously and cheerfully, we demonstrate our gratitude for God's gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, and we trust Him to provide for our needs.

Voices from the Church

“ "The truest measure of a Christian's character is not what he does, but what he gives. The truest test of a Christian's devotion is not what he says, but what he gives."”

— Charles Spurgeon

“ "We are not merely to give of our abundance, but to give liberally, that we may be enriched in every way, and that we may be able to give generously to those in need."”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to the Collection (9:1-5) — Paul introduces the collection for the Jerusalem church, emphasizing the importance of following through on their pledge to give.
  2. The Blessings of Generous Giving (9:6-11) — Paul highlights the blessings that come from giving generously and cheerfully, including the multiplication of seeds sown and the harvest of righteousness.
  3. The Administration of the Collection (9:12-14) — Paul discusses the administration of the collection, emphasizing the importance of integrity and transparency in the handling of funds.
  4. The Doxology (9:15) — Paul concludes the chapter with a doxology, praising God for His indescribable gift of grace.
  5. Conclusion (9:15) — The chapter concludes with a final emphasis on the importance of giving generously and cheerfully, as a response to God's gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Core Doctrines

Stewardship
This chapter teaches that believers are stewards of God's resources, and that we should give generously and cheerfully as a response to God's gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.
Grace
The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, and the role of grace in enabling believers to give generously and cheerfully.
Generosity
The chapter teaches that generosity is a key characteristic of Christian living, and that believers should give liberally and cheerfully to the Lord's work.
Faith
The chapter emphasizes the importance of trusting God with our resources, and giving generously and cheerfully as an expression of our faith in His provision and care.

Lessons from 2 Corinthians 9

  1. The Importance of Integrity in Giving — This chapter teaches that believers should give with integrity, following through on their commitments and being transparent in their giving.
  2. The Blessings of Generous Giving — The chapter highlights the blessings that come from giving generously and cheerfully, including the multiplication of seeds sown and the harvest of righteousness.
  3. The Example of Christ's Generosity — Paul holds up Christ as the ultimate example of generosity and giving, demonstrating that believers should follow His example in their own giving.
  4. The Role of Grace in Giving — The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, and the role of grace in enabling believers to give generously and cheerfully.
  5. The Importance of Trusting God with Our Resources — The chapter teaches that believers should trust God with their resources, and give generously and cheerfully as an expression of their faith in His provision and care.

Themes from 2 Corinthians 9

  1. Generosity and Cheerful Giving — This chapter emphasizes the importance of giving generously and cheerfully, as a response to God's gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.
  2. The Blessings of Giving — The chapter highlights the blessings that come from giving generously and cheerfully, including the multiplication of seeds sown and the harvest of righteousness.
  3. The Example of Christ's Generosity — Paul holds up Christ as the ultimate example of generosity and giving, demonstrating that believers should follow His example in their own giving.
  4. The Role of Grace in Giving — The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, and the role of grace in enabling believers to give generously and cheerfully.
  5. The Importance of Trusting God with Our Resources — The chapter teaches that believers should trust God with their resources, and give generously and cheerfully as an expression of their faith in His provision and care.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What is the importance of following through on our commitments to give to the Lord's work?
  2. How can we cultivate a spirit of generosity and cheerful giving in our lives?
  3. What are some ways that we can trust God with our resources, and give generously and cheerfully as an expression of our faith?
  4. How can we ensure that our giving is characterized by joy, generosity, and a willingness to trust God with our resources?
  5. What are some ways that we can demonstrate our gratitude for God's gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, through our giving and service to others?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Collection (9:1-5)

9:1 Paul introduces the collection for the Jerusalem church, emphasizing the importance of following through on their pledge to give.
9:2 He reminds them of their previous enthusiasm and generosity, and encourages them to follow through on their commitment.

2. The Blessings of Generous Giving (9:6-11)

9:6 Paul highlights the blessings that come from giving generously and cheerfully, including the multiplication of seeds sown and the harvest of righteousness.
9:7 He reminds them that God loves a cheerful giver, and that their giving should be characterized by joy and generosity.

3. The Administration of the Collection (9:12-14)

9:12 Paul discusses the administration of the collection, emphasizing the importance of integrity and transparency in the handling of funds.
9:13 He reminds them that their giving is a testimony to the gospel, and that it should be characterized by generosity and cheerfulness.

4. The Doxology (9:15)

9:15 Paul concludes the chapter with a doxology, praising God for His indescribable gift of grace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the collection for the Jerusalem church?

The purpose of the collection is to provide for the needs of the Jerusalem church, and to demonstrate the unity and generosity of the Corinthian church (2 Corinthians 9:1-5).

How can we cultivate a spirit of generosity and cheerful giving in our lives?

We can cultivate a spirit of generosity and cheerful giving by remembering God's gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, and by trusting Him with our resources (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

What are some ways that we can demonstrate our gratitude for God's gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ?

We can demonstrate our gratitude for God's gracious gift of salvation in Jesus Christ by giving generously and cheerfully to the Lord's work, and by trusting Him with our resources (2 Corinthians 9:12-15).

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 2 Corinthians 9:6 → Proverbs 11:24-25 The principle of sowing and reaping is emphasized in Proverbs 11:24-25, where it is written that "one person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty."
2 2 Corinthians 9:7 → Deuteronomy 15:10 The importance of giving with a willing heart is emphasized in Deuteronomy 15:10, where it is written that "give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to."
3 2 Corinthians 9:8 → Psalm 112:9 The blessing of giving generously is emphasized in Psalm 112:9, where it is written that "they have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor."
4 2 Corinthians 9:9 → Psalm 37:26 The importance of generosity and giving is emphasized in Psalm 37:26, where it is written that "they are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed."
5 2 Corinthians 9:10 → Isaiah 55:10-11 The principle of sowing and reaping is emphasized in Isaiah 55:10-11, where it is written that "as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."
6 2 Corinthians 9:11 → Galatians 6:9 The importance of perseverance in giving is emphasized in Galatians 6:9, where it is written that "let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
7 2 Corinthians 9:12 → Acts 4:32-37 The importance of generosity and giving in the early church is emphasized in Acts 4:32-37, where it is written that "no one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had...and God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them."
8 2 Corinthians 9:15 → John 3:16 The ultimate gift of God's love is emphasized in John 3:16, where it is written that "for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
9 2 Corinthians 9:6 → Luke 6:38 The principle of sowing and reaping is emphasized in Luke 6:38, where it is written that "give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
10 2 Corinthians 9:7 → Matthew 6:21 The importance of giving with a willing heart is emphasized in Matthew 6:21, where it is written that "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Sermons on 2 Corinthians 9

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen (Basics) 17. Dead Works by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of being a cheerful giver in the eyes of God. He references 2 Corinthians 9:7, which states that God loves a cheerful giver. T
John Piper All These Things Will Be Added to You? by John Piper This sermon emphasizes the true meaning behind seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, clarifying that the promise of 'all these things will be added to you' in Mat
Alan Redpath The Challenge of Every Christian - Part 5 by Alan Redpath The sermon transcript is focused on the theme of communicating Christ and the challenges faced by Christians in doing so. The speaker emphasizes the need for revival and the love o
Keith Daniel (Riverfront Character Inn) Session 1 by Keith Daniel In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching every person with the message of God's love. He declares that the world is his parish and that he must live to re
Leonard Ravenhill The Bride of Christ by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher begins by encouraging the congregation to stay and pray for a little while before the meeting starts. He then shares a testimony of a miraculous car ac
J. Glyn Owen (1 John #2) Christian Fellowship and Its Fruit by J. Glyn Owen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fellowship and sharing among believers. He explains that when we are taught spiritual things, we should communicate and sup
Hans R. Waldvogel God Is Able by Hans R. Waldvogel In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing God and His ability to fulfill His promises. He encourages the audience to have faith and trust in God, even when
Otto Koning A Widow Who Becomes a Channel of God's Power by Otto Koning Otto Koning shares a powerful testimony about a widow who, despite her poverty, becomes a channel of God's blessings by committing to give everything above her basic needs to suppo
Zac Poonen (Basics) 69. Proving God's Perfect Will(2) by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a spiritually profitable and edifying life. He references 1 Corinthians 6:12 and 10:23, where Paul states that while
Zac Poonen The Shadow and the Reality by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying the Sabbath and the consequences of disobedience. He refers to an incident in Numbers chapter 15 where a man was c

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Corinthians 9

In this chapter, Paul encourages the Corinthians to follow through on their pledge to give to the Jerusalem church, emphasizing the importance of generous and cheerful giving. He reminds them that God loves a cheerful giver, and that their giving should be characterized by joy and generosity. The chapter concludes with a doxology, praising God for His indescribable gift of grace. As Matthew Henry writes, "the apostle's design is to persuade the Corinthians to make a liberal contribution for the relief of the poor saints at Jerusalem, and to assure them that they shall be plentifully rewarded for their liberality." Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Importance of Following Through on Commitments

Paul emphasizes the importance of following through on their pledge to give to the Jerusalem church, demonstrating the importance of integrity and reliability in Christian living.

The Blessings of Generous Giving

The chapter highlights the blessings that come from giving generously and cheerfully, including the multiplication of seeds sown and the harvest of righteousness.

The Example of Christ's Generosity

Paul holds up Christ as the ultimate example of generosity and giving, demonstrating that believers should follow His example in their own giving.

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