2 Corinthians 8:12
Verse
Context
Sermons
Zac Poonen
George VerwerGeorge Verwer
William MacDonald
F.B. Meyer
Andrew MurraySummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
According to that a man hath - According to his real property; not taking that which belongs to his own family, and is indispensably necessary for their support; and not taking that which belongs to others; viz. what he owes to any man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--Following up the rule "out of that which ye have" (Co2 8:11), and no more. a willing mind--rather, as Greek, "the readiness," namely, to will, referring to Co2 8:11. accepted--Greek "favorably accepted." according to that a man hath--The oldest manuscripts omit "a man." Translate, "According to whatsoever it have"; the willing mind, or "readiness" to will, is personified [ALFORD]. Or better, as BENGEL, "He is accepted according to whatsoever he have"; so Co2 9:7, The Lord loveth a cheerful giver." Compare as to David, Kg1 8:18. God accepts the will for the deed. He judges not according to what a man has the opportunity to do, but according to what he would do if he had the opportunity (compare Mar 14:8; and the widow's mite, Luk 21:3-4).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For if there be first a willing mind,.... If what is done springs from a truly noble, generous spirit, a spirit of bountifulness and liberality; and is given cheerfully and freely, and according to a man's ability; the quantity matters not, whether it be more or less: it is accepted; both of God and man: according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. The widow's mite was as acceptable, and more so, than all the rich men cast into the treasury; a cup of cold water given to a prophet, in the name of a prophet, is taken notice of by God, and shall have its reward. The present sent by the Philippians to the Apostle Paul, and which perhaps was not very large, was "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God", Phi 4:18.
2 Corinthians 8:12
Generosity Commended
11Now finish the work, so that you may complete it just as eagerly as you began, according to your means.12For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Obedience and the Way of the Cross
By Zac Poonen7471:09:00PRO 14:14ISA 53:12JHN 7:37JHN 12:24JHN 12:27JHN 15:2JHN 15:5JHN 15:8JHN 15:16ROM 14:222CO 8:121JN 2:6
This sermon emphasizes the importance of falling into the ground and dying to bear much fruit, following the way of the cross, and being filled with the Holy Spirit continuously. It encourages believers to choose the path of self-denial, faithfulness, and obedience to God's will, even in times of pressure and trouble, to experience spiritual growth and the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives.
Raising Support
By George Verwer64537:06PRO 11:24MAT 6:33ACT 20:312CO 8:122CO 9:6PHP 4:191TI 6:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of financial support for the work of God. He emphasizes the need for a vision in order to make the process of gathering support more meaningful and less burdensome. The speaker shares his personal motivation for this ministry, stating that he has a vision of what money can do in advancing the work of God. He also highlights the significance of effective communication skills, particularly in writing letters, and recommends books on communication and public speaking for further improvement.
Resourcing God's Work
By George Verwer5911:16:012CO 8:122CO 9:62CO 9:112CO 12:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision for the work of God. He mentions that while there are many ideas and visions in the Christian world, it is crucial to have a real vision that goes beyond just seeking money. The speaker also highlights the significance of failure testimonies, as they can minister to people who feel beaten down and struggling in their faith. He concludes by stating that God's work done in God's way will always lack finance, but it is important to define what that means in order to avoid miscommunication.
Seeing Material Things From Gods Viewpoint
By Zac Poonen4691:13:46PRO 6:6MAT 6:24LUK 16:11ROM 13:82CO 8:121TI 5:8
This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a righteous and faithful approach towards handling money, drawing insights from biblical teachings. It highlights the need to trust God for provision, be honest in financial matters, and prioritize family needs. The speaker shares personal experiences of starting with nothing and trusting God for all needs, demonstrating the faithfulness of God in providing. The sermon challenges listeners to align their perspective on money with God's viewpoint, focusing on righteousness, faithfulness, and honoring God in financial stewardship.
Giving as Unto God
By William MacDonald0Worship through GenerosityChristian Giving1CH 29:14MAL 3:10MAT 6:21LUK 6:38ACT 20:352CO 8:122CO 9:7EPH 5:2PHP 4:18HEB 13:16William MacDonald emphasizes the significance of giving as an act of worship, drawing from Paul's acknowledgment of the Philippians' gift in Philippians 4:18. He highlights that such gifts, though seemingly small, are viewed by God as a 'sweet smell' and a 'sacrifice acceptable,' akin to Christ's ultimate sacrifice. MacDonald encourages believers to see their giving as a form of priestly service, motivated by love rather than obligation, and to recognize the profound impact their generosity has in the spiritual realm. He reminds us that our gifts fill the throne room of God with fragrance, transforming our perspective on giving into an act of joyful worship.
The Children of Israel and the Children
By F.B. Meyer0StewardshipGenerosity1CH 29:14NEH 10:39PRO 11:24MAL 3:10MAT 6:21LUK 6:38ACT 20:352CO 8:122CO 9:7PHP 4:19F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of giving and separation to God, drawing parallels between the children of Israel and modern believers. He highlights that true commitment to God involves setting aside a significant portion of one's income for His service, reflecting on the Jewish practice of giving a third of their income. Meyer challenges the congregation to evaluate their generosity and commitment, urging them to give more than just leftovers to God. He reminds them that genuine giving leads to blessings and that withholding can lead to poverty. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of stewardship and the joy of contributing to God's work.
Entire Consecration
By Andrew Murray0Dependence On GodConsecration1CH 29:14PSA 24:1MAT 6:33LUK 6:38ROM 12:12CO 8:122CO 9:7PHP 4:19JAS 1:171PE 4:10Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound mystery of entire consecration to God, illustrating that all we possess comes from Him and that our privilege is to return it willingly. He outlines four key thoughts: God is the ultimate Owner and Giver, we are designed to be receivers of His grace, we must give back all we receive, and God delights in our offerings. Murray encourages believers to recognize their dependence on God and to live in a state of continual surrender, understanding that true joy comes from giving back to Him. He calls for a heartfelt commitment to consecrate not just our lives but all we have, trusting in God's generous nature and the blessings that follow such surrender.
Or Ministry, Let Us Wait on Our Ministering
By A.B. Simpson0SacrificeServicePRO 3:9MAT 6:21MAT 25:40MRK 12:30LUK 21:1ROM 12:12CO 8:122CO 9:7PHP 4:191PE 4:10A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of actively ministering to Christ through our actions, gifts, and sacrifices. He challenges believers to reflect on what they are offering to Jesus, not just in words but in tangible ways, highlighting that true devotion requires personal investment. Simpson illustrates this with the example of Mary, who gave her most precious gift to Jesus, urging listeners to consider what they have done for the Master. He calls for a self-examination of our contributions to God's work and encourages a spirit of sacrifice in our service to Him. Ultimately, the sermon inspires believers to give generously to the Savior who selflessly gave His life for us.
Consecration
By Andrew Murray0Surrender to GodConsecration1CH 29:14PSA 24:1MAT 6:33LUK 6:38ROM 12:12CO 8:122CO 9:7PHP 4:19JAS 1:171PE 4:10Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound mystery of consecration, illustrating that all we have comes from God, and thus, we are called to willingly give back to Him what is already His. He outlines four key thoughts: God is the ultimate Owner and Giver, we are designed to be receivers of His grace, it is our privilege to return what we receive, and God delights in our offerings. Murray encourages believers to recognize their dependence on God, to live in a state of continual receiving, and to joyfully surrender all aspects of their lives to Him. The sermon culminates in a call to consecrate not just our lives but everything we possess, trusting that God will bless our surrender and use it for His Kingdom.
Biblical Principles of Christian Giving
By Colin Peckham02CH 31:21MAT 6:3MAT 25:21MRK 12:441CO 4:21CO 16:22CO 5:102CO 8:122CO 9:72CO 9:15EPH 5:3Colin Peckham emphasizes that Christian giving is an act of worship and thanksgiving to God, reflecting the believer's devotion and loyalty. The sermon highlights the importance of giving systematically, proportionately, individually, cheerfully, wholeheartedly, sacrificially, willingly, purposefully, faithfully, responsibly, generously, secretly, honestly, gratefully, and accountably, stressing the need for genuine motives and heartfelt surrender to Christ in stewardship.
God's Gracious Response
By Robert S. Candlish0PSA 110:3ISA 6:8ROM 12:12CO 8:12PHP 2:13Robert S. Candlish preaches on the willingness and privilege of volunteering for God's service, highlighting the grace and consideration of the Lord in allowing His servants to offer themselves willingly. Rather than issuing a command, God graciously invites His servants to respond voluntarily, understanding the brokenness and repentance in their hearts. This act of volunteering is a profound expression of love and gratitude towards the Lord who willingly sacrificed Himself for His people.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
According to that a man hath - According to his real property; not taking that which belongs to his own family, and is indispensably necessary for their support; and not taking that which belongs to others; viz. what he owes to any man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--Following up the rule "out of that which ye have" (Co2 8:11), and no more. a willing mind--rather, as Greek, "the readiness," namely, to will, referring to Co2 8:11. accepted--Greek "favorably accepted." according to that a man hath--The oldest manuscripts omit "a man." Translate, "According to whatsoever it have"; the willing mind, or "readiness" to will, is personified [ALFORD]. Or better, as BENGEL, "He is accepted according to whatsoever he have"; so Co2 9:7, The Lord loveth a cheerful giver." Compare as to David, Kg1 8:18. God accepts the will for the deed. He judges not according to what a man has the opportunity to do, but according to what he would do if he had the opportunity (compare Mar 14:8; and the widow's mite, Luk 21:3-4).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For if there be first a willing mind,.... If what is done springs from a truly noble, generous spirit, a spirit of bountifulness and liberality; and is given cheerfully and freely, and according to a man's ability; the quantity matters not, whether it be more or less: it is accepted; both of God and man: according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. The widow's mite was as acceptable, and more so, than all the rich men cast into the treasury; a cup of cold water given to a prophet, in the name of a prophet, is taken notice of by God, and shall have its reward. The present sent by the Philippians to the Apostle Paul, and which perhaps was not very large, was "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God", Phi 4:18.