2 Corinthians 8:5
Verse
Context
Sermons
Manley Beasley
J. Glyn Owen
Anton Bosch
David Ravenhill
A.W. Tozer
A.B. SimpsonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Not as we hoped - They far exceeded our expectations, for they consecrated themselves entirely to the work of God; giving themselves and all they possessed first unto the Lord; and then, as they saw that it was the will of God that they should come especially forward in this charitable work, they gave themselves to us, to assist to the uttermost in providing relief for the suffering Christians in Judea.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And this they did, not as we hoped--Translate, "And not as we hoped (that is, far beyond our hopes), but their own selves gave they first to the Lord." "First," not indicating priority of time, but first of all, above all in importance. The giving of themselves takes precedency of their other gifts, as being the motive which led them to the latter (Rom 15:16). by the will of God--not "according to the will of God," but "moved by the will of God, who made them willing" (Phi 2:13). It is therefore called (Co2 8:1), "the grace of God."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And this they did not as we hoped,.... All this was unexpected by the apostles, who knew their great affliction and deep poverty, and therefore could not have hoped for such a collection from them; or that they would have desired the apostle to have ministered it for them: but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God; the sense of which is not barely, or only, that they committed themselves to the care of Providence in all their afflictions and poverty, trusting in God that he would provide for them for time to come, and therefore even in their strait circumstances gave liberally; and were so much under the direction of the apostles, God so disposing their minds, that they were willing to do or give anything that they should say was proper; yea, were very willing that some of their number should leave their habitations and families to accompany them, in forwarding this good work elsewhere: but the apostle seems to have respect to what these persons did at first conversion, when they gave themselves to Christ, to be saved by him, and him alone; and to serve him to the uttermost, in everything, he should signify to be his will; and when they joined themselves to the churches of Christ, and put themselves under the care, government, and direction of the apostles, who were over the churches in the Lord: and therefore though what the members of these churches collected, was very wonderful and beyond expectation; yet when it is considered that these persons had long ago given their whole selves, their all to Christ, had committed all into his hands, and devoted themselves entirely to his service; and had declared their subjection to his ministers as servants under him, and to his word and ordinances as ministered by them; it need not be so much wondered at, that they should be so liberal in giving away their worldly substance for the relief of Christ's poor members, when they had given their precious souls, their immortal all, and had committed the salvation of them entirely to him. Giving themselves to Christ, in this sense, supposes that they had a true sight and apprehension of their state and condition by nature, how sinful they were, and lost and undone in themselves; that they were destitute of a righteousness, and unable to obtain one by the works of the law; that they were in hopeless and helpless circumstances, as considered in themselves; that they were diseased from head to foot, and could not cure themselves; that they were dead in law, and liable to the curse and condemnation of it; for till men see themselves in such a case they will never give themselves to Christ, or betake themselves to him to be saved by him. Moreover, this supposes some knowledge of him as God's ordinance for salvation, as the Saviour of the Father's appointing and sending; of him, as having effected it by his obedience and death; of his being the only Saviour, a suitable one, both able and willing to save to the uttermost, even the chief of sinners that come to God by him. It is expressive of faith in Christ; of seeing the Son and the fulness of grace and salvation in him, and of going to him for it; of staying, resting, leaning, and relying upon him, venturing on him, committing all into his hands, and trusting him with all and for all. It denotes subjection to him, as their husband, to whom they give themselves as his spouse and bride, and consent to be the Lord's in a conjugal relation; and submission to him in all his offices, as a prophet to be taught and instructed by him, as a priest to be washed in his blood, and justified by his righteousness, to which they heartily submit, and as their Lord and King to the sceptre of his kingdom, the laws of his house, and ordinances of his Gospel; for they are made a willing people, not only to be saved by him, but to serve him in body and soul, and with all they have; as it is but right they should, since he has given himself, his all, for them. Giving themselves up to the apostles, signifies not a surrender of themselves to them as lords over God's heritage, to be governed and ruled over in a tyrannical and arbitrary way; but a submitting of themselves to them, as Christ's servants set over them in the Lord, whilst they minister the word and administer the ordinances, according to the will of Christ; owning them as their fathers, or instructors, and guides, and as watchmen and overseers placed in and over the churches, for their spiritual welfare: all which is, by the will of God: as that poor sensible sinners should give up themselves to Christ, to be saved by him, and serve him; and that they should join themselves to the churches, and be subject to the care, teachings, and government of his servants in his house.
2 Corinthians 8:5
Generosity Commended
4they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.5And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because it was the will of God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Greatest Promise
By Manley Beasley2.2K1:02:39PromiseMAT 6:33JHN 14:15ROM 10:172CO 8:5HEB 11:6JAS 1:221JN 5:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of money in our lives. He acknowledges that while there is more to life than just money, it still holds importance as we spend a significant amount of time working to earn it. The preacher encourages saving, but also emphasizes the need to trust in God and be willing to give back to Him when called upon. He shares a personal testimony of his own struggles with education and reading, highlighting the power of God's grace in his life. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of not just knowing the truth intellectually, but also believing and experiencing it in our lives. The preacher uses the example of obeying and minding one's mother as a parallel to obeying and minding the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes by highlighting the transformation of a poor church in Macedonia into a rich one, not just financially, but also spiritually.
First Step in Considering Missionary Service
By Tom Wilson1.4K1:02:05Missionary ServicePSA 119:11PRO 4:23PRO 16:9MAT 6:33ACT 9:52CO 8:5JAS 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that God is the one who leads and directs our plans. He discusses the call of God and how it may not always be a dramatic, audible experience, but rather a guiding and leading from the Lord. The speaker also highlights the significance of personal inventory evaluation and practical advice for potential missionaries. The sermon concludes with the mention of a book on global strategy and the importance of learning languages for effective missionary work.
Jesus Christ Is Lord
By J. Glyn Owen55129:09Jesus ChristMAL 3:8MAT 6:33JHN 12:24ROM 6:13ROM 12:12CO 8:5PHP 2:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord. He explains that simply going through the motions of religious acts is not enough; our hearts must be fully engaged in our service to God. The preacher also highlights the need to offer our entire selves to God, including our bodies, as a living sacrifice. He references Romans 6:13 and Romans 12:1 to support his points. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to surrender their lives completely to God and serve Him wholeheartedly.
Gifts, Bribes and Guilt-Offerings
By Anton Bosch33225:52Christian LifeISA 6:8MAT 2:1MAT 6:33JHN 3:162CO 8:22CO 8:5EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of giving and emphasizes the importance of giving oneself to the Lord. He praises the Macedonians for their abundant giving, stating that they gave beyond their ability because they first gave themselves to the Lord. The speaker cautions against the idea that giving money is enough, highlighting that God desires our wholehearted devotion and obedience. He also encourages a shift in focus during the holiday season, urging listeners to prioritize peace and being at peace with God and others, rather than getting caught up in the busyness and consumerism of the season.
Reason for Leaving Gig Harbor
By David Ravenhill3455:23Christian LifeTransition and ChangeDivine Guidance1CH 29:11CH 29:91CH 29:14PSA 37:5PRO 3:5ECC 3:1ISA 43:19MAT 6:212CO 8:5PHP 4:19David Ravenhill shares his personal journey of faith and the divine guidance he has received throughout his life, culminating in his decision to leave his pastoral role in Gig Harbor for a traveling ministry. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's timing and preparation in our lives, drawing parallels to biblical figures who also experienced transitions. Ravenhill encourages the congregation to trust in God's plan and to remain open to the new season ahead, reminding them that God is in control and will lead them as He has led him. He calls for a fresh commitment to God and a willingness to give generously as they navigate this change together.
How Much I Could Have Done
By A.W. Tozer0Self-SacrificeAccountability in ServiceMAT 25:142CO 8:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes that before the judgment seat of Christ, our service will be evaluated not by the quantity of our actions but by the potential we had to serve and give. He argues that true giving is measured by the sacrifice of self and the love behind the gift, rather than its size. Tozer highlights the collective responsibility within the church, noting that the effectiveness of ministry often relies on the willingness of all members to contribute. He warns that many may be unwilling to serve, leading to a disparity in effort and accountability before God. The sermon concludes with a prayer for complete self-giving in service to God and others.
First Gave Their Own Selves to the Lord
By A.B. Simpson0Christian ServiceLoyalty to GodMAT 5:16ROM 12:102CO 8:5GAL 6:2EPH 4:3PHP 2:2COL 3:231TH 5:11HEB 10:241PE 4:10A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of loyalty to both God and the work of ministry for successful Christian service. He notes that a deep relationship with the Lord fosters better relationships with others, contrasting mature Christians with superficial ones who may struggle with eccentricity. Simpson highlights the example of the Corinthians, who first dedicated themselves to the Lord, making it easier for them to support His apostle. He encourages believers to cultivate a spirit of soundness and a heart for service, reminding them of the joy and rewards that come from helping others through prayer, love, and song.
The Right Beginning
By A.W. Pink0Spiritual FoundationsCommitment to GodGEN 1:1PSA 16:5LUK 2:49ROM 12:12CO 8:52PE 1:201JN 4:19A.W. Pink emphasizes the critical importance of a right beginning in both spiritual and practical matters, asserting that a faulty foundation leads to insecurity in faith and life. He argues that true spirituality begins with acknowledging God as the source of all things, as stated in Genesis 1:1, and that salvation is entirely God's work, not dependent on human effort. Pink warns against the dangers of erroneous teachings and the neglect of Scriptural discipline within the church, which can lead to spiritual failure. He encourages believers to renew their commitment to God at the start of a new year, making 'In the beginning God' their guiding principle in all endeavors. Ultimately, Pink calls for a heartfelt surrender to God, recognizing His sovereignty in every aspect of life.
Our Surrender to Jesus
By Andrew Murray0Faithfulness to GodSurrender1KI 20:4MAT 16:24LUK 9:23JHN 15:5ROM 12:12CO 8:5GAL 2:20PHP 4:6HEB 10:231PE 5:7Andrew Murray emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself to Jesus, drawing from 2 Corinthians 8:5, which highlights the need for continual renewal of this commitment. He encourages young Christians to affirm their surrender daily, understanding that true surrender does not equate to immediate perfection but rather a deepening relationship with Christ. Murray stresses that complete dedication involves offering every aspect of life to God, ensuring nothing is held back. He reassures believers that their surrender is pleasing to God and that He will take care of those who give themselves fully to Him. Ultimately, the act of surrender is a joyful and childlike response to God's love and guidance.
Gifts, Bribes and Guilt Offerings
By Anton Bosch0JHN 3:16ROM 12:12CO 8:5TIT 2:131JN 3:16Anton Bosch addresses the commercialization and materialism that have overshadowed the true meaning of Christmas, emphasizing the need to refocus on God's greatest gift - His Son, Jesus. He highlights how the act of giving gifts has been distorted by greed and the pressure to outdo others, leading to a lack of genuine love and devotion in relationships. Bosch stresses the importance of giving ourselves first to the Lord before giving to others, pointing out that true giving stems from love rather than guilt or obligation.
An Anonymous Benefactor
By Denis Lyle0EXO 23:19LEV 23:20NUM 18:82KI 4:42PSA 37:23MRK 12:44LUK 19:10ACT 20:351CO 16:22CO 8:52CO 9:6PHP 2:13PHP 4:19Denis Lyle preaches about the story of an anonymous benefactor who generously provided for Dr. Barnardo's village for orphan girls and how God's provision often comes at the right time and from unexpected sources, just like in the case of Elisha and the trainee prophets at Gilgal during a famine. The sermon emphasizes the importance of sacrificial giving, following biblical principles like giving the firstfruits and giving generously even in times of scarcity, as demonstrated by the actions of the anonymous benefactor and Elisha. It challenges believers to trust in God's provision, be generous, and have faith that God can meet needs abundantly.
First Things First
By A.W. Pink0Prioritizing GodSpiritual Commitment2CH 20:12PSA 5:3PRO 4:23PRO 16:2ISA 26:8ISA 44:6MAT 6:33MAT 23:262CO 8:51TI 5:4A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing God in our lives as we enter a new year, urging believers to focus on eternal matters rather than dissipating their energies on secondary pursuits. He highlights the importance of seeking God's presence first each day, surrendering our wills to Him, and maintaining purity of heart. Pink reminds us that true service to God begins at home, where our actions should reflect our faith. By putting first things first, we align ourselves with God's will and ensure that our lives bear fruit for His glory. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt commitment to God, recognizing Him as the source of all strength and wisdom.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Not as we hoped - They far exceeded our expectations, for they consecrated themselves entirely to the work of God; giving themselves and all they possessed first unto the Lord; and then, as they saw that it was the will of God that they should come especially forward in this charitable work, they gave themselves to us, to assist to the uttermost in providing relief for the suffering Christians in Judea.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And this they did, not as we hoped--Translate, "And not as we hoped (that is, far beyond our hopes), but their own selves gave they first to the Lord." "First," not indicating priority of time, but first of all, above all in importance. The giving of themselves takes precedency of their other gifts, as being the motive which led them to the latter (Rom 15:16). by the will of God--not "according to the will of God," but "moved by the will of God, who made them willing" (Phi 2:13). It is therefore called (Co2 8:1), "the grace of God."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And this they did not as we hoped,.... All this was unexpected by the apostles, who knew their great affliction and deep poverty, and therefore could not have hoped for such a collection from them; or that they would have desired the apostle to have ministered it for them: but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God; the sense of which is not barely, or only, that they committed themselves to the care of Providence in all their afflictions and poverty, trusting in God that he would provide for them for time to come, and therefore even in their strait circumstances gave liberally; and were so much under the direction of the apostles, God so disposing their minds, that they were willing to do or give anything that they should say was proper; yea, were very willing that some of their number should leave their habitations and families to accompany them, in forwarding this good work elsewhere: but the apostle seems to have respect to what these persons did at first conversion, when they gave themselves to Christ, to be saved by him, and him alone; and to serve him to the uttermost, in everything, he should signify to be his will; and when they joined themselves to the churches of Christ, and put themselves under the care, government, and direction of the apostles, who were over the churches in the Lord: and therefore though what the members of these churches collected, was very wonderful and beyond expectation; yet when it is considered that these persons had long ago given their whole selves, their all to Christ, had committed all into his hands, and devoted themselves entirely to his service; and had declared their subjection to his ministers as servants under him, and to his word and ordinances as ministered by them; it need not be so much wondered at, that they should be so liberal in giving away their worldly substance for the relief of Christ's poor members, when they had given their precious souls, their immortal all, and had committed the salvation of them entirely to him. Giving themselves to Christ, in this sense, supposes that they had a true sight and apprehension of their state and condition by nature, how sinful they were, and lost and undone in themselves; that they were destitute of a righteousness, and unable to obtain one by the works of the law; that they were in hopeless and helpless circumstances, as considered in themselves; that they were diseased from head to foot, and could not cure themselves; that they were dead in law, and liable to the curse and condemnation of it; for till men see themselves in such a case they will never give themselves to Christ, or betake themselves to him to be saved by him. Moreover, this supposes some knowledge of him as God's ordinance for salvation, as the Saviour of the Father's appointing and sending; of him, as having effected it by his obedience and death; of his being the only Saviour, a suitable one, both able and willing to save to the uttermost, even the chief of sinners that come to God by him. It is expressive of faith in Christ; of seeing the Son and the fulness of grace and salvation in him, and of going to him for it; of staying, resting, leaning, and relying upon him, venturing on him, committing all into his hands, and trusting him with all and for all. It denotes subjection to him, as their husband, to whom they give themselves as his spouse and bride, and consent to be the Lord's in a conjugal relation; and submission to him in all his offices, as a prophet to be taught and instructed by him, as a priest to be washed in his blood, and justified by his righteousness, to which they heartily submit, and as their Lord and King to the sceptre of his kingdom, the laws of his house, and ordinances of his Gospel; for they are made a willing people, not only to be saved by him, but to serve him in body and soul, and with all they have; as it is but right they should, since he has given himself, his all, for them. Giving themselves up to the apostles, signifies not a surrender of themselves to them as lords over God's heritage, to be governed and ruled over in a tyrannical and arbitrary way; but a submitting of themselves to them, as Christ's servants set over them in the Lord, whilst they minister the word and administer the ordinances, according to the will of Christ; owning them as their fathers, or instructors, and guides, and as watchmen and overseers placed in and over the churches, for their spiritual welfare: all which is, by the will of God: as that poor sensible sinners should give up themselves to Christ, to be saved by him, and serve him; and that they should join themselves to the churches, and be subject to the care, teachings, and government of his servants in his house.