2 Corinthians 8:9
Verse
Context
Generosity Commended
8I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others.9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.10And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give, but even to have such a desire.
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ - This was the strongest argument of all; and it is urged home by the apostle with admirable address. Ye know - Ye are acquainted with God's ineffable love in sending Jesus Christ into the world; and ye know the grace - the infinite benevolence of Christ himself. That, though he was rich - The possessor, as he was the creator, of the heavens and the earth; for your sakes he became poor - he emptied himself, and made himself of no reputation, and took upon himself the form of a servant, and humbled himself unto death, even the death of the cross; that ye, through his poverty - through his humiliation and death, might be rich - might regain your forfeited inheritance, and be enriched with every grace of his Holy Spirit, and brought at last to his eternal glory. If Jesus Christ, as some contend, were only a mere man, in what sense could he be said to be rich? His family was poor in Bethlehem; his parents were very poor also; he himself never possessed any property among men from the stable to the cross; nor had he any thing to bequeath at his death but his peace. And in what way could the poverty of one man make a multitude rich? These are questions which, on the Socinian scheme, can never be satisfactorily answered.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
ye know the grace--the act of gratuitous love whereby the Lord emptied Himself of His previous heavenly glory (Phi 2:6-7) for your sakes. became poor--Yet this is not demanded of you (Co2 8:14); but merely that, without impoverishing yourselves, you should relieve others with your abundance. If the Lord did so much more, and at so much heavier a cost, for your sakes; much more may you do an act of love to your brethren at so little a sacrifice of self. might be rich--in the heavenly glory which constitutes His riches, and all other things, so far as is really good for us (compare Co1 3:21-22).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus,.... This is a new argument, and a very forcible one to engage to liberality, taken from the wonderful grace and love of Christ, displayed in his state of humiliation towards his people; which is well known to all them that have truly believed in Christ; of this they are not and cannot be ignorant, his love, good will, and favour are so manifest; there are such glaring proofs of it in his incarnation, sufferings, and death, that leave no room for any to doubt of it: that though he was rich; in the perfections of his divine nature, having the fulness of the Godhead in him, all that the Father has, and so equal to him; such as eternity, immutability, infinity and immensity, omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence, &c. in the works of his hands, which reach to everything that is made, the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all that in them are, things visible and invisible; in his universal empire and dominion over all creature; and in those large revenues of glory, which are due to him from them all; which riches of his are underived from another, incommunicable to another, and cannot be lost: yet for your sakes he became poor; by assuming human nature, with all its weaknesses and imperfections excepting sin; he appeared in it not as a lord, but in the form of a servant; he endured in it a great deal of reproach and shame, and at last death itself; not that by becoming man he ceased to be God, or lost his divine perfections, thought these were much hid and covered from the view of man; and in his human nature he became the reverse of what he is in his divine nature, namely, finite and circumscriptible, weak and infirm, ignorant of some things, and mortal; in which nature also he was exposed to much meanness and outward poverty; he was born of poor parents, had no liberal education, was brought up to a trade, had not where to lay his head, was ministered to by others of their substance, and had nothing to bequeath his mother at his death, but commits her to the care of one of his disciples; all which fulfilled the prophecies of him, that he should be and "poor" and "low", Psa 41:1. The persons for whom he became so, were not the angels, but elect men; who were sinners and ungodly persons, and were thereby become bankrupts and beggars: the end for which he became poor for them was, that they through his poverty might be rich; not in temporals, but in spirituals; and by his obedience, sufferings, and death in his low estate, he has paid all their debts, wrought out a robe of righteousness, rich and adorned with jewels, with which he clothes them, and through his blood and sacrifice has made them kings and priests unto God. They are enriched by him with the graces of his Spirit; with the truths of the Gospel, comparable to gold, silver, and precious stones; with himself and all that he has; with the riches of grace here, and of glory hereafter. These are communicable from him, though unsearchable, and are solid and substantial, satisfying, lasting, and for ever. Now if this grace of Christ will not engage to liberality with cheerfulness, nothing will.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:9 The model for generous giving is the Lord himself, who was rich in the Father’s presence (John 17:5, 24) yet became poor by accepting a human existence and death on the cross (see Phil 2:6-11). By that self-giving sacrifice, he could make people rich with the blessings of salvation.
2 Corinthians 8:9
Generosity Commended
8I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others.9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.10And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give, but even to have such a desire.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Be Diligent to Get Alone With God
By Hans R. Waldvogel5.7K24:01Alone With God2CO 8:9EPH 3:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incredible love and goodness of God towards His people. He encourages the audience to believe in and trust God wholeheartedly, as His wisdom and knowledge surpass any worldly education. The preacher highlights the message of the New Testament, which reveals that Jesus, who was rich, became poor for the sake of humanity, so that through His poverty, believers might become rich. The sermon emphasizes the importance of being rooted and grounded in love, which requires letting go of judgment, snobbery, and personal opinions. The preacher also emphasizes the need for sincere and perfect hearts towards God, and the transformative power of prayer and seeking God's will.
Complete Salvation and How to Recieve It - Part 2
By Derek Prince4.0K28:15PSA 69:20ISA 53:6ROM 15:72CO 5:212CO 8:9GAL 3:13This sermon by Derek Prince delves into the all-encompassing benefits of salvation through Jesus Christ, highlighting various aspects of the exchange that took place on the cross. It explores how Jesus bore our sins, sicknesses, and pains, offering forgiveness, healing, and righteousness. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus endured the curse, poverty, shame, and rejection so that believers could receive blessings, abundance, glory, and acceptance. It concludes by affirming that salvation covers all emotional needs and is a perfect and complete work.
The Gospel, Possessions and Prosperity - Session 4
By David Platt3.5K1:32:09Possessions2CO 8:91TI 6:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to see the world differently and be moved with compassion. They highlight the reality of judgment and the importance of realizing the eternal stakes at hand. The speaker encourages listeners to pray and submit to Christ, recognizing that only He can produce the fruit of Scripture and obedience in their lives. They also emphasize the importance of prioritizing the church and evangelizing the lost, while being wise and discerning in their efforts to help those in need. The sermon concludes with exhortations to not compare oneself to others, commit to the church, and work diligently.
Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 7
By T. Austin-Sparks2.7K46:29AdversityISA 60:1MAT 6:33ROM 6:132CO 8:9EPH 3:8PHP 4:19COL 2:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of keeping the light of God's word available for all. He talks about the surprises and revelations that come when we have a hungry and ready heart to receive the truth. The preacher encourages believers not to be put off by physical, religious, or denominational barriers, but to be open to the abundance of God's word. He also highlights the role of the church in being vessels of light, transmitting knowledge and spiritual riches to the world. The sermon references Paul's prayer for the saints to have their hearts enlightened and emphasizes the impact of the church in spreading the light of God's word.
(Education for Exultation) Let All the Peoples Praise Him
By John Piper2.1K44:24PSA 67:3PSA 117:1MAT 6:33ROM 15:72CO 8:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting one another within the church community. He urges the congregation to embrace a mindset of change and sacrifice for the sake of spreading the message of God's mercy to the nations. The speaker highlights the example of Christ, who became a servant to the Jewish people and ultimately died for the salvation of all. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging the church to prioritize the exultation of God among the nations and to be willing to give up personal comforts and desires for the sake of fulfilling God's eternal plans.
Attributes of God - Grace, Mercy, Longsuffering and Goodness
By William MacDonald1.7K37:04Attributes of GodEXO 34:6PSA 31:19PSA 52:1PSA 119:68NAM 1:3MAT 5:7LUK 6:36JHN 1:16ROM 3:4ROM 9:22ROM 12:8ROM 15:52CO 8:9EPH 2:81PE 5:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the smallness of the earth in the vast universe, highlighting the insignificance of humanity in comparison. However, despite our sinful state, God showed incredible grace by sending his son Jesus to be born in Bethlehem and suffer on the cross for our salvation. The speaker lists numerous ways in which God has blessed and transformed believers, including indwelling them with the Holy Spirit and adopting them as his children. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of showing mercy, citing biblical verses that encourage believers to be merciful as God is merciful.
(2 Corinthians) ch.7:6-8:9
By Zac Poonen1.7K44:241CO 16:22CO 8:12CO 8:9PHP 2:9In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of giving in the church and the right attitude behind it. He emphasizes that giving should not be done out of compulsion, but rather out of a desire to serve and bless others. The speaker highlights the example of the churches in Macedonia who gave beyond their ability and willingly participated in supporting believers in need. He also emphasizes that before giving financially, one must first give their heart and life to God, as God desires a person's whole being, not just their money. The sermon concludes by stating that giving is a manifestation of God's grace and a way to share what we have with others.
(John) His Own Nation Received Him Not
By Willie Mullan1.6K1:00:01RejectionMAT 5:16JHN 12:37JHN 13:34JHN 14:2JHN 15:26JHN 17:202CO 8:9In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the capacity of the nation and the immutability of the world. He emphasizes the activity of the Lord and the deity of the tongue. The preacher also discusses the mentality of the rulers and the simplicity of the gospel. He encourages the audience to examine the miracles performed by Jesus in the twelve chapters of the Bible and highlights the lack of belief despite witnessing these wonders. The sermon concludes by mentioning that Jesus turns his attention to his own followers and begins teaching them important truths.
The Baptism (Part 2)
By Ron Bailey1.5K1:02:57BaptismPSA 22:1ZEC 13:72CO 8:9HEB 5:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of a pivotal moment in history when Jesus came into the world. This moment, symbolized by Jesus' crucifixion, brought about a profound change that impacted everything. The preacher describes the intense focus and concentration of Jesus as he endured immense pain and suffering. Throughout his journey, Jesus experienced the loss of his disciples, friends, and even his own mother, symbolizing the stripping away of everything. The sermon concludes with the anticipation of a new beginning and the coronation of a new creation on Venus.
Yosemite Bible Conference 1996-04 More Like Christ
By William MacDonald1.3K40:31Christ LikenessMAT 6:33LUK 15:4JHN 4:4ACT 4:312CO 8:91TI 6:6REV 19:6In this sermon, the speaker expresses his dislike for Christmas and wishes that people would wake up to the perceived wastefulness of the holiday. He then shares about prayer meetings where young people were inspired to serve the Lord throughout the world. The speaker emphasizes the importance of contentment and how the Lord Jesus exemplified this trait. He also highlights the Lord's passion for souls, demonstrated through his interactions with the woman at the well and the parable of the lost sheep. The speaker encourages believers to have a similar zeal for the will of God and shares examples of individuals like George Verwer and John Wesley who were zealous in their pursuit of God's work. The sermon concludes with a call for believers to strive for increasing conformity to the Lord Jesus Christ and to reflect his virtues and glories in their lives.
(The Sermon on the Mount and Prayer - Session 1) - Part 10
By Gerhard Du Toit1.2K04:50PrayerNUM 21:81CH 4:10MAT 5:3LUK 15:21JHN 3:161CO 7:322CO 8:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the humanity of Jesus as portrayed by Luke, who was a doctor. The speaker highlights the compassion, sensitivity, and reality of Jesus' character. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of finding and following God's will for one's life, stating that it is more costly to miss it than to pursue it. The speaker also emphasizes the significance of knowing and experiencing the blessings of God, using the story of the prodigal son to illustrate how God blesses and restores those who repent and turn to Him. The sermon concludes by discussing the relationship between Christian character and conduct, emphasizing that when one's character is transformed by Christ, it will naturally lead to conduct that aligns with God's principles.
The Abundance of God's Grace
By Gisela Yohannan1.1K50:58God's GraceEXO 34:6ROM 3:242CO 8:9EPH 2:82TI 1:9TIT 2:111PE 4:10In this sermon, the pastor shares a story about a missionary who persecuted Christians, including a pastor. However, when the missionary broke his leg and needed a blood transfusion, the pastor showed him grace by collecting money for his operation and donating blood. This act of grace led the missionary to understand and receive Christ. The pastor emphasizes that God chooses to give to us and that even our ability to bear fruit and give comes through grace. The pastor also highlights the importance of living sacrificially and honoring Jesus in our lives, as many Christians today live too closely to the world, diminishing the honor of Christ.
Lukewarm No More - Part 17
By George Verwer1.0K09:26LukewarmMAT 6:192CO 8:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of commitment and sacrifice in the service of God. He highlights the role of factories and the women working in them during World War II, stating that their dedication and overtime helped stop Hitler from taking over the world. The speaker then connects this historical example to the biblical concept of believers being soldiers of Jesus Christ and wearing the armor of God. He challenges the audience to set goals for prayer, evangelism, global vision, steps of faith, and giving in the year 1995. Specifically, he encourages young people to consider dedicating two years to overseas service, either with his organization or another recommended by their church missions group. The speaker also discusses the relevance of the paraphrase version of the Bible called "The Message" and how it has helped him understand the clear teachings of the Word of God, particularly regarding money and giving. He concludes by emphasizing the significance of giving to the kingdom of God and warns against becoming proud or putting others down in the process.
Into the All Sufficiency of Christ #4 - Ministry
By Ed Miller92255:48GEN 1:1JER 23:18MAT 6:332CO 8:92CO 9:62CO 9:15In this sermon, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the principle that ministry must flow out of poverty. He uses the example of the Macedonians, who gave generously despite their own poverty. The main point is not about money or stewardship, but about illustrating the principle of giving and overflow. The sermon also highlights the ultimate example of giving in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who became poor so that we might become rich. The passage in 2 Corinthians 8-9 emphasizes that in real ministry, only God and Jesus are the true givers.
Jesus Christ Is God
By William MacDonald89739:59Jesus ChristPSA 147:4MAT 6:19MAT 22:37LUK 6:27LUK 9:23JHN 2:172CO 8:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incredible truth of the gospel. He describes Jesus as the judge who dies for criminals and the advocate who pays the fine for his clients. The preacher highlights the significance of what happened at Calvary, stating that it is the most awe-inspiring event in the history of the universe. He compares the physical immensities of outer space and the human cell to the spiritual reality of Jesus' sacrifice. The sermon concludes with a tribute to Jesus, highlighting the uniqueness and power of his life, and emphasizing the depth of his suffering and redemption on the cross.
His Poverty, Our Riches
By David Guzik89230:51GEN 3:15ISA 9:6MAT 1:18LUK 2:1JHN 1:12CO 8:9PHP 4:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the richness of Jesus in various aspects. Firstly, Jesus was rich in possessions and honor in heaven, where he received constant praise and glory from the angelic hosts. Secondly, Jesus was rich in power, as he had the ability to create everything from nothing with just a thought. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus' actions were motivated by grace, which is defined as the free given goodness and favor of God. Unlike the giving we often do during Christmas, which may be driven by obligation or expectation, Jesus gave freely out of love. Lastly, the speaker highlights the pre-existing relationship of love and fellowship between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit before the creation of the world.
Be Dilligent to Get Alone With God - Hans Waldvogel
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons87224:40RadioPRO 8:17ECC 12:1MAT 6:332CO 8:9EPH 3:17PHP 3:8COL 2:3In this sermon, Hans Wadwogel emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord and spending time alone with God. He shares a personal anecdote about trying to find a place to pray and ends up taking care of chickens, which ultimately die. Wadwogel highlights the need for a heart transformation and the dangers of having callous and distracted hearts. He encourages listeners to prioritize their inner man and seek God's strength through prayer and faith. The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging believers to actively pursue God's will and live a life of love.
The Beauties of Christ 03 His Hands and Body
By John W. Bramhall41244:52PSA 22:12CO 8:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that every doctrine and teaching should lead believers to Jesus Christ. The focus is on the hands of Jesus, described as being like gold rings set with precious stones. This symbolizes the uniqueness and distinction of Jesus' hands compared to others. The sermon also highlights the concept of freedom and sonship in Christ, drawing parallels to the prodigal son's return and the father's gift of a golden ring. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the unbreakable bond between Jesus and believers, represented by the image of a jewel embedded in a ring held firmly in the hand.
Sunday Night Meditations 16 Message and Song - 1950's
By Welcome Detweiler39630:30ISA 9:6MAT 1:24MAT 6:33LUK 2:12CO 8:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the timeless charm and significance of the story of the birth of Christ. The simplicity and miracle of the virgin birth captivate people of all ages and backgrounds. The preacher highlights the strong message of poverty in the Christmas story, referencing 2 Corinthians 8:9. The sermon also emphasizes the inseparable link between the gospel message and the Christmas message, reminding listeners of the love and grace of God in sending His Son to redeem humanity. The preacher concludes by referencing the biblical accounts of the shepherds receiving the good tidings of great joy, emphasizing the universal impact of Christ's birth.
God's Power and Promises of Supernatural Wealth
By Mike Bickle251:08:27Faithfulness in FinancesSupernatural WealthDEU 8:18PSA 67:1PRO 11:25HAG 2:8MAL 3:10MAT 6:19LUK 6:382CO 8:9PHP 4:191TI 6:17Mike Bickle emphasizes God's power and promises regarding supernatural wealth, urging believers to understand that financial blessings are not merely for personal gain but to advance God's covenant and spread the Gospel. He highlights the spiritual warfare involved in financial blessings, encouraging perseverance and faithfulness in the face of challenges. Bickle shares personal testimonies of miraculous provision, illustrating that God desires to bless His people abundantly for the purpose of establishing His kingdom on earth. He calls for a paradigm shift in how we view money, seeing it as a tool for saving souls rather than for personal luxury. Ultimately, Bickle encourages the congregation to set their hearts to honor God in all financial matters, trusting in His rich provision.
The Beauty of Jesus and the Thunder of God's Love (Job 26:5-14)
By Mike Bickle2457:25The Riches of GraceThe Beauty of JesusISA 6:12CO 8:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the profound beauty and wealth of Jesus, exploring the depths of His grace and the transformative power of His love. He highlights how Jesus, though rich, became poor for our sake, allowing us to inherit His riches eternally. Bickle draws from Job 26 to illustrate God's transcendence and the awe-inspiring nature of His power, culminating in the thunder of His might that surpasses all understanding. The sermon calls believers to recognize their identity in Christ and respond with gratitude and wholeheartedness, affirming that Jesus is worthy of our love and devotion.
The Transcendent Beauty of God
By Mike Bickle1845:15Transcendent Beauty of GodThe Riches of ChristISA 6:12CO 8:9Mike Bickle emphasizes the transcendent beauty of God, illustrating how the Spirit moves wherever the Word of God is spoken. He explains that Jesus, who was rich, became poor for our sake, allowing us to become rich through His grace. Bickle highlights the importance of speaking God's Word in faith, regardless of our feelings, and encourages believers to recognize the immense worth and beauty of Jesus, which should inspire worship and a deeper relationship with Him. He concludes by inviting the congregation to reflect on the richness of Jesus and the profound mystery of His incarnation and sacrifice.
Rev. 3:18. the Heavenly Merchant and His Goods
By Horatius Bonar1Christ's CompassionSpiritual RichesGEN 3:21ISA 55:1MAT 5:3LUK 12:15JHN 14:13JHN 16:232CO 8:9EPH 1:3JAS 1:5REV 3:18Horatius Bonar emphasizes Christ's profound love and compassion for sinners, particularly addressing the Laodicean church's self-sufficiency and ignorance of their spiritual poverty. He presents Christ as the heavenly merchant offering invaluable goods—gold, clothing, and eye-salve—symbolizing spiritual wealth, righteousness, and enlightenment, all available without cost. Bonar highlights the urgency of accepting Christ's counsel to 'buy' these treasures, which are essential for true richness and fulfillment. The sermon underscores the contrast between the divine merchant's desire to enrich the needy and the reluctance of the buyers to accept His offers. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a recognition of our need for Christ's gifts and the importance of inviting Him into our lives.
Homeless
By Ingimar De Ridder1MAT 7:24LUK 9:58JHN 1:112CO 8:9HEB 13:2Ingimar De Ridder preaches about the homelessness of Jesus, emphasizing how He identified with the lost and rejected by being born in a stable, seeking shelter as a refugee, and sleeping under the canopy of heaven. Through Christ's homelessness, we learn the importance of hospitality, love, and recognizing that this world is not our permanent home but a pilgrimage towards eternity. The sermon highlights the significance of dedicating our homes to God, welcoming Jesus in, and building a solid foundation of faith to avoid being spiritually homeless.
Christian Stewardship
By Paris Reidhead0FaithfulnessStewardshipMAT 6:3MAT 25:21ROM 5:51CO 1:91CO 15:582CO 8:9HEB 11:6Paris Reidhead emphasizes the concept of Christian stewardship, urging believers to be steadfast and unmovable in their work for the Lord, as their labor is not in vain. He explains that stewardship encompasses life, time, and resources, and that the church is called into fellowship with Christ to engage in His work. Reidhead highlights the importance of systematic and generous giving, encouraging believers to support the needs of others as a reflection of their faithfulness to God. He concludes with a reminder that true service is done for the Lord and will be rewarded, urging the congregation to live in light of eternity and to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to them.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ - This was the strongest argument of all; and it is urged home by the apostle with admirable address. Ye know - Ye are acquainted with God's ineffable love in sending Jesus Christ into the world; and ye know the grace - the infinite benevolence of Christ himself. That, though he was rich - The possessor, as he was the creator, of the heavens and the earth; for your sakes he became poor - he emptied himself, and made himself of no reputation, and took upon himself the form of a servant, and humbled himself unto death, even the death of the cross; that ye, through his poverty - through his humiliation and death, might be rich - might regain your forfeited inheritance, and be enriched with every grace of his Holy Spirit, and brought at last to his eternal glory. If Jesus Christ, as some contend, were only a mere man, in what sense could he be said to be rich? His family was poor in Bethlehem; his parents were very poor also; he himself never possessed any property among men from the stable to the cross; nor had he any thing to bequeath at his death but his peace. And in what way could the poverty of one man make a multitude rich? These are questions which, on the Socinian scheme, can never be satisfactorily answered.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
ye know the grace--the act of gratuitous love whereby the Lord emptied Himself of His previous heavenly glory (Phi 2:6-7) for your sakes. became poor--Yet this is not demanded of you (Co2 8:14); but merely that, without impoverishing yourselves, you should relieve others with your abundance. If the Lord did so much more, and at so much heavier a cost, for your sakes; much more may you do an act of love to your brethren at so little a sacrifice of self. might be rich--in the heavenly glory which constitutes His riches, and all other things, so far as is really good for us (compare Co1 3:21-22).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus,.... This is a new argument, and a very forcible one to engage to liberality, taken from the wonderful grace and love of Christ, displayed in his state of humiliation towards his people; which is well known to all them that have truly believed in Christ; of this they are not and cannot be ignorant, his love, good will, and favour are so manifest; there are such glaring proofs of it in his incarnation, sufferings, and death, that leave no room for any to doubt of it: that though he was rich; in the perfections of his divine nature, having the fulness of the Godhead in him, all that the Father has, and so equal to him; such as eternity, immutability, infinity and immensity, omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence, &c. in the works of his hands, which reach to everything that is made, the heavens, the earth, the sea, and all that in them are, things visible and invisible; in his universal empire and dominion over all creature; and in those large revenues of glory, which are due to him from them all; which riches of his are underived from another, incommunicable to another, and cannot be lost: yet for your sakes he became poor; by assuming human nature, with all its weaknesses and imperfections excepting sin; he appeared in it not as a lord, but in the form of a servant; he endured in it a great deal of reproach and shame, and at last death itself; not that by becoming man he ceased to be God, or lost his divine perfections, thought these were much hid and covered from the view of man; and in his human nature he became the reverse of what he is in his divine nature, namely, finite and circumscriptible, weak and infirm, ignorant of some things, and mortal; in which nature also he was exposed to much meanness and outward poverty; he was born of poor parents, had no liberal education, was brought up to a trade, had not where to lay his head, was ministered to by others of their substance, and had nothing to bequeath his mother at his death, but commits her to the care of one of his disciples; all which fulfilled the prophecies of him, that he should be and "poor" and "low", Psa 41:1. The persons for whom he became so, were not the angels, but elect men; who were sinners and ungodly persons, and were thereby become bankrupts and beggars: the end for which he became poor for them was, that they through his poverty might be rich; not in temporals, but in spirituals; and by his obedience, sufferings, and death in his low estate, he has paid all their debts, wrought out a robe of righteousness, rich and adorned with jewels, with which he clothes them, and through his blood and sacrifice has made them kings and priests unto God. They are enriched by him with the graces of his Spirit; with the truths of the Gospel, comparable to gold, silver, and precious stones; with himself and all that he has; with the riches of grace here, and of glory hereafter. These are communicable from him, though unsearchable, and are solid and substantial, satisfying, lasting, and for ever. Now if this grace of Christ will not engage to liberality with cheerfulness, nothing will.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:9 The model for generous giving is the Lord himself, who was rich in the Father’s presence (John 17:5, 24) yet became poor by accepting a human existence and death on the cross (see Phil 2:6-11). By that self-giving sacrifice, he could make people rich with the blessings of salvation.