2 Corinthians 9:6
Verse
Context
God Loves a Cheerful Giver
5So 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.6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
Sermons
Keith Daniel
Chuck Smith
Ed Mohr
Richard SipleyChuck SmithChuck SmithChuck SmithSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He which soweth sparingly - This is a plain maxim: no man can expect to reap but in proportion as he has sowed. And here almsgiving is represented as a seed sown, which shall bring forth a crop. If the sowing be liberal, and the seed good, the crop shall be so too. Sowing is used among the Jews to express almsgiving: so they understand Isa 32:20 : Blessed are ye who sow beside all waters; i.e. who are ready to help every one that is in need. And Hos 10:12, they interpret: Sow to yourselves almsgiving, and ye shall reap in mercy - if you show mercy to the poor, God will show mercy to you.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I say--ELLICOTT and others supply the ellipsis thus: "But remember this." bountifully--literally, "with," or "in blessings." The word itself implies a beneficent spirit in the giver (compare Co2 9:7, end), and the plural implies the abundance and liberality of the gifts. "The reaping shall correspond to the proportions and spirit of the sowing" [BENGEL]. Compare Eze 34:26, "Showers of blessing."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But this I say,.... This the apostle would have the Corinthians take notice of, and well consider, it being what he could aver for truth, by observation and experience; that as in things natural, so in things of a moral and spiritual kind, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully, or with blessings, shall reap also bountifully; or with blessings; as a man sows, so shall he reap; the one is in proportion to the other. Sowing and reaping are here used in a metaphorical sense. The former signifies doing acts of beneficence and liberality. So it is used in the Old Testament, and in Jewish writings; see Ecc 9:6. The interpretation of the latter text, give me leave to produce out of the Talmud (e) as follows, and which will serve to illustrate this of the apostle's. "Says. R. Jochanan, in the name of R. Benaah, what is that which is written, "blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox, and the ass?" blessed are the Israelites, for when they are employed in the law, , "and in acts of beneficence", their evil concupiscence is delivered into their hand, and they are not delivered into the hand of their evil concupiscence: or, as it is elsewhere (f) said, such are worthy of the inheritance of two tribes, Joseph and Issachar; as it is said, "blessed are ye that sow beside all waters", , "and there is no sowing but alms"; or, by the word "sowing", nothing else is meant but doing of alms, as it is said, Hos 10:12 and there is no water but the law, or nothing else is meant by water but the law, as it is said, Isa 55:1. And as to these words, "that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass", it is a tradition of the house of Elias, for ever let a man place himself by the words of the law, as an ox to the yoke, and an ass to the burden.'' There is a good deal of likeness between sowing the seed in the earth, and doing of alms, or acts of beneficence. The seed that is sown is what is selected and reserved out of the stock expended or sold off, which if not done, there would be no provision for futurity; so that which a man gives for the relief of the necessitous, is what he lays by him in store of what God has prospered him with; in doing which he may hope for a fruitful harvest, whereas otherwise he could expect none: as seed is cast from, and scattered about by the sower all over the field; so what is given to the poor, it is parted with unto them, and spread among them, everyone has a portion; and it looks like a diminution of a man's substance, and as if it would never return with any advantage; though it does, as in a natural, so in a metaphorical sense. The sower casts and scatters his seed with an open hand; was he to gripe it in his fist, or only let go a grain of corn or wheat here and there, he would have but a poor harvest; so the cheerful giver opens his hand wide, and bountifully supplies the wants of the needy; who, as the sower casts his seed on the empty field, so he bestows his bounty on indigent persons, on all men in want, especially the household of faith: and, as when he has done, he harrows the ground, and covers the seed under the earth, where it lies hid, and is very unpromising for a while, and yet be exercises faith, hope, and patience, with respect to an harvest; so the generous benefactor does what he does in as private a manner as may be; and though for a time his good deeds may seem to be attended with little prospect of reward, yet in the end they certainly shall; for as a man sows, so shall he reap: if he sows, that is, gives nothing, he shall reap nothing; if he sows but little, he shall reap little; and if he sows much, he shall reap much; and that of the selfsame kind which he sows; as he is liberal in things temporal, so shall he prosper and succeed in the same; see Pro 3:9. (e) T. Bab. Avoda Zara, fol. 5. 2. Zohar in Exod. fol. 2. 4. (f) T. Bab. Bava Kama, fol. 17. 1.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have, I. Proper directions to be observed about the right and acceptable manner of bestowing charity; and it is of great concernment that we not only do what is required, but do it as is commanded. Now, as to the manner in which the apostle would have the Corinthians give, observe, 1. It should be bountifully; this was intimated, Co2 9:5, that a liberal contribution was expected, a matter of bounty, not what savoured of covetousness; and he offers to their consideration that men who expect a good return at harvest are not wont to pinch and spare in sowing their seed, for the return is usually proportionable to what they sow, Co2 9:6. 2. It should be deliberately Every man, according as he purposes in his heart, Co2 9:7. Works of charity, like other good works, should be done with thought and design; whereas some do good only by accident. They comply, it may be hastily, with the importunity of others, without any good design, and give more than they intended, and then repent of it afterwards. Or possibly, had they duly considered all things, they would have given more. Due deliberation, as to this matter of our own circumstances, and those of the persons we are about to relieve, will be very helpful to direct us how liberal we should be in our contributions for charitable uses. 3. It should be freely, whatever we give, be it more or less: Not grudgingly, nor of necessity, but cheerfully, Co2 9:7. Persons sometimes will give merely to satisfy the importunity of those who ask their charity, and what they give is in a manner squeezed or forced from them, and this unwillingness spoils all they do. We ought to give more freely than the modesty of some necessitous persons will allow them to ask: we should not only deal out bread, but draw out our souls to the hungry, Isa 58:10. We should give liberally, with an open hand, and cheerfully, with an open countenance, being glad we have ability and an opportunity to be charitable. II. Good encouragement to perform this work of charity in the manner directed. Here the apostle tells the Corinthians, 1. They themselves would be no losers by what they gave in charity. This may serve to obviate a secret objection in the minds of many against this good work who are ready to think they may want what they give away; but such should consider that what is given to the poor in a right manner is far from being lost; as the precious seed which is cast into the ground is not lost, though it is buried there for a time, for it will spring up, and bear fruit; the sower shall receive it again with increase, Co2 9:6. Such good returns may those expect who give freely and liberally in charity. For, (1.) God loveth a cheerful giver (Co2 9:7), and what may not those hope to receive who are the objects of the divine love? Can a man be a loser by doing that with which God is pleased? May not such a one be sure that he shall some way or other be a gainer? Nay, are not the love and favour of God better than all other things, better than life itself? (2.) God is able to make our charity redound to our advantage, Co2 9:8. We have no reason to distrust the goodness of God, and surely we have no reason to question his power; he is able to make all grace abound towards us, and abound in us; to give a large increase of spiritual and temporal good things. He can cause us to have a sufficiency in all things, to be content with what we have, to make up what we give, to be able to give yet more: as it is written (Psa 112:9) concerning the charitable man, He hath dispersed abroad. He hath given to the poor. His righteousness, that is, his almsgiving, endureth for ever. The honour of it is lasting, the reward of it eternal, and he is still able to live comfortably himself and to give liberally to others. (3.) The apostle puts up a prayer to God in their behalf that they might be gainers, and not losers, Co2 9:10, Co2 9:11. Here observe, [1.] To whom the prayer is made - to God, who ministereth seed to the sower, who by his providence giveth such an increase of the fruits of the earth that we have not only bread sufficient to eat for one year, but enough to sow again for a future supply: or thus, It is God who giveth us not only a competency for ourselves, but that also wherewith we may supply the wants of others, and so should be as seed to be sown. [2.] For what he prayeth. There are several things which he desires for them, namely, that they may have bread for their food, always a competency for themselves, food convenient, - that God will multiply their seed sown, that they may still be able to do more good, - and that there may be an increase of the fruits of righteousness, that they may reap plentifully, and have the best and most ample returns of their charity, so as to be enriched in every thing to all bountifulness (Co2 9:11), - that upon the whole they may find it true that they shall be no losers, but great gainers. Note, Works of charity are so far from impoverishing us that they are the proper means truly to enrich us, or make us truly rich. 2. While they would be no losers, the poor distressed saints would be gainers; for this service would supply their wants, Co2 9:12. If we have reason to think them to be saints, whom we believe to be of the household of faith, whose wants are great, how ready should we be to do them good! Our goodness can not extend unto God, but we should freely extend it to these excellent ones of the earth, and thus show that we delight in them. 3. This would redound to the praise and glory of God. Many thanksgivings would be given to God on this account, by the apostle, and by those who were employed in this ministration, Co2 9:11. These would bless God, who had made them happy instruments in so good a work, and rendered them successful in it. Besides these, others also would be thankful; the poor, who were supplied in their wants, would not fail to be very thankful to God, and bless God for them; and all who wished well to the gospel would glorify God for this experiment, or proof of subjection to the gospel of Christ, and true love to all men, Co2 9:13. Note, (1.) True Christianity is a subjection to the gospel, a yielding of ourselves to the commanding influence of its truths and laws. (2.) We must evince the sincerity of our subjection to the gospel by works of charity. (3.) This will be for the credit of our profession, and to the praise and glory of God. 4. Those whose wants were supplied would make the best return they were able, by sending up many prayers to God for those who had relieved them, Co2 9:14. And thus should we recompense the kindnesses we receive when we are not in a capacity of recompensing them in any other way; and, as this is the only recompence the poor can make, so it is often greatly for the advantage of the rich. Lastly, The apostle concludes this whole matter with this doxology, Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift, Co2 9:15. Some think that by this unspeakable gift he means the gift of grace bestowed on the churches, in making them able and willing to supply the necessities of the saints, which would be attended with unspeakable benefit both to the givers and receivers. It should seem rather that he means Jesus Christ, who is indeed the unspeakable gift of God unto this world, a gift we have all reason to be very thankful for.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:6 Paul turns to agriculture for an illustration of the benefits of generosity. A farmer who expects a rich harvest must sow many seeds.
2 Corinthians 9:6
God Loves a Cheerful Giver
5So 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.6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Riverfront Character Inn) Session 1
By Keith Daniel3.6K33:45ParableMAT 7:212CO 9:6In 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 reach every individual. The preacher highlights the connection between being close to God and having a heart for the whole world. He quotes Romans 10:13 to emphasize that whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved, but questions how people can call on someone they have not believed in or heard about. The preacher emphasizes that it is God who sends out laborers to spread the gospel and urges preachers to leave behind their ambitions and preach the truth. He shares personal testimonies of preachers who have been impacted by his message and have found Christ.
(Through the Bible) 2 Corinthians 9-10
By Chuck Smith1.5K1:12:05PSA 112:9MAL 3:10JHN 16:92CO 9:62CO 9:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of spiritual laws established by God within the universe. While the speaker admits to not fully understanding how these laws work, they emphasize the importance of living by them and reaping the results. One specific spiritual law mentioned is the principle of giving, where the more one gives to God, the more they will receive. The speaker encourages listeners to prove this law by giving tithes and offerings, as God promises to pour out blessings that cannot be contained.
The Sacrifice of Praise
By Ed Mohr1.5K23:04PraiseGEN 50:20MAT 6:33MAT 16:25ACT 20:352CO 9:6HEB 13:151JN 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of releasing our burdens and difficulties to God. He uses the story of Joseph and his brothers as an example of how God can turn our hardships into blessings when we surrender them to Him. The speaker encourages the audience to seek first the kingdom of God and trust that He will provide for their needs. He suggests a practical exercise of making two lists - one for past disappointments and hurts, and another for present difficulties - and giving thanks to God for each item on the lists.
God's Cycle of Sufficiency
By Richard Sipley1.3K35:032CO 9:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving and how it is connected to God's promise of abundance. He references Jesus' command to give and explains that when we give, God will give back to us in a generous measure. The preacher also highlights the example of God's love, stating that God gave His only Son for the world. He concludes by sharing the story of a man who experienced great blessings and prosperity as a result of his unselfish giving. The sermon encourages listeners to examine their own giving and position themselves in God's cycle of sufficiency.
Casting Bread on the Water Part 1
By Chuck Smith1.2K25:04TrustPRO 11:24PRO 19:17ECC 11:1MAT 10:42LUK 6:382CO 9:6GAL 6:9In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the principle of giving and sowing. He emphasizes the importance of being generous and giving to others, as it can lead to receiving help in times of need. Pastor Chuck shares a story of a man who had a vision of an old man calling for help in Panama, which led him to become a missionary there and experience great success. The sermon also includes a reference to Ecclesiastes 11:1, which encourages casting bread upon the water and trusting in God's provision.
A Little Folly
By Chuck Smith1.1K25:05FollyPRO 22:6ECC 9:10ECC 10:1ECC 12:1MAT 6:332CO 9:6GAL 6:7In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith continues his verse-by-verse study through the book of Ecclesiastes. He begins by discussing the story of a wise man who saved a city from a powerful enemy through his wisdom. From this story, Pastor Chuck concludes that wisdom is better than weapons of war. However, he also emphasizes the destructive power of sin, stating that one sinner can destroy a lot of good. He ends the sermon by encouraging listeners to give generously and trust in God's provision, and to remember to fear God and serve Him faithfully, especially in their youth.
Casting Bread on the Water Part 2
By Chuck Smith1.1K25:04TrustECC 11:12CO 9:6In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of living a life of eternal value. He warns that it is tragic to live a whole life without anything of eternal significance to show for it. He encourages young people to enjoy their youth but also reminds them that they will be held accountable by God for their actions. Pastor Chuck also reflects on the cultural changes of the 1960s and how he shared the love of Jesus Christ with a generation searching for love in the wrong places.
(2 Samuel) in God's Hands
By David Guzik1.0K38:592CO 9:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the choices we make in our lives as Christians. He highlights the power and authority that God assigns to our choices. The sermon focuses on the story of David in 2 Samuel chapter 24, where David is given three choices as a consequence of taking a census. The choices are seven years of famine, three months of attack from an outside enemy, or three days of plague from the hand of the Lord. The preacher encourages the audience to consider the significance of their choices and to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ.
What Is Its Own Reward?
By Jack Hyles95655:34RewardsPSA 126:6PRO 11:25MAL 3:10MAT 6:33LUK 6:382CO 9:6GAL 6:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving and doing what is right. He encourages the congregation to selflessly give to others and live in a way that reflects the teachings of Jesus. The preacher shares a personal story about a softball game where he failed to provide food for his team, highlighting the consequences of not fulfilling one's responsibilities. He also mentions the need for discipline in today's society and how it is appreciated by some individuals. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the rewards of giving and doing what is right, both in this life and in the eyes of God.
Resourcsing God's Work
By George Verwer9361:17:02God's Work2CO 8:242CO 9:62CO 9:11In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the importance of giving and financial stewardship. He emphasizes that those who give little will receive little, but those who give generously will reap a bountiful harvest. The speaker encourages individuals to give cheerfully and not to force others to give more than they desire. He also highlights the significance of having a vision for the work of God and the need for biblical fundraising.
May 18, 2003 Pm
By Stephen Fenton82206:49MAT 6:33MRK 5:19LUK 6:38ROM 12:82CO 8:12CO 9:61JN 4:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of generosity and sharing God's blessings with others. He highlights the story of the demoniac of the Gadarenes, who was instructed by Jesus to go home and tell others about what God had done for him. The preacher connects this concept of generosity to our finances, stating that it is not just about money but about deeper things. He also mentions the cheerful givers who serve in the church and encourages the congregation to be cheerful givers in all aspects of their lives.
Are You Ready to Be Wiser Than the World?
By Tim Conway7371:02:54PSA 112:9LUK 6:382CO 9:62CO 9:10REV 14:13
This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving generously and sacrificially, drawing insights from 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. It highlights the principle of sowing and reaping, encouraging believers to trust in God's multiplication of their giving for the benefit of others and the eternal harvest of righteousness. The focus is on viewing God as the ultimate Giver, inspiring cheerful and abundant giving to meet needs, glorify God, and store up treasures in heaven.
Vancouver and New Westminster - Port Report
By George Verwer68959:58PSA 126:5MAT 6:33MRK 16:15LUK 10:21CO 3:62CO 9:6GAL 6:9In the video, a lady purchased a Jesus film in English to watch with her family. As she watched the film, she became aware of who Jesus Christ was and decided to give her life to the Lord. She also prayed for healing from her cancer. When she went back to the doctor, the cancer was no longer present in her body. This testimony highlights the impact of the Jesus film in bringing people to know the Lord and experience healing.
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.
Lookout mtn.conference 1973-08 the Apostle Paul
By Stan Ford37042:26ROM 8:11ROM 8:231CO 16:22CO 4:102CO 9:6GAL 5:16PHP 4:10In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the letter to the Philippians and discusses the theme of caring for others. He begins by diagnosing the troubles faced by the church and then provides a prescription for overcoming them. The preacher emphasizes the importance of giving and supporting God's servants, using the example of the collection taken on the first day of the week. He also reminds the congregation that they are pilgrims on a journey and encourages them to remember their ultimate goal of being with the Lord. Throughout the sermon, the preacher references various verses from the Bible, including Philippians 4:10 and 2 Corinthians 16.
We Reap What We Sow
By Matt Brown11327:19Reaping and SowingGospelEvangelismPSA 105:5HAB 2:14MAT 28:19JHN 21:25ROM 4:11CO 13:12CO 9:6GAL 5:22GAL 6:71PE 3:15Matt Brown emphasizes the principle of reaping what we sow, urging attendees to invest their lives into the gospel. He shares personal experiences and stories of God's movement, encouraging everyone to be inspired and to take action in their communities. Brown highlights the importance of focusing on the goodness of the gospel rather than the negatives of culture, advocating for a life filled with love, joy, and the fruits of the Spirit. He calls for a new wave of evangelism, where believers are moved to share the stories of God's work in the world. The sermon concludes with a prayer for openness to God's movement and a commitment to live as carriers of the gospel.
Pentecostal Giving
By Martin Knapp0PSA 1:3MAT 5:42MAT 25:34LUK 6:381CO 6:202CO 9:6Martin Knapp preaches on the importance of Pentecostal giving, emphasizing that it should be cheerful, commanded, systematic, universal, and rewarded. He highlights that Pentecostal giving is not about meeting a minimum requirement like the tithe but about giving generously and sacrificially, following the examples of God and Jesus. Knapp stresses that Pentecostal giving enriches the giver, secures prayers and love from those blessed by it, and glorifies God. He warns against the dangers of hoarding wealth for oneself, emphasizing that neglecting to use resources for God's kingdom can lead to condemnation and spiritual poverty.
How to Catch Up
By Arthur Vess0PRO 3:9MAL 3:8MAT 6:33LUK 6:382CO 9:6Arthur Vess addresses the excuse of delaying tithing to catch up on bills, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing God over financial obligations. He challenges the congregation to consider whether it is right to rob God by withholding tithes. Vess highlights the testimonies of many who found financial stability only after putting God first in their finances. The preacher encourages the congregation to trust in the principle of giving to God first, assuring that it leads to blessings and financial stability.
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.
Jesus, the Greatest Prosperity Preacher
By David Servant0DEU 15:7PSA 41:1PRO 3:9PRO 22:16ISA 58:7MAL 3:10LUK 6:38LUK 12:201CO 13:32CO 9:6JAS 4:3David Servant preaches on the importance of giving with the right motives, emphasizing the need to interpret Scripture in context and not for personal gain. He highlights how Jesus' promise in Luke 6:38 is often misused by prosperity preachers to promote greed, contrasting it with the true meaning of sacrificial giving and blessings for those who give to the poor. Servant warns against selfish motives in giving and encourages a lifestyle of generosity and simplicity, focusing on laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
The Abiding Anointing
By Stanley H. Frodsham0PSA 107:22PSA 116:17ROM 12:1ROM 15:282CO 9:6HEB 13:151JN 2:27Stanley H. Frodsham preaches about the abiding anointing of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of praise as a spiritual sacrifice and the need to offer thanksgiving to God. He encourages believers to exchange their heaviness and mourning for a garment of praise at God's Free Clothes Exchange, leading to a life of praise and abundant blessings. Frodsham also highlights the sacrificial spirit of giving, both in material possessions and in offering our bodies as a spiritual sacrifice, ultimately surrendering to God's dominion and receiving His grace and protection.
The More Abundant Life
By J. E. Davis0JHN 12:24JHN 15:8ROM 12:12CO 9:6EPH 3:20J. E. Davis preaches about the abundant life as the core teaching of Jesus, emphasizing the principle of multiplying life for moral force. Jesus calls for a life of fruitfulness, where disciples are willing to give up everything for the salvation of others and zealously extend the kingdom. The true mark of discipleship is bearing much fruit, evangelism, missions, and giving, as seen in the lives of various historical figures and missionaries who poured out their lives for others.
No True Work Is Vain
By J.R. Miller0Faithfulness in ServiceThe Power of Silent InfluencePSA 126:5ISA 55:11MAT 5:16JHN 12:241CO 15:582CO 9:6GAL 6:91TH 1:32TI 4:2HEB 6:10J.R. Miller emphasizes that no true work for God is ever in vain, using the apparent failure of Jesus' life and death as a profound example of how what seems like failure can lead to glorious success. He encourages believers to remain faithful in their duties, asserting that the true impact of their work may not be immediately visible but will ultimately bear fruit in God's timing. Miller highlights that real success lies not in visible results or applause but in the silent, transformative influence of God working through us. He reminds us that God's work often occurs quietly, like the sunbeams and dew that nourish life without fanfare. Ultimately, if we are true to our calling and allow God to work through us, our efforts will never fail to produce blessings.
Spiritual Sowing
By C.H. Spurgeon0Spiritual GrowthEternal LifePSA 126:5ECC 3:13MAT 6:19LUK 6:38JHN 10:10ROM 8:62CO 9:6GAL 6:8JAS 1:121PE 1:4C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the significance of spiritual sowing, explaining that while it may seem like a loss to invest in the Spirit, the true reward is everlasting life. He encourages believers to live in obedience to God and to promote His honor, assuring them that their efforts will not be in vain. Spurgeon contrasts the fleeting rewards of sowing to the flesh with the eternal joy found in spiritual pursuits, urging the congregation to seek the highest and purest ends. He paints a vivid picture of the abundant harvest of bliss that awaits those who faithfully sow to the Spirit. Ultimately, he calls upon the Lord to make them fruitful reapers for the sake of His Son.
The Seeds We Are Scattering
By J.R. Miller0Consequences of ActionsInfluencePRO 11:18ECC 11:6MAT 7:2LUK 6:381CO 3:82CO 9:6GAL 6:7HEB 9:27JAS 3:18REV 22:11J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound impact of the seeds we scatter in the lives of others, particularly through the nurturing influence of a mother and the collective contributions of family and society. He illustrates how every action, word, and thought serves as a seed that can grow into either good or evil, shaping character and destiny. The sermon warns that both positive and negative influences leave lasting impressions, and we must be mindful of the seeds we sow, as they will ultimately return to us in some form. Miller encourages listeners to focus on scattering seeds of love, truth, and goodness, while recognizing the inevitable consequences of our actions. He concludes with the reminder that our lives are interconnected, and we will reap what we sow, both in this life and the next.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He which soweth sparingly - This is a plain maxim: no man can expect to reap but in proportion as he has sowed. And here almsgiving is represented as a seed sown, which shall bring forth a crop. If the sowing be liberal, and the seed good, the crop shall be so too. Sowing is used among the Jews to express almsgiving: so they understand Isa 32:20 : Blessed are ye who sow beside all waters; i.e. who are ready to help every one that is in need. And Hos 10:12, they interpret: Sow to yourselves almsgiving, and ye shall reap in mercy - if you show mercy to the poor, God will show mercy to you.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I say--ELLICOTT and others supply the ellipsis thus: "But remember this." bountifully--literally, "with," or "in blessings." The word itself implies a beneficent spirit in the giver (compare Co2 9:7, end), and the plural implies the abundance and liberality of the gifts. "The reaping shall correspond to the proportions and spirit of the sowing" [BENGEL]. Compare Eze 34:26, "Showers of blessing."
John Gill Bible Commentary
But this I say,.... This the apostle would have the Corinthians take notice of, and well consider, it being what he could aver for truth, by observation and experience; that as in things natural, so in things of a moral and spiritual kind, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully, or with blessings, shall reap also bountifully; or with blessings; as a man sows, so shall he reap; the one is in proportion to the other. Sowing and reaping are here used in a metaphorical sense. The former signifies doing acts of beneficence and liberality. So it is used in the Old Testament, and in Jewish writings; see Ecc 9:6. The interpretation of the latter text, give me leave to produce out of the Talmud (e) as follows, and which will serve to illustrate this of the apostle's. "Says. R. Jochanan, in the name of R. Benaah, what is that which is written, "blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox, and the ass?" blessed are the Israelites, for when they are employed in the law, , "and in acts of beneficence", their evil concupiscence is delivered into their hand, and they are not delivered into the hand of their evil concupiscence: or, as it is elsewhere (f) said, such are worthy of the inheritance of two tribes, Joseph and Issachar; as it is said, "blessed are ye that sow beside all waters", , "and there is no sowing but alms"; or, by the word "sowing", nothing else is meant but doing of alms, as it is said, Hos 10:12 and there is no water but the law, or nothing else is meant by water but the law, as it is said, Isa 55:1. And as to these words, "that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass", it is a tradition of the house of Elias, for ever let a man place himself by the words of the law, as an ox to the yoke, and an ass to the burden.'' There is a good deal of likeness between sowing the seed in the earth, and doing of alms, or acts of beneficence. The seed that is sown is what is selected and reserved out of the stock expended or sold off, which if not done, there would be no provision for futurity; so that which a man gives for the relief of the necessitous, is what he lays by him in store of what God has prospered him with; in doing which he may hope for a fruitful harvest, whereas otherwise he could expect none: as seed is cast from, and scattered about by the sower all over the field; so what is given to the poor, it is parted with unto them, and spread among them, everyone has a portion; and it looks like a diminution of a man's substance, and as if it would never return with any advantage; though it does, as in a natural, so in a metaphorical sense. The sower casts and scatters his seed with an open hand; was he to gripe it in his fist, or only let go a grain of corn or wheat here and there, he would have but a poor harvest; so the cheerful giver opens his hand wide, and bountifully supplies the wants of the needy; who, as the sower casts his seed on the empty field, so he bestows his bounty on indigent persons, on all men in want, especially the household of faith: and, as when he has done, he harrows the ground, and covers the seed under the earth, where it lies hid, and is very unpromising for a while, and yet be exercises faith, hope, and patience, with respect to an harvest; so the generous benefactor does what he does in as private a manner as may be; and though for a time his good deeds may seem to be attended with little prospect of reward, yet in the end they certainly shall; for as a man sows, so shall he reap: if he sows, that is, gives nothing, he shall reap nothing; if he sows but little, he shall reap little; and if he sows much, he shall reap much; and that of the selfsame kind which he sows; as he is liberal in things temporal, so shall he prosper and succeed in the same; see Pro 3:9. (e) T. Bab. Avoda Zara, fol. 5. 2. Zohar in Exod. fol. 2. 4. (f) T. Bab. Bava Kama, fol. 17. 1.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have, I. Proper directions to be observed about the right and acceptable manner of bestowing charity; and it is of great concernment that we not only do what is required, but do it as is commanded. Now, as to the manner in which the apostle would have the Corinthians give, observe, 1. It should be bountifully; this was intimated, Co2 9:5, that a liberal contribution was expected, a matter of bounty, not what savoured of covetousness; and he offers to their consideration that men who expect a good return at harvest are not wont to pinch and spare in sowing their seed, for the return is usually proportionable to what they sow, Co2 9:6. 2. It should be deliberately Every man, according as he purposes in his heart, Co2 9:7. Works of charity, like other good works, should be done with thought and design; whereas some do good only by accident. They comply, it may be hastily, with the importunity of others, without any good design, and give more than they intended, and then repent of it afterwards. Or possibly, had they duly considered all things, they would have given more. Due deliberation, as to this matter of our own circumstances, and those of the persons we are about to relieve, will be very helpful to direct us how liberal we should be in our contributions for charitable uses. 3. It should be freely, whatever we give, be it more or less: Not grudgingly, nor of necessity, but cheerfully, Co2 9:7. Persons sometimes will give merely to satisfy the importunity of those who ask their charity, and what they give is in a manner squeezed or forced from them, and this unwillingness spoils all they do. We ought to give more freely than the modesty of some necessitous persons will allow them to ask: we should not only deal out bread, but draw out our souls to the hungry, Isa 58:10. We should give liberally, with an open hand, and cheerfully, with an open countenance, being glad we have ability and an opportunity to be charitable. II. Good encouragement to perform this work of charity in the manner directed. Here the apostle tells the Corinthians, 1. They themselves would be no losers by what they gave in charity. This may serve to obviate a secret objection in the minds of many against this good work who are ready to think they may want what they give away; but such should consider that what is given to the poor in a right manner is far from being lost; as the precious seed which is cast into the ground is not lost, though it is buried there for a time, for it will spring up, and bear fruit; the sower shall receive it again with increase, Co2 9:6. Such good returns may those expect who give freely and liberally in charity. For, (1.) God loveth a cheerful giver (Co2 9:7), and what may not those hope to receive who are the objects of the divine love? Can a man be a loser by doing that with which God is pleased? May not such a one be sure that he shall some way or other be a gainer? Nay, are not the love and favour of God better than all other things, better than life itself? (2.) God is able to make our charity redound to our advantage, Co2 9:8. We have no reason to distrust the goodness of God, and surely we have no reason to question his power; he is able to make all grace abound towards us, and abound in us; to give a large increase of spiritual and temporal good things. He can cause us to have a sufficiency in all things, to be content with what we have, to make up what we give, to be able to give yet more: as it is written (Psa 112:9) concerning the charitable man, He hath dispersed abroad. He hath given to the poor. His righteousness, that is, his almsgiving, endureth for ever. The honour of it is lasting, the reward of it eternal, and he is still able to live comfortably himself and to give liberally to others. (3.) The apostle puts up a prayer to God in their behalf that they might be gainers, and not losers, Co2 9:10, Co2 9:11. Here observe, [1.] To whom the prayer is made - to God, who ministereth seed to the sower, who by his providence giveth such an increase of the fruits of the earth that we have not only bread sufficient to eat for one year, but enough to sow again for a future supply: or thus, It is God who giveth us not only a competency for ourselves, but that also wherewith we may supply the wants of others, and so should be as seed to be sown. [2.] For what he prayeth. There are several things which he desires for them, namely, that they may have bread for their food, always a competency for themselves, food convenient, - that God will multiply their seed sown, that they may still be able to do more good, - and that there may be an increase of the fruits of righteousness, that they may reap plentifully, and have the best and most ample returns of their charity, so as to be enriched in every thing to all bountifulness (Co2 9:11), - that upon the whole they may find it true that they shall be no losers, but great gainers. Note, Works of charity are so far from impoverishing us that they are the proper means truly to enrich us, or make us truly rich. 2. While they would be no losers, the poor distressed saints would be gainers; for this service would supply their wants, Co2 9:12. If we have reason to think them to be saints, whom we believe to be of the household of faith, whose wants are great, how ready should we be to do them good! Our goodness can not extend unto God, but we should freely extend it to these excellent ones of the earth, and thus show that we delight in them. 3. This would redound to the praise and glory of God. Many thanksgivings would be given to God on this account, by the apostle, and by those who were employed in this ministration, Co2 9:11. These would bless God, who had made them happy instruments in so good a work, and rendered them successful in it. Besides these, others also would be thankful; the poor, who were supplied in their wants, would not fail to be very thankful to God, and bless God for them; and all who wished well to the gospel would glorify God for this experiment, or proof of subjection to the gospel of Christ, and true love to all men, Co2 9:13. Note, (1.) True Christianity is a subjection to the gospel, a yielding of ourselves to the commanding influence of its truths and laws. (2.) We must evince the sincerity of our subjection to the gospel by works of charity. (3.) This will be for the credit of our profession, and to the praise and glory of God. 4. Those whose wants were supplied would make the best return they were able, by sending up many prayers to God for those who had relieved them, Co2 9:14. And thus should we recompense the kindnesses we receive when we are not in a capacity of recompensing them in any other way; and, as this is the only recompence the poor can make, so it is often greatly for the advantage of the rich. Lastly, The apostle concludes this whole matter with this doxology, Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift, Co2 9:15. Some think that by this unspeakable gift he means the gift of grace bestowed on the churches, in making them able and willing to supply the necessities of the saints, which would be attended with unspeakable benefit both to the givers and receivers. It should seem rather that he means Jesus Christ, who is indeed the unspeakable gift of God unto this world, a gift we have all reason to be very thankful for.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
9:6 Paul turns to agriculture for an illustration of the benefits of generosity. A farmer who expects a rich harvest must sow many seeds.