ELNORA’S BIBLE STUDY WITH FRIENDS, 2 Corinthians 9, February 14, 2025

 HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! 💞

        

Context for Chapter 9

Second Corinthians chapter 9 continues an appeal begun earlier in the letter. Paul urges the Corinthians to participate in the gift to the Jerusalem Christians. Paul is concerned their earlier enthusiasm might have waned. Everyone should give what he or she previously decided to give and do so willingly and cheerfully. God makes those who give generously abound so that they will be able to give even more. The result goes beyond meeting physical needs to increasing God's righteousness on earth, causing thankfulness to Him to overflow, and bringing glory to Him as connections are forged between the givers and those whose needs are met. (https://www.bibleref.com/2-Corinthians/9/2-Corinthians-chapter-9.html)

The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem, Part 1, Verses 1-8, DESTINY

1I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem.[a] 2 For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece[b] were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving. 3 But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don’t want to be wrong in my boasting about you. 4 We would be embarrassed—not to mention your own embarrassment—if some Macedonian believers came with me and found that you weren’t ready after all I had told them! 5 So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly. 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”[c] 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

^{SECTION QUESTIONS:} 

1. Even though the Corinthians seemed ready to give why is it a good idea for Paul to continue with his encouragement? 

2. How could using the Macedonians as a model and vice versa be a good strategy? 

3. Application: If someone asked your friend what you are most zealous about, what do you think they would say? 

4. In verse 5, Paul says, “I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.” What do you think he meant by this? 

 5. Reflection: What is the biggest take-away from this section of scripture for you? 

6. Explain the metaphor in verse 6?  

7. Application: Spend some time and evaluate your giving. Why do you give? Do you have the right motivation? And are you sowing a lot of seed into His kingdom, or just a little? Think about where you are investing your time, energy, and money. The wisest investors look at the longest time horizon. Our horizon is eternity. What do you need to do to make sure you are investing in eternity?

8. The New King James Version: God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (V.8) What is this grace referring to?

The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem, Part 2, Verses 9-15, KITTY

9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity[e] in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem[f] will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift[g] too wonderful for words!

^{SECTION QUESTIONS:} 

9. What comes first the seed or the sower? 

10. How does one become a Sower?

11. What is the Sower provided with? 

12. This section named 4 great things that will occur as a result of their giving. What are they?

 

                    Prayer Confession for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 9

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Heavenly Father, create in me a clean heart, I pray, and develop in me a generous spirit. I pray that I may become a cheerful, generous, and gracious giver, in every area of my life. Help me to apply the principle of sowing and reaping abundantly so that others may be blessed and Your name may be glorified. Heavenly Father, thank You that You have given me all things richly to enjoy and that everything I have comes from You. May I never be under the illusion that I can outgive Your over-abounding gift of grace, in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. May I give faithfully, cheerfully, and generously of my time, my talents, and my money. May the motive behind my giving be pure and ever open to Your scrutiny. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

“Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)” (2 Corinthians 9:10)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the free gift of salvation and all that You have lavishly bestowed on me freely, by Your grace. Give me a generous heart that gives willingly and cheerfully to others, as a product of my love for You. Heavenly Father, thank You for Your abundant and abounding grace and for all that You have provided for our riches in glory. Enable me, by Your grace, to bring forth a rich harvest of eternal blessings and spiritual rewards. Help me, in the power of Your Holy Spirit, to live a life of practical righteousness, and continue to transform my heart and mind into the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus, and for His greater glory. AMEN.

“Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;” (2 Corinthians 9:13) 

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of the saints in Corinth who lovingly provided for the material needs of their brothers and sisters undergoing some serious hardships in their Christian lives. I pray that I may be ready and willing to help recognize and respond to the needs and necessities of my Christian brothers and sisters. Develop in me a generous heart and caring concern for others, and may Christ be seen in me and glorified through me. Loving Heavenly Father, thank You for the unspeakably precious gift of Your dear Son, Jesus Christ Who has been freely given to me and to all who will simply believe on His name. Father, the gift of Your only begotten Son is beyond all expression, beyond all measure, and beyond all bounds. I fall on my face and worship You for Your unspeakably precious gift to me. In Jesus' name, I pray, AMEN.

Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/2-Corinthians/9