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July 11-15, 2022

Reflections on Excelling in Giving

Grace Works.

July 14, 2022 • Ed Green • 2 Corinthians 8:13–15, Acts 4:32–35

Read 2 Corinthians 8:13-15. When the Church was born on Pentecost, it became a community that embodied the ideals we read about in the Torah, the law (instruction) that governed Israel. As God’s people they were to care for each other, and the needy and powerless among them. We read these words from Acts 4:32-35 “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.” How could they love and care for each other the way they did? Luke tells us: “God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them.” There it is again. Grace. And while these words of Luke describe the inward life of the Church, our compassion—like that of our Lord Jesus—was also directed outward. There is no doubt that there is much sin and downright evil in the history of the Church. But there is also much good. In the early years of the Church, Christians were known for their love for each other, meeting each other’s needs, and how they cared for those no one else did. During the Black Death in the 1300s, it was Christians who cared for the sick and dying, despite the risks. Throughout history Christians have always been on the forefront of caring for the poor. But in our modern western society, unfortunately, it is more difficult to live out this heritage of compassion. We don’t always see the needy as truly needy, but rather “lazy.” We dismiss cries for social justice in the Christian community as concessions to “wokeness.” Battle lines are drawn between “conservatives” and “progressives”—and between what the church and the government can and should do— and in the meantime, the clarity of our biblical mission gets muddied. I am not suggesting there are any easy answers to all this, but I am asking all of us to consider what difference a people shaped by grace can make in our world. What might be some next steps?

"For your sake"

July 13, 2022 • Ed Green • 2 Corinthians 8:9, Philippians 2:5–11

Yesterday we noted that Paul held up two examples of generous giving to the Corinthians. The first were the churches in Macedonia who had given, even though they couldn’t “afford it.” Then there was the second example. It’s kind of a joke, but you can answer “Jesus” to any question in Sunday School, and you have a 50-50 chance of being right. So, what is the BEST example of generosity ever? That’s right—Jesus! Paul writes this: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). What do you mean, Paul? How was Jesus rich and then become poor? One of the most ancient “hymns” in Christianity is what we find in Philippians 2:5-11. It’s familiar but read it anyway. The Son of God set aside all the privileges that were his to become the lowliest of the low. And to die on a Roman cross. For you and me and the whole world. (The fancy theological word for this is kenosis—“emptying.”) But how have we become rich? Linda Belleville in her commentary on 2 Corinthians notes this: “No fewer than eight riches have been mentioned thus far in the letter: the down payment of the Spirit (1:22; 5:5), daily renewal (4:16), an eternal weight of glory (4:18), an eternal house in heaven (5:1), unending fellowship with Christ (5:8), new creation (5:17), reconciliation (5:18) and righteousness (5:21).” The generous action that Jesus took was not financial, but Paul leverages his example to motivate generosity toward those in need. It is not comfortable. It is not easy. But it is the way of Jesus. It is called sacrifice. This is not a question to make anyone feel guilty, but simply for reflection: When was that last time you gave sacrificially to someone or something (outside your own family)? Why did you do it? How did it make you feel?

Examples to Follow

July 12, 2022 • Ed Green • 2 Corinthians 8:1–8

We learn best by example. This is not to take anything away from teachers or the importance of good content (about anything, really), but we know this is true. As a homeowner I have learned a ton of practical skills from friends who were a whole lot more skilled than I am. (Basic electrical wiring, roofing, painting—but not plumbing. I hate plumbing; stuff still leaks even after I “fix” it.) A good four-fold process of learning—especially of a skill—is (1) I do, you watch; (2) I do, you help; (3) You do, I help; (4) You do, I watch. What are some skills that you have learned primarily by watching somebody else? When Paul urges the Corinthian believers to excel in giving, just as they excel in these other spiritual aspects, he tries to motivate them through the power of example. Take a moment to read 2 Corinthians 8:1-8. The apostle holds up two examples of generous giving for these believers. The first was the gift of the Macedonian churches (Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea—see Acts 16-17). Despite the dire situation those churches found themselves in due to poverty and persecution, they begged Paul for the chance to help the Judean churches who were in even greater need. What added to the power of this example Paul used, was some “friendly” competition. Macedonia and Greece (or Achaia) were political rivals. “If the Macedonian Christians could be this generous, even out of their extreme poverty, surely you Greek brothers can do this!” Later in chapter 9 Paul says that the Macedonian churches originally joined the effort to help the Jerusalem church because he had first mentioned the Corinthians’ desire to help out. They were motivated by the Corinthians! Are there examples in your own life when someone showed great generosity toward you or your family? Even now, reach out to them and thank them (again), or tell their story to someone you know that could benefit from their example.

What glasses do you wear?

July 11, 2022 • Ed Green • 2 Corinthians 8—9

In my sermon on Sunday, I spoke of how it’s about time for me to get new glasses. The ones I wear now are five years old and I’m (over)due. I’ve worn glasses or contacts for much of my life. (Take note of my school picture in the 3rd grade—I know some of you really wanted to see it. As I was growing up, the girls were all about that “nerd” look. Not.) We all see life and the world through a set of lenses. Not merely physically, but metaphorically. This is behind the conceptual idea of a worldview. Our lenses are affected by our own experiences, upbringing, spiritual/church traditions, education, etc. There is a wonderful story about a wedding I read about earlier this year. (See the link above.) The bride, Karli, bought a pair of special glasses for her colorblind groom Ty. The glasses can help some folks with colorblindness see color. This is what he said when he put them on: “you guys can see this every day?...I don’t know if you guys understand, but…I didn’t know…” Becoming aware of the lenses we use and choosing to see through a different set of lenses can make all the difference in the world. When we read the apostle Paul, we must understand that he viewed everything—God, the world, the church—through what I call “grace-colored glasses.” If you would read chapters 8 & 9 of 2 Corinthians, you will see how much he refers to God’s grace. Here’s my own definition of grace, cobbled together from study, reading, and reflection: Grace is the presence of God enabling us to be and to do what we could not be or do without him. As we wrap up our series “Be Excellent,” I want to remind you that for Paul, all six aspects we find in 2 Corinthians 8:7, and especially “giving,” are made possible by God’s grace. I invite you to think and reflect on this today, and throughout this week: How is my giving/generosity connected with God’s grace?