As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit.
2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Raising money has always been a part of God’s purposes, giving His people a chance to participate in the ongoing of His kingdom. Throughout church history, God’s people have always given because their hearts are moved to do so out of gratitude and the need of impoverished churches in many places, in Jerusalem is Paul’s example. The churches under Paul had been involved in it for some time. They understand the need. They’ve already made a commitment to send a certain amount. Paul is also teaching these churches that stewardship with integrity calls for completion of the project. It matters not how much one is able to give but only that the gift is given sacrificially. Titus agrees with the whole program, the suitability of it, the integrity of it, that it is being handled right; and, that the Corinthians need to participate in it. So, godly Titus, who is well-known to the Corinthian church, is confirmed to be one of the messengers to take the church’s gift to Jerusalem. Another brother, unnamed, goes with Titus and this brother is well known by the Jerusalem church. Because Paul had been maligned throughout his ministry, he would not give his critics another reason to criticize his credentials and ministry by taking this offering. It really matters today, too. The enemies of the gospel and the enemies of the truth, along with the enemies of the ministry of the church can criticize and be believed unless all suspicion is removed by accountability in all matters financial, especially. So, to add to the integrity of the trip, another unnamed brother is sent and he is a well-known man who has the honesty to be trusted. Paul sums it up this little financial committee by saying about Titus, “As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you.” All the men were tested and approved by the Corinthian church but, Titus had been a partner with Paul in many of Paul’s missionary travels. Stewardship with integrity exhibits giving that is an expression of love. So, Paul says, “Let everybody see your love and our reason for boasting about you. We’ve told them about your love. We’ve boasted about your love.” People who see this go away knowing your love. You’ve shown it openly to them. And that’s essential to giving that has real integrity. It is voluntary and faithful to the need. It exhibits a genuine spiritual love that is willing to be humbled and to give sacrificially. That’s stewardship with integrity.
Source: S C Ball December 7, 2023
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