Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Any study of the Mosaic law and its role in the new covenant cannot help but note that some elements of it are no longer binding on the Christian. Sacrifices that were made for atonement, for example, have been fulfilled because Jesus accomplished it in His atoning death. On the other hand, the New Testament is clear that new covenant believers will continue to live in a manner consistent with the other laws revealed to Moses. Stealing, murder, adultery, etc. have not suddenly become permissible since Jesus redeemed His people. The principles behind the grain offering of Leviticus 2 are still in effect even under the new covenant. God’s promise of restoration to Israel, of which we are now a part, upon their repentance included the restoration of their fruitfulness that they might offer the grain offering once more as Joel 2:12-27 explains. We live in the period of restoration, when God by His Spirit is restoring the fortunes of Israel, adding representatives of all nations (Christians) to His covenant people. Christians are expected to bring the fruit of their labors to God, just as believers brought their grain offerings during the old covenant period. This is the way the principles of the grain offering are fulfilled today. The grain offering was originally given to support the work and ministry of worship and education at the tabernacle/temple. Giving in the new covenant serves a similar purpose. In today’s verses, Paul is encouraging the Corinthian Christians to contribute to a collection he is taking up to benefit the poor people who are members of the Jerusalem church. Here, Paul reaches the high point of his appeal, calling on the Corinthians to give generously and so experience God’s blessing. Our Lord wants our hearts, so it does little good to give to His work with a clenched fist holding onto every last coin. Instead, we must give with a joyful heart, understanding that giving is not mere obedience to a command but a chance to further the work of the kingdom. How much more joyful is our joyful giving when the Lord Himself adds to this joy. Dr. John MacArthur writes, in his Bible Commentary, “God loves a heart that is enthusiastically thrilled with the pleasure of giving.” Today, prosperity preachers pervert the Word of God when they call on believers to demand that the Lord bless them a hundredfold when they give. We can expect God to abundantly bless us when we give with a cheerful heart (but, not necessarily with money). Therefore, we should be looking for opportunities to help the church cover its expenses for ministries such as missions (both at home and abroad) and serving the poor.
Source: S C Ball January 1, 2024
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