The closing verses of chapter 8 (16-24) are taken up with Paul’s explanation of the earnest care that Titus had for the church at Corinth, particularly with regards the matter of the collection of the saints in Jerusalem. He was as anxious as Paul that the Corinthians act so as not to be behind any other church in the matter of charity. Paul is commending Titus to the Corinthians along with two other unnamed brethren who would be taking care of the money gathered.
I. AGAIN WE OUGHT TO NOTICE HOW THAT EVERY GOOD INCLINATION IS GIVEN OF GOD.
But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
1. God implants good inclinations within the hearts of His people. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure, Philippians 2:13. He gives us the inclination, the mind, to do, and then supplies the grace that enables us to act.
2. As a result of this inward work we do His good pleasure. Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen, Hebrews 13:21. His will becomes pleasurable to us. Rom 10:1, heart’s desire.
3. This does not destroy our liberty or responsibility. God gracious makes us willing to do His will. There is a renewing of the will, Rom 12:2. 2 Chron 30:12, the evidence of God’s hand at work was the humbling and obeying of the king’s decree to keep the Passover. This how the disobedient heart is brought to obedience. But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people, Jeremiah 31:33. This work continues on producing holiness of life.
II. IN MONEY MATTERS IN THE CHURCH IT IS ESSENTIAL TO GIVE PROOF OF HONESTY
1. Honesty in the sight of men is important. Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men, verse 21. What men think is of importance.
2. Paul did not take personal charge of the offering. Three other men were also involved, verses 18, 22. A good reputation is worth preserving. A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, Proverbs 22:1. A good name is better than precious ointment, Ecclesiastes 7:1. The men in charge of the offering were men of good standing.
3. The members of the church have a say in the appointing of those taking care of the finances. And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; and not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind, 2 Corinthians 8:18-19. The word chosen means to appoint by vote or by stretching out the hand.
III. PAUL CONSIDERED GENEROSITY IN A CHURCH TO BE A THING TO BE GLORIED IN
1. It is a means of ministering to the saints of God. It is one means in which we may participate to some measure.
2. It was a precious grace for it provoked others to good. Your zeal hath provoked very many, 9:2.
3. It is a prudent thing for it ensured prosperity. Verse 6, 9 (Ps 112:9).
4. Generosity promotes praise to God. Verse 12-14.
IV. THE REFERENCES TO GENEROSITY AND GIFTS BRINGS CHRIST BEFORE THE MIND OF PAUL AGAIN
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift, verse 15.
1. Salvation is a gift.
2. It is an unspeakable gift.
3. It is a gift for which thanks ought ever to be given.