Inexpressible Sufficiency

Yesterday, we spoke of God’s context for riches but today we have ‘the rest of the story.’ Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to follow through on their intention to give to those who had need, to even prepare ahead for such sharing. There is a wisdom in setting aside beforehand for the needs of others such that when the moment of giving arrives there is not a desperation because we don’t have what we wanted to give, what we had committed to giving. (note: hearing of a need and having the opportunity to send to meet the need were different before the ease of the modern era)

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction. The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. ¹

The point is taking the opportunity to give willingly and not out of some compulsion.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,
He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. ²

Can we trust God to provide our needs if we are stewards of what He has shared with us? The Word is that He is God of all sufficiency at all times and that He has the means to supply all that is needful. No, it doesn’t say He will provide all our wants but how many true disciples want everything they want? There is something freeing to the heart loving God in letting Him have all we have received from Him so He can apply it for His desires.

For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 
By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 
Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! ³