(a) Highlight the teaching of Paul on Christian giving as contained in Corinthians. [11 marks] (b) In what two ways can people benefit from giving? [4 marks...

Answer Details

(a) Paul's teaching on Christian giving (2 Corinthians 8-9):

Paul appealed to the Corinthians to complete the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem, and set out principles of Christian giving:

• The example of the Macedonian churches. In severe affliction and deep poverty, they gave with abundant joy and generosity, even beyond their means and of their own free will.
• The supreme example of Christ. "Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich."
• Giving must be willing and cheerful. "Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
• Giving according to one's means. The gift is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he has not; the aim is equality, not that others are eased while givers are burdened.
• Giving should be planned and ready. They were to set aside their gift beforehand as a willing gift, not as an exaction.
• The principle of sowing and reaping. "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
• God supplies the giver. God is able to make all grace abound, so that having enough of everything, they may abound in every good work.
• Giving results in thanksgiving to God. The generosity of the givers produces thanksgiving and glorifies God, and the recipients pray for the givers.

(b) Two ways people benefit from giving:

• Spiritual and material blessing from God, for the generous giver reaps bountifully and God supplies all his needs.
• It fosters love, unity, and thanksgiving, meeting the needs of others and strengthening fellowship in the body of Christ.