Let's talk about 2 Corinthians 9 in detail.

2 Corinthians 8 and 9 contain the apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, containing exhortations on giving and sharing. These two chapters emphasize how believers can glorify God through their material donations and sharing, and how they can practice love for one another within the church community.

2 Corinthians 8: An Example of Giving and Sharing

1. The example of the church in Macedonia (verses 1-5)

Paul urges the Corinthian church to follow the example of the Macedonian churches, who gave generously in the midst of great affliction, with abundant joy, and in the midst of deep poverty, with abundant generosity.

• Voluntary Dedication : The Macedonian church went beyond their means and voluntarily gave themselves first to the Lord and then to the Apostles.

2. Encouraging the Corinthian church to give (verses 6-15)

Paul encourages Titus to complete the work of generosity that the church in Corinth had begun.

• Evidence of True Love : Giving is a way for the saints to prove the sincerity of their love and is an act of imitating the grace of Jesus Christ.
• The example of Jesus Christ : Jesus, though rich, became poor so that we might become rich, and he became an example of devotion.
• Principle of Equity : Paul explains that this offering is to be divided fairly so that the needy are met and a community is formed where each meets their own needs.

3. Trustworthy Custodian of the Annals (vv. 16-24)

Paul speaks of those who would manage the treasury of the church in Corinth.

• Titus and the Two Brothers : Titus and the two brothers with him are described as trustworthy men who will faithfully carry out the work of the treasury, and they will safely manage and deliver the donations.
• Honor and Trust : This work is not just about meeting material needs, but also about upholding the honor and trust of the Church.

2 Corinthians 9: The Blessing and Principle of Giving

1. Prepared report (verses 1-5)

Paul reviews the Corinthian church's preparedness for their giving and encourages them to complete what they have started.

• Voluntary and prepared : It is emphasized that offerings should be voluntary, prepared in advance, and given willingly, not under compulsion.

2. The Blessing of Abundant Offerings (verses 6-15)

Paul explains the principle of giving and the blessings that come from it.

• The principle of sowing and reaping : Just as the principle states that those who sow sparingly will also reap sparingly, and those who sow bountifully will also reap bountifully, it is said that the more you give, the greater the blessings you will receive.
• Cheers : God loves a cheerful giver. Giving should be done with joy and spontaneity, not out of compulsion or burden.
• God's provision : God makes all grace abound, so that you always have all sufficiency and abound in every good work.
• The Results of Sharing : The offering not only meets the needs of the saints, but also results in giving thanks and glory to God. It also deepens the unity and love among the saints.
• Thanks to God : Paul concludes that all these works of generosity ultimately bring thanks and glory to God, and he thanks God for this grace.

The Core Message of 2 Corinthians 8 and 9

1. Voluntary Contribution and Practice of Love : Giving should be done voluntarily and willingly, and is an important way for believers to love and help one another.
2. Following the example of Jesus Christ : Following the example of Jesus’ sacrifice and devotion, believers should also practice generous sharing with one another.
3. Meeting the needs of the community : Your offerings should be used to meet the needs of the church and to help those in need.
4. Glory and Thanksgiving to God : All donations and sharing should ultimately bring glory to God and be an expression of gratitude.

These two chapters emphasize that material sharing and donations are not simply financial aid, but are a deep expression of faith and evidence of love and devotion before God and people.