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W O W - T H E B I G P I C T U R E
by Thomas Nelson Publishers
Principles of Giving and Warnings of False Prophets
-- 2Corinthians 8:10-15; 9:6-11:4,12-15; Psalm 120:5-7; Proverbs
22:29
And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing
what you began and were desiring to do a year ago; but now you also
must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire
it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have. For if
there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one
has, and not according to what he does not have.
For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by
an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their
lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack-that there may be
equality. As it is written, "He who gathered much had nothing left
over, and he who gathered little had no lack."
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he
who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give
as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God
loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward
you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an
abundance for every good work. As it is written:
"He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever."
Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply
and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your
righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality,
which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of
this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is
abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof
of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession
to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all
men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the
exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable
gift!
Now I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness
of Christ-who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold
toward you. But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with
that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of
us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the
flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our
warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against
the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the
obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when
your obedience is fulfilled.
Do you look at things according to the outward appearance? If anyone is
convinced in himself that he is Christ's, let him again consider this
in himself, that just as he is Christ's, even so we are Christ's. For
even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the
Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not
be ashamed-lest I seem to terrify you by letters. "For his letters,"
they say, "are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak,
and his speech contemptible." Let such a person consider this, that
what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be
in deed when we are present.
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who
commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and
comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. We, however, will
not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God
appointed us-a sphere which especially includes you. For we are not
overextending ourselves (as though our authority did not extend to
you), for it was to you that we came with the gospel of Christ; not
boasting of things beyond measure, that is, in other men's labors, but
having hope, that as your faith is increased, we shall be greatly
enlarged by you in our sphere, to preach the gospel in the regions
beyond you, and not to boast in another man's sphere of accomplishment.
But "he who glories, let him glory in the LORD." For not he who
commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends.
Oh, that you would bear with me in a little folly-and indeed you do
bear with me. For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have
betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin
to Christ. But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his
craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is
in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not
preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not
received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted-you may
well put up with it!
But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the
opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as
we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles,
deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And
no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform
themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according
to their works.
2 Corinthians 8:10-15; 9:6-11:4, 12-15
WORSHIP:
Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech,
That I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
My soul has dwelt too long
With one who hates peace.
I am for peace;
But when I speak, they are for war.
Psalm 120:5-7
WISDOM:
Do you see a man who excels in his work?
He will stand before kings;
He will not stand before unknown men.
Proverbs 22:29
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