Reversionism

When Titus Departed

The offering was discontinued, and the Corinthians fell into

reversionism.  Now Titus is returning, and the offering can

be continued on the same spiritual basis as before. To make

sure the Corinthians do not have any illusions or misconceptions

or do not give because of emotion, Paul did not tell them of the poor

starving children or of the hungry people standing in line for food in

Jerusalem; he simply gave them the illustration of the Macedonians.

"For the eyes of the Lord are over the rightous, and His ears are open unto

their praryers."

1 Peter 3:12

Lord, help me to put away my selfish pride and show my Christian wittness

by being friendly to others.

In Christ name I pray

Recovered

The Trouble Shooter

Titus was hard and tough, and the Corinthians fell right into line.

They had recovered from their failure described in the first epistle, 

and now it was necessary for them to demonstrate their grace orientation.

With the spiritual advance under Titus, the Corinthians began an offering for

the Jews in Jerusalem.

"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 5:10

Our Father, help us to lift our eyes aboue the disquieting things 

around us. Help us to center our thoughts and affections on You.

In Christ name I pray

To Sweet

The Corinthians

Paul sees no reason why they cannot give on exactly the same basis. that the Macedonian do.

They had failed in their giving when Timothy went to Corinth. The Corinthians were too

tough for him. Timothy had too much "sweetness and light", and he flopped. They drove

him right out of town. So Paul sent his trouble shooter -- Titus.

"The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way."

Psalm 25:9

Dear Heavenly Father, when I have failed through my own lack of wisdom,

help me to rely on Your unfaltering love and power.

In Christ name I pray

No Gimmicks

Macedonia Versus Corinth

They were not broke, but they had much to learn about giving.

With the result that we requested Titus that even as he had begun

on previous occasion, so also he would complete toward you this 

favor [grace] also (2 Cor. 8:6).

The Macedonian giving fulfilled every principle of grace, every

principle of the extension of Bible doctrine. It fulfilled every true

concept of giving. The word "favor" or "grace" indicates that giving

must always  be on the basis of grace, as in verse 4- without strings

or gimmick!

I am  studying from R.B.Thieme Jr book

"Giving Gimmick or Grace"

"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 5:3

Keep me humble, dear Lord, when I am faced with undeserved problems.

Also keep me meek, so that the love of Christ will shine through me to others.

In Christ name I pray

Sharing Doctrine

The Jews

Were the original custodians of the Word of God; God had selected

Jewish prophets to receive and write the Scriptures; the greatest 

communicators of doctrine were Jews; Christ Himself was a Jew.

The Macedonians acknowledged their great debt to this unique people,

in spite of the revisionism and evil then rampant in Jerusalem (Rom.

15:27). The gentiles had benefited from the Jews through doctrine; and

now these Greeks, from the doctrine in their souls, wanted to reciprocate 

by sharing their money with destitute Jewish believers.

 

"If any man serve Me, him will My Father honor."

John 12:26

Dear Lord, make me aware of the many opportunities about me 

to serve Christ and my fellowman.

 

In Christ name I pray

Generosity

Personal Love

is reserved for special individuals  Jesus Christ, right man

or right woman, family, friends. Many Jewish believers in
 Jerusalem were reversionists and legalists; soon they would
 convince even Paul to forget grace (Acts21:18--26). They
certainly were not deserving of generosity! But the Macedonians
fulfilled the command to impersonal love, and further,they recognized
the principle of Reciprocity.

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you, let not your heart
be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27

Lord, let me find the peace of mind promised in Your Word.
In Christ name I pray

Impersonal Love

RECIPROCITY

The Macedonians were gentiles, but they "decided with pleasure

[to give]" (Rom. 15:27) to Jews who lived in a distant city, most 

of whom they would never meet. Why were these northern Greeks

so generous to almost total strangers? Their generosity expressed

Impersonal love. Impersonal love emphasizes the character of the

giver, not that of the recipient, whereas personal love focuses on the

attractiveness and virtues of the object of love. Impersonal love is

commanded toward all believers (John 13:35); personal love is 

reserved for special individuals. 

"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
Psalm 126:6

Father, help me not to give up too quickly on those I seek to influence toward the Christian way.
In Christ name I pray