If you have ever had to apply for a passport or another important legal document, you’ll know that you have to do things just right. Everything has to be completely above board, so that everyone can see things are being done properly. That’s the situation Paul faces here.
The right people
Read 2 Corinthians 8:16
Paul is sending Titus in a team who will collect the church’s offering (v 18).
• Why does Paul emphasise Titus’ attitude to the Corinthians, do you think (v 16-17)?
• What does Paul emphasise about the “other brother” (v 18-19)?
• What is the purpose of the offering (v 19)?
• What is Paul’s goal in sending Titus and the brother (v 20-21)?
We’ve seen that as well as what we do, it matters why we do it. And it also matters how we do it. The principle is simple: Paul doesn’t only want to do the right thing in God’s sight; he wants to be seen to do the right thing in the world’s sight.
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APPLY
• Think about the way you deal with money. Would it stand up in the eyes of the Lord—and in the eyes of men?
Seek to be the kind of person who is known for financial integrity and honesty.
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The right reception
Read 2 Corinthians 8:22
• In verses 22-23, what does Paul emphasise about all three team members (Titus, the brother of v 17, and the brother of v 22)?
• What does he want the Corinthians to do (v 24)?
• Why are they to do this (v 22-24)?
This is one of a number of places in the New Testament where we see the early church being hospitable. They were to receive and welcome these men, and to look after them while they were in Corinth, because of the kind of men these three were.
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APPLY
• How can you be hospitable to fellow brothers and sisters in Christ?
• Does your church have a reputation in other churches for recognising and loving godly gospel workers (v 24)?
• How could you yourself help your church gain, or add to, this reputation?
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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