January 4, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 2 Corinthians Chapter 9
1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
In 2 Corinthians Chapter 9, Paul discusses the importance of financial support for the saints in Jerusalem. He encourages the believers in Corinth to demonstrate their goodwill and generosity, linking material aid to spiritual principles. This chapter highlights not only the practical significance of giving but also its spiritual impact, as it fosters gratitude and glorifies God. It teaches us that generosity is both an expression of love for God and a means to magnify His grace.
Commentary
Motivation for Generosity (Verses 1-5):
Paul commends the Corinthians’ willingness to support the collection for the saints. He mentions their exemplary role, which inspired other congregations, and emphasizes the importance of their gifts being ready to meet the call. The key focus here is that the gift should be a “blessing” – not given reluctantly or out of greed but with a free and generous spirit.
The Principle of Sowing and Reaping (Verses 6-7):
Paul illustrates giving with an agricultural metaphor: those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly, and those who sow generously will reap generously. This underscores the spiritual truth that generosity bears fruit in both the lives of the givers and the recipients. Notably, verse 7 emphasizes that God loves a cheerful giver, placing the attitude of the heart above the mere act of giving.
God’s Grace and Provision (Verses 8-11):
Paul reminds the Corinthians that God is the one who provides everything – both the means to give and the reward. God’s grace enables believers to be generous without lacking anything themselves. Here, giving is described as a way to manifest God’s righteousness and promote good works.
Spiritual Impact of Giving (Verses 12-14):
Financial support not only addresses the practical needs of the saints but also has spiritual effects. It results in thanksgiving and praise to God. The recipients glorify God for the generosity of the givers, recognizing their obedience to the gospel of Christ.
The Unspeakable Gift (Verse 15):
Paul concludes with a note of praise: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” Here, the ultimate gift of God – Jesus Christ – takes center stage. Every gift from believers is ultimately a response to God’s great gift to humanity.
Summary
2 Corinthians Chapter 9 connects practical generosity with profound spiritual truths. Paul shows that giving is not merely a material act but a way to reveal God’s grace and righteousness. Generosity flows from a heart that acknowledges God’s indescribable gift – Jesus Christ. This attitude leads to a wave of gratitude and glorification of God. For us today, this chapter is an invitation to give generously and cheerfully, trusting that God will bless and multiply our gifts to make His glory known.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 83—The Walk to Emmaus
This chapter is based on Luke 24:13-33.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
The chapter “The Walk to Emmaus” depicts one of the most deeply moving events following the resurrection of Jesus, as described in Luke 24:13-33. Two disciples encounter the risen Christ on their way to Emmaus but do not recognize him immediately. This event illustrates the importance of scripture, the necessity of faith, and the transformative power of the knowledge of Jesus.
Commentary
The disciples are wandering in deep disappointment and despair, unable to comprehend the significance of the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and the reports of his resurrection. Their lack of understanding and faith reflects the human need to recognize God’s plan in difficult times. Jesus approaches them unrecognized, listens to their sorrow, and begins to explain the Old Testament scriptures. This teaching conversation shows that Christ is present throughout the entire Bible and that his mission is confirmed by the prophetic predictions of the Old Testament.
The way Jesus addresses the disciples is both gentle and instructive: he lovingly rebukes them for their unbelief and opens their eyes through the scriptures. Only when the breaking of the bread occurs do they recognize him and understand the depth of his presence and mission. This encounter makes it clear that faith and understanding of scripture are the foundation for a fulfilled life in Christ. It was not a miracle, but the scriptures and fellowship that ignited their hearts.
The chapter also emphasizes the joy and urgency of conveying the message of the resurrection. The disciples leave everything behind to return to Jerusalem and proclaim the Gospel. Their encounter with Christ transforms their sorrow into hope and their doubt into certainty.
Summary
The Walk to Emmaus is a message of hope, insight, and transformation. The story shows how Jesus explains his mission through scripture, transforms doubt and grief into faith and joy, and makes the disciples witnesses of his resurrection. This event reminds us that Christ is always near, even when we do not recognize him immediately, and that through understanding the scriptures, our hearts can be ignited for the truth and joy of the Gospel. It encourages us to share this truth with zeal and courage.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 84—“Peace Be Unto You”
This chapter is based on Luke 24:33-48; John 20:19-29.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
The chapter “Peace be with you!” describes the events following the resurrection of Jesus, where He appears to the disciples, strengthens their faith, and brings them peace. It is based on the accounts in Luke 24:33-48 and John 20:19-29. These encounters reveal the deep mercy and patience of Jesus towards His disciples, who, despite His repeated teachings, struggled to comprehend His resurrection.
Commentary
The appearances of Jesus after His resurrection are marked by a message of peace, forgiveness, and new life. Jesus unexpectedly enters the midst of the disciples and greets them with the words “Peace be with you!” This greeting reflects the core message of the Gospel: reconciliation with God and inner peace despite external uncertainty. By showing them His pierced hands and feet, He strengthens their faith by answering doubt with the reality of His resurrection.
A key message of this chapter is that Jesus approaches the doubters with love and patience, as in the case of Thomas. Thomas, who reacts skeptically to the reports of the others, receives exactly the evidence he demands from Jesus. However, Jesus gently admonishes that greater blessings await those who believe without seeing. This is an invitation to trust, even when not all questions are answered.
Furthermore, the chapter emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit, which Jesus breathes into the disciples to prepare them for their mission. Without the Spirit of God, they are unable to preach the forgiveness of sins and spread the Gospel to the world. The gift of the Holy Spirit is essential to continue Christ’s work.
Summary
The chapter “Peace be with you!” demonstrates Jesus’ loving manner in renewing the faith of His disciples, dispelling their doubts, and preparing them for their mission. His words and actions after the resurrection call for finding peace and faith, even when external evidence is lacking. The disciples were equipped with the truth of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection and sent out to share this message with the world. This chapter reminds us that Jesus meets every doubt with patience and love and that the Holy Spirit is the key to serving in His name.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/04-01-2025-2-corinthians-chapter-9-believe-his-prophets/
