Daily Lesson for Tuesday 8th of September 2026
Read 2 Corinthians 9:7. What does this passage say about the act of offering?
God’s decision to save the world took place even before the world fell into sin. Christ’s coming to die for us was part of an ancient plan (Revelation 13:8). God was not caught by surprise. He had made plans to give Himself through Jesus. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-24 and 9, planning is an essential theological principle that concerns the act of giving. This can be seen in at least two ways:
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First, planning involves previous decision. Paul says that “each of you should give what you have decided in your heart” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV). The Greek word translated as “decided” is the verb proaireō. This verb is a compound form. The particle pro means “beforehand” or “in advance,” and aireō means in this context “to decide.” Thus, proaireō points to a decision made beforehand. Also, by starting his statement with “each of you,” Paul indicates that the given amount will not be the same for everyone. His point was simply that whatever people decide to give, they should do it with careful reflection. They should give what they believe is the right amount for them to give.
Second, planning involves the principle of proportionality. Paul reports that the Macedonians “gave according to their means” (2 Corinthians 8:3, ESV). Next, he applies this principle of proportionality to the Corinthians, as well. Encouraging them to finish the task that they had already committed to, he urges them to complete that project by using the resources that they possess (2 Corinthians 8:11). He concludes this thought by saying that the offering is given “according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have” (2 Corinthians 8:12, ESV). Whereas the Bible defines the proportionality of the tithes, namely, 10 percent, the same does not apply to the offerings. “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NIV) by applying the principle of proportionality. In other words, each one decides which proportion of earnings that he or she will give as an offering. Each one is supposed to give in proportion to what one has. This cannot be done without planning.
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How faithful are you with tithes and offerings, no matter how rich or poor you are? What excuses do you use to hold back from giving when you know that you can do more? |
Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26c-11-planning/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26c-11-planning
