To Know Grace

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

To Know Grace

Date: Apr. 22, 2016

Passage

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 (ESV)

1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 8:9

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

First, the example of the Macedonians (1-5). Paul was collecting an offering for God's people in Jerusalem, and he wanted the church in Corinth to participate. The Macedonian churches were the template for godly offering. They offered richly in spite of their own severe trials. They did so with great joy, and saw offering as a great privilege to offer not just their money, but themselves to the Lord. It seemed they were not able, and yet they exceeded all expectations and their ability. Here Paul saw in them the overflowing grace of God in them. It was truly the grace of Jesus in action.

Second, excel in the grace of giving. (6-9) Now Paul urged the Corinthian believers to do likewise. They were excellent in many ways, and had been granted many gifts by God. Excelling in the grace of giving was the completion for them. It is no less than the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ himself. He was the Son of God who gave all he had, even his life, so that these Corinthian followers might become eternally rich.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, bless me to offer with the hope of knowing the truth of grace.

One Word: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

Victory and Final Judgment

Revelation 20:1-15

Key Verse: 20:15

And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Today's Question

What is the misery of man's fallen condition?

See answer and references