Entry 50
Grace For Giving
2Chr 31:4 Moreover he commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the LORD.
2Chr 31:5 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all [things] brought they in abundantly.
2Chr 31:6 And [concerning] the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid [them] by heaps.
2Chr 31:5 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all [things] brought they in abundantly.
2Chr 31:6 And [concerning] the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid [them] by heaps.
Eph 4:16 (KJV) From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Eph 4:16 (YLT) from whom the whole body, being fitly joined together and united, through the supply of every joint, according to the working in the measure of each single part, the increase of the body doth make for the building up of itself in love.
Eph 4:16 (YLT) from whom the whole body, being fitly joined together and united, through the supply of every joint, according to the working in the measure of each single part, the increase of the body doth make for the building up of itself in love.
This is very important, Hezekiah commanded the people to giving and the tithes to be restored. The Levites and Priests had no inheritance, could not own property. They needed the people to obey the Law of Lord and to show their appreciation for the service of the ministry. They needed both support in tangible things to live by and they needed encouragement to continue in their service. As much as I'd like to do a tithe, offering and first fruits lesson here I'll save that for a more dedicated project.
Hezekiah, as a type of Christ, inspired, by commandment, the people to support the priests as the Law prescribed. In the New Covenant, a better covenant, we have the Spirit of God in our hearts, regenerating us and inspiring us to do the will of God. The New Testament giving is a freewill offering giving.
Lets look at a few examples of what that looks like.
Hezekiah, as a type of Christ, inspired, by commandment, the people to support the priests as the Law prescribed. In the New Covenant, a better covenant, we have the Spirit of God in our hearts, regenerating us and inspiring us to do the will of God. The New Testament giving is a freewill offering giving.
Lets look at a few examples of what that looks like.
1) (Acts 4:31 [AKJV/PCE])
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
(Acts 4:32 [AKJV/PCE])
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
(Acts 4:33 [AKJV/PCE])
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
(Acts 4:34 [AKJV/PCE])
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
(Acts 4:35 [AKJV/PCE])
And laid [them] down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
(Acts 4:36 [AKJV/PCE])
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, [and] of the country of Cyprus,
(Acts 4:37 [AKJV/PCE])
Having land, sold [it], and brought the money, and laid [it] at the apostles’ feet.
2) Notice how God has even us "Grace" for Giving. Peter speaks of the "manifold" Grace of God. This is an aspect of the supply of the Spirit of God to us. IE: Grace to Serve, Grace to Stand, Grace for Apostleship, Grace for obedience, and in this case, Grace to give; and many other such graces are given as deemed necessary by God according to service to which He has called us.
(2Cor 9:7 [Webster])
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or by constraint: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
(2Cor 9:8 [Webster])
And God [is] able to make all grace abound towards you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:
(2Cor 9:9 [Webster])
(As it is written, He hath dispersed; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
(2Cor 9:10 [Webster])
Now may 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;)
(2Cor 9:11 [Webster])
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
(2Cor 9:12 [Webster])
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings to God;
(2Cor 9:13 [Webster])
While by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for [your] liberal distribution to them, and to all [men];
(2Cor 9:14 [Webster])
And by their prayer for you, who long after you, for the exceeding grace of God in you.
(2Cor 9:15 [Webster])
Thanks [be] to God for his unspeakable gift.
And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
(Acts 4:32 [AKJV/PCE])
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
(Acts 4:33 [AKJV/PCE])
And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
(Acts 4:34 [AKJV/PCE])
Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
(Acts 4:35 [AKJV/PCE])
And laid [them] down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
(Acts 4:36 [AKJV/PCE])
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, [and] of the country of Cyprus,
(Acts 4:37 [AKJV/PCE])
Having land, sold [it], and brought the money, and laid [it] at the apostles’ feet.
2) Notice how God has even us "Grace" for Giving. Peter speaks of the "manifold" Grace of God. This is an aspect of the supply of the Spirit of God to us. IE: Grace to Serve, Grace to Stand, Grace for Apostleship, Grace for obedience, and in this case, Grace to give; and many other such graces are given as deemed necessary by God according to service to which He has called us.
(2Cor 9:7 [Webster])
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or by constraint: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
(2Cor 9:8 [Webster])
And God [is] able to make all grace abound towards you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:
(2Cor 9:9 [Webster])
(As it is written, He hath dispersed; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
(2Cor 9:10 [Webster])
Now may 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;)
(2Cor 9:11 [Webster])
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
(2Cor 9:12 [Webster])
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings to God;
(2Cor 9:13 [Webster])
While by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for [your] liberal distribution to them, and to all [men];
(2Cor 9:14 [Webster])
And by their prayer for you, who long after you, for the exceeding grace of God in you.
(2Cor 9:15 [Webster])
Thanks [be] to God for his unspeakable gift.
Devotional Reading
I pray the Lord feed you by His Spirit as you read the following passages.
Set your ears upon Him as you read.
I pray the Lord feed you by His Spirit as you read the following passages.
Set your ears upon Him as you read.
(2Cor 8:1 [AKJV])
Moreover, brothers, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
(2Cor 8:2 [AKJV])
How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality.
(2Cor 8:3 [AKJV])
For to their power, I bear record, yes, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
(2Cor 8:4 [AKJV])
Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take on us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
(2Cor 8:5 [AKJV])
And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God.
(2Cor 8:6 [AKJV])
So that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
(2Cor 8:7 [AKJV])
Therefore, as you abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.
(2Cor 8:8 [AKJV])
I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
(2Cor 8:9 [AKJV])
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might be rich.
(2Cor 8:10 [AKJV])
And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
(2Cor 8:11 [AKJV])
Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which you have.
(2Cor 8:12 [AKJV])
For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man has, and not according to that he has not.
(2Cor 8:13 [AKJV])
For I mean not that other men be eased, and you burdened:
(2Cor 8:14 [AKJV])
But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
(2Cor 8:15 [AKJV])
As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
(2Cor 8:16 [AKJV])
But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
(2Cor 8:17 [AKJV])
For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went to you.
(2Cor 8:18 [AKJV])
And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
(2Cor 8:19 [AKJV])
And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
(2Cor 8:20 [AKJV])
Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
(2Cor 8:21 [AKJV])
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
(2Cor 8:22 [AKJV])
And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, on the great confidence which I have in you.
(2Cor 8:23 [AKJV])
Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you: or our brothers be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
(2Cor 8:24 [AKJV])
Why show you to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
(2Cor 9:1 [AKJV])
For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
(2Cor 9:2 [AKJV])
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 has provoked very many.
(2Cor 9:3 [AKJV])
Yet have I sent the brothers, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, you may be ready:
(2Cor 9:4 [AKJV])
Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, you) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
(2Cor 9:5 [AKJV])
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brothers, that they would go before to you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof you had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
(2Cor 9:6 [AKJV])
But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
(2Cor 9:7 [AKJV])
Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
(2Cor 9:8 [AKJV])
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
(2Cor 9:9 [AKJV])
(As it is written, He has dispersed abroad; he has given to the poor: his righteousness remains for ever.
(2Cor 9:10 [AKJV])
Now he that ministers seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
(2Cor 9:11 [AKJV])
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causes through us thanksgiving to God.
(2Cor 9:12 [AKJV])
For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings to God;
(2Cor 9:13 [AKJV])
Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution to them, and to all men;
(2Cor 9:14 [AKJV])
And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
(2Cor 9:15 [AKJV])
Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
Moreover, brothers, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
(2Cor 8:2 [AKJV])
How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality.
(2Cor 8:3 [AKJV])
For to their power, I bear record, yes, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
(2Cor 8:4 [AKJV])
Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take on us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
(2Cor 8:5 [AKJV])
And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God.
(2Cor 8:6 [AKJV])
So that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
(2Cor 8:7 [AKJV])
Therefore, as you abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.
(2Cor 8:8 [AKJV])
I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
(2Cor 8:9 [AKJV])
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might be rich.
(2Cor 8:10 [AKJV])
And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
(2Cor 8:11 [AKJV])
Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which you have.
(2Cor 8:12 [AKJV])
For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man has, and not according to that he has not.
(2Cor 8:13 [AKJV])
For I mean not that other men be eased, and you burdened:
(2Cor 8:14 [AKJV])
But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
(2Cor 8:15 [AKJV])
As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
(2Cor 8:16 [AKJV])
But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
(2Cor 8:17 [AKJV])
For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went to you.
(2Cor 8:18 [AKJV])
And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
(2Cor 8:19 [AKJV])
And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
(2Cor 8:20 [AKJV])
Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
(2Cor 8:21 [AKJV])
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
(2Cor 8:22 [AKJV])
And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, on the great confidence which I have in you.
(2Cor 8:23 [AKJV])
Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you: or our brothers be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
(2Cor 8:24 [AKJV])
Why show you to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
(2Cor 9:1 [AKJV])
For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
(2Cor 9:2 [AKJV])
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 has provoked very many.
(2Cor 9:3 [AKJV])
Yet have I sent the brothers, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, you may be ready:
(2Cor 9:4 [AKJV])
Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, you) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
(2Cor 9:5 [AKJV])
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brothers, that they would go before to you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof you had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
(2Cor 9:6 [AKJV])
But this I say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
(2Cor 9:7 [AKJV])
Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
(2Cor 9:8 [AKJV])
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
(2Cor 9:9 [AKJV])
(As it is written, He has dispersed abroad; he has given to the poor: his righteousness remains for ever.
(2Cor 9:10 [AKJV])
Now he that ministers seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
(2Cor 9:11 [AKJV])
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causes through us thanksgiving to God.
(2Cor 9:12 [AKJV])
For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings to God;
(2Cor 9:13 [AKJV])
Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution to them, and to all men;
(2Cor 9:14 [AKJV])
And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
(2Cor 9:15 [AKJV])
Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
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