THE
“R” WORD
An Exposition of II Corinthians 8:1-15
The dreaded “R” word is responsibility.
Christians are intrusted with responsibilities. We must deal with the
expectations God Himself has for each of us. As stewards of these responsibilities,
it is required that we be found trustworthy (I Cor. 4:2; 6:19-20).
One particularly instructive example of how
God reckons responsibility
is found in II Corinthians 8:1-15. Through a combination of heavenly motivation
and earthly practicality, we have inspired insights necessary for understanding
the “R” word. A word dreaded by selfish souls, but loved by all who count
themselves blessed in the Christ.
MACEDONIAN MOTIVATION
(1-5)
1. An
object lesson is a superior way to illustrate a principle (Jn. 1:1, 14, 18;
14:8-9).
2. When
Paul wanted to illustrate the principle of responsibility to the rather irresponsible
Corinthians, he chose the example of the Macedonians.
a. In
much affliction and deep poverty they had joyously, liberally given to the
collection for those beset by famine in Judea (Acts 11:27-30; 24:17; I Cor.
16:1-2).
b. They
did not have to be coaxed, they begged to be a part of that good work.
3. The
secret to their unexpected gift was that they had first given themselves to the
Lord, and then to those who served Him.
4. When
we have such a surpassing love for God, it is always tied to love for others
(Mk. 12:28-34; I Jn. 4:19-21).
5. In
this way our responsibility before God is motivated by love for Him and
expressed in deeds of love for the brethren—things of both Heaven and Earth.
BEING COMPLETE (6-7)
1. We
need to start what we finish (cf. Rev. 3:1-2).
2. Unless
we are well rounded in keeping our responsibilities, we are not sons of the
Father (Matt. 5:43-48).
BECAUSE WE WANT TO
(8-9)
1. God
has a special interest in our assuming a willing responsibility (II Cor. 9:7;
cf. Mal. 1:6-14; Acts 5:1-4).
2. Jesus
is the perfect example of this attitude (Phil. 2:5-8; Matt. 26:36-46).
NOT WORD AND TONGUE,
BUT DEED AND TRUTH (10-15)
1. God
has never been impressed by mere talk (I Jn. 3:18; Matt. 7:21-23; 23:1-3).
2. We
are not responsible,
however, for what is beyond our ability (Matt. 25:14-15).
3. True
gain is first found in giving, not in getting (Acts 20:35; Matt. 10:39; 19:30).
Edwin
11/12/00
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