Pastor Barry’s “Chapter & Verse” Day 311

November 8; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 157/260(III); ‘The Grace of Giving’

2 Corinthians 8:7 But just as you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in
complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
NIV
Paul is teaching on giving in this chapter. Money is a very interesting topic for Christians. Paul
is saying that the congregation of the church in Corinth excels in a number of areas. They have

good faith, they line the words of their mouth up with the Word of God. They are diligent to
spend time in the Word, receiving the knowledge the Word yields. They are diligent in their
relationship with the Lord. Paul is blessed by the love of the church for him. As much of a
blessing each of the afore mentioned things are, Paul then tells them and us, financial giving is
an area we must excel in as well. God’s grace is the divine influence upon the heart, and how
His grace is reflected in life. In other words, the Lord will divinely influence your spirit to give
into the work of the ministry. No one wants you to do well in every area of your life more than
the Lord. Since that is true, and all of the other areas the congregation of this church excel in are
a great blessing. Giving must be a great blessing as well. When we obey the biblical financial
principles, tithing to the local church we attend and giving to ministries you believe in and
support, over and above the tithe, the Lord tells you in His Word that He will prosper you
financially. Here is where some miss it. We give into the work of the Lord so that people can be
helped, not so that we can ‘cash in’ on His biblical financial principles. Excel in giving with a
good attitude and He will bless you.