2 Corinthians 9:10-15 (WEL) Now, may He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for your food, also supply and multiply your seed and increase the fruits of your righteousness. 11 So in being enriched in everything for every generosity, it produces thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the ministry of this service not only meets the needs of the saints, but also is abundant for many thanksgivings to God. 13 Through the demonstrative proof this ministry of giving brings, they glorify God for your living what you confess about the Good News about Christ and for your generous sharing with them and to all. 14 In their prayer and longing for you because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.
V10 Now, may He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for your food, also supply and multiply your seed and increase the fruits of your righteousness.
This is a prayer for God to bless the Corinthians. God prunes believers through various trials, Bible study, conviction, etc., to increase our fruit. The good fruit glorifies God and gives us rewards/crowns.
Righteousness is a life aligning with the Law of Christ. The fruit spoken of here are the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23.
Financial giving to assist believers in need is a result of the fruit of love. Even if the Corinthian believers come short in their budget for the month or whatever, God will still provide for their needs. Compare Philippians 4:19, Psalm 145:15-16 (all of creation including animals, plants, etc.), and Luke 12:7 (if God provides for animals, He will provide for people).
(Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary) “God preserves all things through His providence (1 Samuel 2:9; Acts 17:28). Without His continual care and activity, the world would not exist. God also preserves His people through His providence (Genesis 28:15; Luke 21:18; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 3:12).”
V11 So in being enriched in everything for every generosity, it produces thanksgiving through us to God.
There are consequences for committing sin, so there are consequences of not committing sin, giving to help other believers, and seeking to glorify God. Not only are we thankful and give thanks, but the recipients also praise God and thank us.
V12 For the ministry of this service not only meets the needs of the saints, but also is abundant for many thanksgivings to God.
Those who receive the blessings will rejoice in God and be thankful to those believers who gave.
V13 Through the demonstrative proof this ministry of giving brings, they glorify God for your living what you confess about the Good News about Christ and for your generous sharing with them and to all.
Their lives match their talk. We need to have an alignment with God’s word and consistency in public and private life.
We are to share to help others. First is our spouse, then our family, then the local church family, the greater church family, and finally the lost.
V14 In their prayer and longing for you because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.
The recipients want to meet their fellow believers who helped them. Giving to help others brings praise to God for His grace. Those who were helped not only are thankful to God and these believers but also give what they are able to—prayer.
V15 Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.
The greatest gift of all is God’s Son, Jesus Christ. For by His ministry, salvation can be mine and yours if you believe and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
Jesus gave His life. Surely, we can give a little to help our brothers and sisters if we are able to.
We learn:
God is pleased when we help others.
Giving to the brothers and sisters brings blessings.
Questions:
Do you give?
Are you thankful for what you receive?