WEBVTT 1 00:00:01.600 --> 00:00:05.200 Ladaies and gentlemen, Welcome to Wednesday Service, episode forty seven. 2 00:00:05.280 --> 00:00:06.839 I am your host, Josh on Monday. If you don't 3 00:00:06.839 --> 00:00:09.240 know me, I'm a Christian rapper, devoted husband, father, and 4 00:00:09.320 --> 00:00:11.599 Army veteran. This is brought to you by Cope of 5 00:00:11.679 --> 00:00:16.120 Conspiracy Podcasts. Thank you so much, Jonathan and Jacob and Raven. 6 00:00:16.920 --> 00:00:18.800 I thank all three of you now because I know 7 00:00:18.800 --> 00:00:21.120 that Raven's the new host, so I got to thank 8 00:00:21.399 --> 00:00:24.519 all of you now. And I just want to give 9 00:00:24.559 --> 00:00:28.440 shout outs to those that did comment last week. Angela 10 00:00:28.519 --> 00:00:32.439 as always, Thank you, Jcon forty four to twenty. Thank you, 11 00:00:33.439 --> 00:00:37.000 Brad Gillis, thank you, MDMP twenty two. Thank you so 12 00:00:37.159 --> 00:00:41.240 much for commenting on Wednesday Service. And then for those 13 00:00:41.240 --> 00:00:45.280 that commented on Sunday Service. I have Angela at MDMP 14 00:00:45.359 --> 00:00:48.119 twenty two. So if you guys happen to catch this, 15 00:00:48.280 --> 00:00:52.359 please go back and check out Sunday Service episode sixty three. 16 00:00:52.439 --> 00:00:56.119 I'm going over first Kings eight through ten and uh yeah, 17 00:00:56.200 --> 00:00:58.039 if you guys can go ahead and leave an emoji 18 00:00:58.119 --> 00:01:00.640 or a comment on that, really appreciate it. Thank you. 19 00:01:00.799 --> 00:01:05.319 And this week we're gonna be going over second Corinthians. Eight, 20 00:01:07.400 --> 00:01:12.040 and first, I like to go over a little intro. 21 00:01:12.239 --> 00:01:17.359 So Second Corinthians eight provides a powerful exposition on the 22 00:01:17.400 --> 00:01:22.239 grace of giving. Paul uses the explanary generosity of the 23 00:01:22.239 --> 00:01:26.079 Macedonian churches despite the poverty and affliction, to encourage the 24 00:01:26.079 --> 00:01:30.560 Corinthians to excel in the same grace. The chapter also 25 00:01:30.760 --> 00:01:35.239 stresses the importance of integrity and handling church resources, and 26 00:01:35.280 --> 00:01:41.959 introduces Titus and other brothers as trusted servants. So perfect, 27 00:01:42.000 --> 00:01:43.799 all right, and let me just go ahead and get 28 00:01:43.840 --> 00:01:48.359 to my teaching points here and also my other notes. 29 00:01:50.480 --> 00:01:52.760 There we go, and just let you guys know before 30 00:01:52.799 --> 00:01:58.640 we start, we're gonna be talking about the Macedonian churches 31 00:01:59.439 --> 00:02:01.280 and all. Just let you know before we start that 32 00:02:01.359 --> 00:02:05.040 the Macedonian churches in the Bible refer to the congregations 33 00:02:05.159 --> 00:02:09.240 established by the Apostle Paul and the region of Macedonia, 34 00:02:09.800 --> 00:02:14.560 a Roman province north of ancient Greece during his missionary journeys. 35 00:02:14.759 --> 00:02:20.800 The most prominent are Philippi, that's on Alaika and Brea, 36 00:02:22.319 --> 00:02:26.000 and that's where the brions are. So it's Berea, which 37 00:02:26.000 --> 00:02:29.080 are highlighted in the Acts of the Apostles and Paul's epistles. 38 00:02:29.120 --> 00:02:32.319 These churches are particularly known for the immense generosity and 39 00:02:32.360 --> 00:02:37.879 sacrificial giving despite facing poverty and persecution. Okay, you'll see 40 00:02:37.879 --> 00:02:40.159 that as we go through here. So I just wanted 41 00:02:40.159 --> 00:02:41.879 to let you guys know that when it says the 42 00:02:41.879 --> 00:02:46.240 Macedonian churches is talking about Philippi, that's only Alaika, Thesa, 43 00:02:47.280 --> 00:02:52.400 Lonaika and Brian. So it's Berea. Okay. So I just 44 00:02:52.439 --> 00:02:55.560 want to let you know. Let's go ahead and start 45 00:02:55.639 --> 00:03:00.000 at Tewod Corinthians eight, verse one, and the title is 46 00:03:00.080 --> 00:03:04.199 excel in Giving, And just let you guys know, this 47 00:03:04.280 --> 00:03:07.759 is not about This is not going to be like 48 00:03:07.759 --> 00:03:12.800 a normal church sermon where they'll be like talking about 49 00:03:12.960 --> 00:03:16.240 giving and hey guys, you know the church needs money 50 00:03:16.240 --> 00:03:19.639 and all this stuff. Sometimes that happens. I've heard people 51 00:03:19.680 --> 00:03:23.400 teach on this subject and they would say something like 52 00:03:23.439 --> 00:03:26.360 that that the pastor I study, he doesn't even he 53 00:03:26.400 --> 00:03:28.840 doesn't ask for offerings ever. They just they pass the 54 00:03:28.840 --> 00:03:31.719 offering around and whoever offers offers but he never asks, 55 00:03:31.800 --> 00:03:36.800 which is really cool. But some pastors end up struggling, 56 00:03:37.360 --> 00:03:41.520 which happens, you know, because you know, some people aren't 57 00:03:41.560 --> 00:03:44.080 giving to churches. You know, so some some pastors end 58 00:03:44.159 --> 00:03:47.599 up struggling and when they get to this these chapters, 59 00:03:47.639 --> 00:03:51.800 they kind of they you know, they kind of would 60 00:03:51.800 --> 00:03:54.879 be asking the congregation for money, just to let you know, 61 00:03:54.919 --> 00:03:57.400 this is not that kind of This is not that 62 00:03:57.520 --> 00:04:01.919 kind of teaching. This is just basically gonna be to 63 00:04:01.960 --> 00:04:04.479 the best of my ability to teach and give you 64 00:04:04.560 --> 00:04:10.400 examples and you know, key points to take from these 65 00:04:10.479 --> 00:04:16.279 chapters and stuff. But are this ministry is taken care 66 00:04:16.319 --> 00:04:18.800 of by cult the conspiracy podcasts, so they actually take 67 00:04:18.839 --> 00:04:24.720 care of this, so there's no giving required in any way. Okay, 68 00:04:24.759 --> 00:04:29.120 two Corinthians eight, verse one. Moreover, brethren, we make known 69 00:04:29.160 --> 00:04:31.720 to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches 70 00:04:31.800 --> 00:04:39.279 of Macedonia. Hold on them, excuse me, wow, that in 71 00:04:39.360 --> 00:04:42.560 a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy 72 00:04:43.000 --> 00:04:48.920 and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. 73 00:04:49.839 --> 00:04:53.000 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes 74 00:04:53.199 --> 00:04:57.519 beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with 75 00:04:58.160 --> 00:05:01.079 much urgency that we would receive the gift and the 76 00:05:01.079 --> 00:05:05.839 fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only 77 00:05:06.639 --> 00:05:10.800 as we hoped, but they first gave themselves to the 78 00:05:10.879 --> 00:05:13.399 Lord and then to us by the will of God. 79 00:05:14.040 --> 00:05:17.560 So we urged Titus that as he had begun, so 80 00:05:17.680 --> 00:05:22.480 he would also complete this grace as in you as well. 81 00:05:22.959 --> 00:05:25.959 But as you abound in everything, in faith, in speech 82 00:05:26.120 --> 00:05:29.720 and knowledge, and in diligence, and in your love for us, 83 00:05:29.920 --> 00:05:36.519 see that you abound in this grace also. So Paul 84 00:05:36.560 --> 00:05:40.680 highlights the Macedonian churches, who, despite their severe trials and poverty, 85 00:05:40.720 --> 00:05:44.680 have gave generously and willingly in the midst of a 86 00:05:44.800 --> 00:05:48.639 very severe trial. They're overflowing joy, and their extreme poverty 87 00:05:48.959 --> 00:05:53.759 welled up in rich generosity. So, just to give you 88 00:05:53.759 --> 00:05:56.519 as an idea, the example of the Macedonians is a 89 00:05:56.560 --> 00:06:01.920 significant biblical account that highlights the virtues of generosity, selflessness, 90 00:06:02.759 --> 00:06:06.519 and faithfulness in the early Church of the Early Christian Church. 91 00:06:06.680 --> 00:06:10.199 This example is primarily drawn from the apostle Paul's second 92 00:06:10.279 --> 00:06:13.319 Letter in Corinthians, where he commends the Macedonian churches for 93 00:06:13.360 --> 00:06:19.000 their exemplary giving despite their own hardships. What's the context. 94 00:06:19.319 --> 00:06:24.959 The Macedonian churches include those in Philippi, Thessaloni, Laika, Burrea, 95 00:06:25.120 --> 00:06:28.120 which are part of the early Christian communities established by 96 00:06:28.120 --> 00:06:31.199 Paul during his missionary journeys. These churches are noted for 97 00:06:31.279 --> 00:06:33.879 their strong faith a commitment to the teachings of Christ, 98 00:06:34.399 --> 00:06:39.040 even amidst persecution and poverty. The scriptural reference is going 99 00:06:39.079 --> 00:06:41.720 to be in Second Corinthians eight, verses one through five, 100 00:06:42.199 --> 00:06:46.639 which we just read key themes generosity admits poverty. The 101 00:06:46.720 --> 00:06:53.519 Macedonians and are celebrated for their generosity despite their extreme poverty. 102 00:06:53.560 --> 00:06:55.800 Their giving was not out of abundance, but out of 103 00:06:55.839 --> 00:06:59.639 a deep commitment to the needs of others, demonstrating that 104 00:06:59.720 --> 00:07:03.079 true generosity is measured by the heart's intent rather than 105 00:07:03.120 --> 00:07:09.519 the size of the gift. Joyful giving. The Macedonians giving 106 00:07:09.639 --> 00:07:13.079 was characterized by overflowing joy, suggesting that their contributions were 107 00:07:13.079 --> 00:07:17.079 not made out of obligation or reluctance, but with a 108 00:07:17.160 --> 00:07:20.959 cheerful and willing spirit. This aligns with the biblical principle 109 00:07:21.360 --> 00:07:23.439 that God loves a cheerful giver, which we're going to 110 00:07:23.480 --> 00:07:27.680 be talking about in chapter nine of tewod Corinthians sacrificial giving. 111 00:07:27.720 --> 00:07:32.040 The Macedonians gave beyond their ability, indicating a level of 112 00:07:32.079 --> 00:07:35.680 sacrifice that went beyond mere convenience. Their willingness to give 113 00:07:35.800 --> 00:07:39.120 sacrificially serves as a powerful example of prioritizing the needs 114 00:07:39.160 --> 00:07:43.600 of the church and fellow believers over personal comfort. The 115 00:07:43.680 --> 00:07:50.639 voluntary initiative the Macedonians took it took the initiative to 116 00:07:50.720 --> 00:07:54.639 give entirely on their own, without external pressure or compulsion. 117 00:07:55.160 --> 00:07:58.399 This voluntary action underscores the importance of personal conviction and 118 00:07:58.480 --> 00:08:01.120 leading of the Holy Spirit and accident charity and service 119 00:08:02.000 --> 00:08:05.680 commitment to the Lord before giving to others. The Macedonians 120 00:08:05.720 --> 00:08:10.680 gave themselves first of all to the Lord. This demonstrates 121 00:08:10.720 --> 00:08:14.120 their generosity was an outflow for their dedication to God, 122 00:08:14.160 --> 00:08:17.519 highlighting the principle that true Christian service begins with a 123 00:08:17.560 --> 00:08:20.720 heart fully surrendered to Him. And you know, earlier I 124 00:08:20.759 --> 00:08:25.879 said that, Oops, earlier I said that, you know, cult 125 00:08:25.959 --> 00:08:28.240 conspiracy takes care of this, but really God takes care 126 00:08:28.279 --> 00:08:32.039 of this, right because everything we have is given to 127 00:08:32.120 --> 00:08:35.879 us by the Father, right, so everything we only give 128 00:08:35.879 --> 00:08:38.480 glory to the Father, you know, So I give glory 129 00:08:38.519 --> 00:08:42.919 to God for this podcast. Okay, so I did say 130 00:08:42.960 --> 00:08:47.879 cult conspiracy physically takes care of this financially, but God 131 00:08:47.960 --> 00:08:51.840 is the one that's actually truly in control. And then sorry, 132 00:08:51.919 --> 00:08:53.840 let me get back to this. So the Macedonians. So 133 00:08:53.879 --> 00:08:56.480 the fifth one is commitment to the Lord before giving 134 00:08:56.519 --> 00:08:58.600 to others. The Macedonians gave themselves first of all to 135 00:08:58.639 --> 00:09:01.960 the Lord. This demonstrates generosity, the outful of dedication to 136 00:09:02.000 --> 00:09:05.039 God highlight, and the principle of true Christian service begins 137 00:09:05.039 --> 00:09:08.759 with a heart fully surrendered to Him. So, in summary, 138 00:09:08.799 --> 00:09:12.000 the example of the Macedonians remain a timeless illustration of 139 00:09:12.080 --> 00:09:17.559 Christian generosity and faithfulness, encouraging believers to give selflessly and joyfully, 140 00:09:17.600 --> 00:09:23.519 trusting in God's provision and grace. Okay, So I don't 141 00:09:23.559 --> 00:09:27.879 think I have to Okay, So we talked about that, 142 00:09:34.240 --> 00:09:36.679 all right, So let me just go back see if 143 00:09:36.720 --> 00:09:48.759 I have I'm sorry, guys, example of the Macedonians. Okay, 144 00:09:48.759 --> 00:09:51.799 there we go, And have you read seven? Yeah? We 145 00:09:51.799 --> 00:09:56.120 did read seven? Okay. So, and then in two Corinthians eight, 146 00:09:56.320 --> 00:09:58.519 verse seven, where it says, but as you abound in 147 00:09:58.600 --> 00:10:01.879 everything in faith and speech, knowledge and diligence, and are 148 00:10:01.919 --> 00:10:04.120 our love for us, see that you abound in this grace. 149 00:10:04.200 --> 00:10:08.200 Also so the grace of giving and two Corinthians eight, 150 00:10:08.320 --> 00:10:11.440 verse seven, Paul emphasizes that giving is an act of grace. 151 00:10:11.480 --> 00:10:14.519 He encourages the Corinthians to excel in this grace just 152 00:10:14.559 --> 00:10:17.879 as they excel in faith, speech, knowledge, and love. Just 153 00:10:17.919 --> 00:10:20.279 as you excel in everything in faith and speech and 154 00:10:20.320 --> 00:10:25.120 knowledge and complete earnestness and in love. We inspired in you. 155 00:10:25.559 --> 00:10:32.360 See that you excel in grace of giving. So the 156 00:10:32.360 --> 00:10:34.480 grace of giving is a is deeply rooted in the 157 00:10:34.559 --> 00:10:38.080 Christian faith, reflecting the character of God and the transformative 158 00:10:38.080 --> 00:10:41.240 power of the Gospel. It's an expression of love, gratitude, 159 00:10:41.279 --> 00:10:44.679 and obedience to God's commands, and it plays a significant 160 00:10:44.799 --> 00:10:48.799 role in the life of a believer. Okay, so just 161 00:10:48.840 --> 00:10:50.960 want to let you guys know that kind of give 162 00:10:51.000 --> 00:10:54.879 you like a biblical definition of that, And then we 163 00:10:54.919 --> 00:10:58.879 haven't read nine yet, right Nope? Okay, So key takeaways 164 00:10:58.919 --> 00:11:04.759 from A are Second Corinthians eight verses one through seven. 165 00:11:06.240 --> 00:11:09.960 Generosity amitdst hardships. Despite extreme poverty and several trials, the 166 00:11:10.000 --> 00:11:14.679 Macedonian Christians gave generously with overflowing joy. Right. Another one 167 00:11:14.759 --> 00:11:18.080 is giving is a response to grace. Their giving is 168 00:11:18.120 --> 00:11:21.360 not a burden, not a privilege. Their giving was not 169 00:11:21.440 --> 00:11:25.039 a burden but a privilege made possible by God's grace 170 00:11:25.440 --> 00:11:28.080 that was at work in their lives. They first gave 171 00:11:28.080 --> 00:11:31.559 themselves to the Lord before giving the collection. And then 172 00:11:31.679 --> 00:11:35.159 encouragement for the Corinthians. Paul encourages the Corinthians to complete 173 00:11:35.200 --> 00:11:38.279 the act of giving. As they excel in other areas 174 00:11:38.320 --> 00:11:41.039 like faith, knowledge, and love, he is urging them to 175 00:11:41.159 --> 00:11:44.919 excel also in this gracious act of giving. And then 176 00:11:45.000 --> 00:11:48.679 also the last one key takeaway from this these seven 177 00:11:48.759 --> 00:11:54.279 verses is giving is not dependent on wealth. The passage 178 00:11:54.279 --> 00:11:57.559 teaches that giving is about having a sacrificial heart and 179 00:11:57.679 --> 00:12:01.840 is not limited by one's financial status. The Macedonians example 180 00:12:05.360 --> 00:12:09.240 shows that true generosity is about willingness to give, not 181 00:12:09.399 --> 00:12:12.480 the amount. Okay, So I just want to let you 182 00:12:12.480 --> 00:12:15.440 guys know that. Let's go ahead and continue, and we're 183 00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:21.200 going to read eight through fourteen now or fifteen. I'm sorry, 184 00:12:22.159 --> 00:12:25.919 Christ our pattern so two Corinthians eight verse eight. Now, 185 00:12:26.600 --> 00:12:29.600 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the 186 00:12:29.639 --> 00:12:32.960 sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. For 187 00:12:33.080 --> 00:12:35.440 you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that 188 00:12:35.480 --> 00:12:40.279 though he was rich, yet for our stakes he became poor. 189 00:12:40.960 --> 00:12:45.639 But you though but you, through his poverty, might become rich. 190 00:12:46.559 --> 00:12:52.159 So we'll stop there really quick, so we know that 191 00:12:52.200 --> 00:12:56.639 it's you know, it is awesome to be a human. 192 00:12:56.840 --> 00:12:59.519 We're so blessed to be able to be born, to 193 00:12:59.559 --> 00:13:03.799 be a spirit for us to live life. And the 194 00:13:03.840 --> 00:13:06.519 demons they are jealous because they would love to be 195 00:13:06.679 --> 00:13:09.600 in our human bodies. And it's awesome to be human. 196 00:13:09.919 --> 00:13:13.120 But for God who is coming from heaven, who's a 197 00:13:13.159 --> 00:13:18.960 perfect and just God, for Jesus to come God in 198 00:13:19.000 --> 00:13:22.240 the flesh. Jesus it says that he was rich, obviously 199 00:13:22.279 --> 00:13:25.240 not meaning that he was rich on earth. He was 200 00:13:25.480 --> 00:13:29.000 rich in heaven. This is just him using a metaphor. 201 00:13:30.720 --> 00:13:33.559 It says, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you, 202 00:13:34.960 --> 00:13:39.679 through his poverty, might become rich, so meaning we become 203 00:13:39.799 --> 00:13:42.960 rich because through what Jesus did for us, we are 204 00:13:43.039 --> 00:13:46.320 able to and we become disciples for Jesus. Also we 205 00:13:46.360 --> 00:13:49.440 believe what Jesus did on the cross, and he becomes 206 00:13:49.480 --> 00:13:51.799 a mediator between us and God. So what he does 207 00:13:51.840 --> 00:13:53.519 he actually opens the door for us to be able 208 00:13:53.519 --> 00:13:56.799 to get to Heaven. So through his poverty, or through 209 00:13:56.840 --> 00:14:01.240 him becoming poor by becoming human, he was actually literally 210 00:14:01.279 --> 00:14:05.480 poor though too when you know Marry his family, they 211 00:14:05.480 --> 00:14:07.399 didn't have a lot of money. You could tell because 212 00:14:07.679 --> 00:14:09.720 when they went to do the sacrifice, they brought they 213 00:14:09.720 --> 00:14:13.559 brought two turtle doves. And that's usually someone that you know, 214 00:14:13.960 --> 00:14:16.279 somebody that doesn't have a lot of money would bring 215 00:14:16.360 --> 00:14:22.080 something like that. So yeah, so that's just an example. 216 00:14:22.159 --> 00:14:25.639 But he did, you know, he stripped himself of his 217 00:14:25.720 --> 00:14:28.559 got ship, right, So that that's kind of what I 218 00:14:28.639 --> 00:14:30.960 believe they're saying here says for you know, the grace 219 00:14:31.000 --> 00:14:33.279 of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, 220 00:14:33.879 --> 00:14:37.519 yet for year's sakes, he became poor, and through his 221 00:14:37.559 --> 00:14:43.440 poverty might become rich. Okay, so we'll continue reading until 222 00:14:43.440 --> 00:14:44.799 we get done with fifteen, and then I'll go over 223 00:14:44.919 --> 00:14:47.639 some of the stuff in my notes, And in this 224 00:14:47.879 --> 00:14:52.440 I give advice. It is to your advantage not only 225 00:14:52.480 --> 00:14:54.879 to be doing what you began and we're desiring to 226 00:14:54.919 --> 00:14:57.879 do a year ago, but now you may also complete 227 00:14:58.639 --> 00:15:02.960 the doing of it that as there was a readiness 228 00:15:02.960 --> 00:15:06.000 to desire it. So there is also maybe a completion 229 00:15:06.440 --> 00:15:08.919 out of what you have. For if there is a 230 00:15:08.960 --> 00:15:12.600 first a willing mind. For if there is first a 231 00:15:12.639 --> 00:15:16.480 willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, 232 00:15:16.840 --> 00:15:21.000 and not according to what he does not have. For 233 00:15:21.120 --> 00:15:24.039 I do not mean that others should be eased and 234 00:15:24.080 --> 00:15:29.840 you burden, but in equality. That now, at this time, 235 00:15:29.879 --> 00:15:34.559 your abundance may supply their lack, That their abundance may 236 00:15:34.559 --> 00:15:38.240 also supply your lack, that there may be equality. As 237 00:15:38.279 --> 00:15:42.720 it is written, he who gathered much had nothing left over, 238 00:15:42.759 --> 00:15:51.240 and he who gathered little had no lack. So Christ 239 00:15:51.399 --> 00:15:56.039 is our example. In tewod Corinthians eight, verse nine, Paul 240 00:15:56.039 --> 00:16:00.720 reminds the Corinthians of Christ's sacrifice. It says, who, though rich, 241 00:16:00.799 --> 00:16:03.919 became poor for our sake? For you know the grace 242 00:16:03.919 --> 00:16:06.600 of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he was rich. Yeah, 243 00:16:06.600 --> 00:16:09.279 for your sakes, he became poor so that you, through 244 00:16:09.320 --> 00:16:16.320 his poverty, might become rich. And it says Christ is 245 00:16:16.320 --> 00:16:19.480 our example. The concept of Christ as our example is 246 00:16:19.480 --> 00:16:23.639 a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the life and 247 00:16:23.679 --> 00:16:27.000 teachings of Jesus Christ is a Jesus Christ as a 248 00:16:27.120 --> 00:16:30.759 model for believers to emulate. This idea is rooted in 249 00:16:30.840 --> 00:16:35.799 the New Testament, where Jesus's action, character, and teachings are 250 00:16:35.840 --> 00:16:40.679 presented as an ideal standard for Christian conduct and spirituality. 251 00:16:42.840 --> 00:16:45.399 Christ is our example. Some of the biblical foundations would 252 00:16:45.440 --> 00:16:48.600 be imitation of Christ, which was found in one Corinthians 253 00:16:48.600 --> 00:16:52.840 eleven to one. It says, be imitators of me as 254 00:16:52.879 --> 00:16:57.120 I am of Christ. That's well. Paul writes Humility and 255 00:16:57.200 --> 00:17:01.480 Service in Philippians two, versus five through eight, highlights the 256 00:17:01.559 --> 00:17:05.200 humility and servitude of Christ, urging believers to adopt the 257 00:17:05.240 --> 00:17:08.599 same mindset. Let this mind be in you, which has 258 00:17:08.680 --> 00:17:11.960 also in Christ. Jesus, who existed in the form of God, 259 00:17:12.680 --> 00:17:18.000 did not consider equality with himself, taking equality with God 260 00:17:18.079 --> 00:17:20.920 something to be grasped, but emptied himself taking the form 261 00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:23.839 of a servant, being made in human likeness and being 262 00:17:23.839 --> 00:17:26.799 found in appearance as a man. He humbled himself and 263 00:17:26.839 --> 00:17:30.480 became obedient to death, even death on a cross. So 264 00:17:30.640 --> 00:17:34.559 that's a great verse to connect to this verse where 265 00:17:34.599 --> 00:17:38.119 it says, for you know the grace of our Lord 266 00:17:38.160 --> 00:17:40.240 Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your 267 00:17:40.319 --> 00:17:44.799 sake he became poor. Okay, So the humility and Service verse, 268 00:17:44.799 --> 00:17:47.880 that's Philippians two, verses five through eight, if you guys 269 00:17:47.880 --> 00:17:51.160 want to look that up. And then love and forgiveness 270 00:17:51.480 --> 00:17:54.799 jesus teachings on love and forgiveness are central to his example. 271 00:17:55.240 --> 00:17:58.480 In John thirteen thirty four and thirty five a new 272 00:17:58.480 --> 00:18:00.880 command And I give you love one another as I 273 00:18:00.920 --> 00:18:03.880 have loved you, And you must love one another by this. 274 00:18:05.240 --> 00:18:08.200 So you must love one another. By this, everyone will 275 00:18:08.200 --> 00:18:10.759 know that you are my disciples if you love one another. 276 00:18:10.799 --> 00:18:14.279 This commandment emphasizes the sacrificial, unconditional nature of christ like love. 277 00:18:15.039 --> 00:18:18.200 Then we have suffering and endurance in one Peter two 278 00:18:18.240 --> 00:18:21.680 twenty one. For to this you recall, because Christ also 279 00:18:21.799 --> 00:18:25.400 suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should 280 00:18:25.440 --> 00:18:28.960 follow in his footsteps. Next one is obedience to God. 281 00:18:29.079 --> 00:18:32.119 Jesus obedience to the Father is a key aspect of 282 00:18:32.200 --> 00:18:35.480 his example in John six thirty eight, for I have 283 00:18:35.559 --> 00:18:38.279 come down from Heaven not to do my own will, 284 00:18:38.799 --> 00:18:41.680 but the will of him who sent me. This obedience 285 00:18:41.720 --> 00:18:46.039 is further exemplified in the Garden of Yosemite, where Jesus 286 00:18:46.079 --> 00:18:50.559 praise not my will, but yours be done. Okay, So 287 00:18:50.640 --> 00:18:53.279 what's the conclusion. The example of Christ serves as a 288 00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:57.160 foundational guide for Christian living, calling believers to embody his 289 00:18:57.279 --> 00:19:01.160 teachings and character in every aspet respective life though the 290 00:19:01.200 --> 00:19:03.960 power of the Holy Spirit. Through the power of the 291 00:19:03.960 --> 00:19:06.680 Holy Spirit, Christians are equipped to follow in the footsteps 292 00:19:06.680 --> 00:19:11.039 of their Savior, reflecting his love, humility, and obedience in 293 00:19:11.119 --> 00:19:16.000 a world, in a word, in a world in need 294 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:19.920 of his light. Okay, so important. So yeah, there's some 295 00:19:19.920 --> 00:19:23.480 really good stuff in there. Hopefully guys took some notes, 296 00:19:24.279 --> 00:19:27.440 all right, So we also did fifteen or fourteen Equality 297 00:19:27.480 --> 00:19:30.599 and giving. So in two Corinthians eight fourteen, Paul speaks 298 00:19:30.599 --> 00:19:34.720 of a balance in giving where those with abundance can 299 00:19:34.799 --> 00:19:38.599 help those in need, creating equality. At the present time, 300 00:19:38.960 --> 00:19:42.480 your surplus will supply their need, so that in their 301 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:45.759 surplus will supply your need. So in their surplus will 302 00:19:45.759 --> 00:19:49.960 supply it your need. Then there will be equality. So 303 00:19:50.160 --> 00:19:52.440 equality and giving, let's kind of look a little deeper 304 00:19:52.440 --> 00:19:56.480 into that. The concept of equality and giving is rooted 305 00:19:56.480 --> 00:19:59.880 in the biblical principle of generosity and fairness among believers. 306 00:20:00.200 --> 00:20:03.319 It emphasizes the importance of sharing resources within the Christian 307 00:20:03.319 --> 00:20:06.680 community to ensure that no one is in need. This 308 00:20:06.759 --> 00:20:10.319 principle is primarily derived from the teachings of the apostle 309 00:20:10.400 --> 00:20:14.319 Paul and is exemplified in the early Christian practices. In 310 00:20:14.400 --> 00:20:18.920 early Church practices, the biblical foundation is found in Two 311 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:22.279 Corinthians eight verses thirteen through fifteen, which we just read. 312 00:20:23.160 --> 00:20:26.240 Paul addresses the Corinthian Church regarding the contributions of the 313 00:20:27.000 --> 00:20:32.519 improvision impoverished believers in Jerusalem. He writes, it is not 314 00:20:32.599 --> 00:20:37.359 intended that others may be relieved while you are burden, 315 00:20:37.839 --> 00:20:41.680 but that there may be equality. At the present time 316 00:20:41.880 --> 00:20:45.160 your surplus you meet their need, so that in their 317 00:20:45.200 --> 00:20:48.880 surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality. 318 00:20:48.920 --> 00:20:51.519 As it is written, the one who gathered much had 319 00:20:51.559 --> 00:20:56.599 no excess. The one who gathered little had no shortfall. 320 00:20:57.000 --> 00:21:00.119 This passage highlights the reciprocal nature of giving, or the 321 00:21:00.160 --> 00:21:03.119 abundance of one group can alleviate the lack of another, 322 00:21:03.200 --> 00:21:08.359 fostering a balance within the body of Christ. Old Testament 323 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:14.519 precedents inequality forgiving would be Leviticus nine nine through ten. 324 00:21:15.000 --> 00:21:17.599 The Mosaic law, including provisions of the poor such as 325 00:21:17.640 --> 00:21:21.119 gleaning laws and the year of Jubilee Leviticus twenty five, 326 00:21:21.160 --> 00:21:23.720 which aim to prevent the accumulation of wealth by a 327 00:21:23.799 --> 00:21:27.960 few and ensure that the land and resources are redistributed fairly. 328 00:21:28.079 --> 00:21:33.599 These laws reflect God's concern for justice and equality among 329 00:21:33.680 --> 00:21:37.319 his people in the early Church, and Acts provides a 330 00:21:37.319 --> 00:21:40.319 practical example of equality in giving all the believers as 331 00:21:40.440 --> 00:21:44.319 Acts two forty four through forty five. All the believers 332 00:21:44.359 --> 00:21:47.559 were together and had everything in common, selling their possessions 333 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:51.200 and goods. They shared with anyone who was in need. 334 00:21:51.400 --> 00:21:54.319 The communal approach to resources ensured that the needs of 335 00:21:54.359 --> 00:21:57.759 all members are met, demonstrate in a tangible expression of 336 00:21:57.799 --> 00:22:02.440 love and unity. So what is the conclusion? While the 337 00:22:02.440 --> 00:22:06.240 Bible does not prescribe a specific formula forgiving, the principle 338 00:22:06.279 --> 00:22:09.480 of equality and giving serves as a guide for believers 339 00:22:09.480 --> 00:22:16.599 to share their resources. Generosity and equality are yeah generosity, 340 00:22:16.839 --> 00:22:22.599 generously and with equality. By doing so, Christians fulfill the 341 00:22:22.599 --> 00:22:26.160 biblical mandate to love and support one another, reflecting the 342 00:22:26.240 --> 00:22:34.079 character of God in their stewardship. Perfect So I'll go 343 00:22:34.119 --> 00:22:39.920 over some key parts for eight through fifteen. Eight through 344 00:22:39.960 --> 00:22:43.039 fifteen is about generous, joyful giving as a reflection of 345 00:22:43.119 --> 00:22:47.279 Christ's sacrifice, not only legalistic command. Paul encourages the Corinthian 346 00:22:47.359 --> 00:22:51.039 Church to follow the example of the Macedonians by giving 347 00:22:51.079 --> 00:22:56.240 out of love and abundance, ensuring that those with more 348 00:22:56.319 --> 00:23:02.839 help those who would more help those with less, creating 349 00:23:02.920 --> 00:23:05.640 equality and fairness among believers. The central message of the 350 00:23:05.640 --> 00:23:08.839 ability to give as a gift from God and the 351 00:23:08.960 --> 00:23:13.640 motivation should be the love demonstrated by Christ, who became 352 00:23:13.720 --> 00:23:19.359 poor so that others could become rich. A couple key 353 00:23:19.440 --> 00:23:22.279 themes for you, guys, to understand giving is an act 354 00:23:22.319 --> 00:23:26.519 of grace, not obligation. Paul explicitly states he is not 355 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:33.000 commanding them to give, but to test the genuineness of 356 00:23:33.079 --> 00:23:37.920 their love by showing the same eager generosity as the Macedonians. 357 00:23:39.079 --> 00:23:40.440 Follow Christ's examples. 358 00:23:41.920 --> 00:23:44.440 The ultimate motnovation forgiving. 359 00:23:44.240 --> 00:23:47.480 Is should imitate Jesus, who willingly gave up his heavenly 360 00:23:47.559 --> 00:23:51.079 riches to become poor for humanity's sake. The sacrifice makes 361 00:23:51.119 --> 00:23:55.200 believers spiritually rich, and their giving should mirror his generosity. 362 00:23:56.680 --> 00:23:59.599 Next one is give according to your means. Paul advises 363 00:23:59.640 --> 00:24:03.599 the Corinth to give from their abundance, not out of 364 00:24:03.640 --> 00:24:06.039 a lack of resources. The goal is not to give 365 00:24:06.119 --> 00:24:08.960 beyond one's means, but to complete the act of giving 366 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:12.720 they had started with the willing heart aim for equality 367 00:24:13.160 --> 00:24:16.160 and fairness. The passage references the Old Testament account where 368 00:24:16.160 --> 00:24:19.920 the Israelites gathering manna, where everyone had enough and no 369 00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:22.440 one had too much or too little. This principle is 370 00:24:22.480 --> 00:24:25.519 applied to the Church, suggesting that those with more should 371 00:24:25.519 --> 00:24:28.720 provide for those who have less, so there's a balance 372 00:24:28.720 --> 00:24:29.519 of resources. 373 00:24:30.640 --> 00:24:32.480 Joyful participation. 374 00:24:34.319 --> 00:24:37.240 True giving is not a burden, but a joyful opportunity 375 00:24:37.279 --> 00:24:39.880 that results from God's grace. Working in a person's heart 376 00:24:40.200 --> 00:24:42.400 is a way to participate in a partnership with other 377 00:24:42.440 --> 00:24:47.960 believers and reflect the generosity shown by God. And uh yeah, 378 00:24:48.000 --> 00:24:49.559 just to get real with you guys too. I mean 379 00:24:50.880 --> 00:24:56.119 when you help somebody out or you give that feeling 380 00:24:56.160 --> 00:24:59.480 that you get, you know, it feels good to be 381 00:24:59.519 --> 00:25:02.400 able to help somebody out. Now, you don't go and 382 00:25:02.480 --> 00:25:05.000 brag about it, you know, you just keep it between 383 00:25:05.039 --> 00:25:07.680 you and that person, or you and God, or just 384 00:25:08.000 --> 00:25:09.839 you and God and that person. That's what you should 385 00:25:09.880 --> 00:25:14.599 keep it between, you know, because your reward is your 386 00:25:14.640 --> 00:25:17.200 Your reward in heaven will stay if you keep it 387 00:25:17.240 --> 00:25:19.319 a secret and you don't try to tell man by 388 00:25:19.319 --> 00:25:22.000 boasting and then people tell you're such a good guy 389 00:25:22.160 --> 00:25:25.079 or you're awesome. Oh my goodness, I can't believe that 390 00:25:25.119 --> 00:25:27.799 you would you would give you know, and that's amazing. 391 00:25:27.880 --> 00:25:29.680 You know, that's all that stuff that's your that's your 392 00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:32.119 reward if that's what you want, if you want people 393 00:25:32.200 --> 00:25:34.400 to you know, if you want likes on social media, 394 00:25:34.519 --> 00:25:38.440 or you want people to think that you're awesome and 395 00:25:38.519 --> 00:25:43.960 you're amazing or oh my gosh, you know whatever, you know, 396 00:25:44.359 --> 00:25:47.880 that's that'll be your reward, you know. So just just 397 00:25:47.920 --> 00:25:50.359 want to tell you guys that, just try to keep 398 00:25:50.400 --> 00:25:55.359 it between you, the person and God. Okay, it says 399 00:25:55.440 --> 00:26:02.799 collection for the Judean Saints well sixteen through twenty four. 400 00:26:04.759 --> 00:26:07.279 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest 401 00:26:07.359 --> 00:26:11.319