The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. When the Gospel is proclaimed as God gave it, it has the power to either save the soul or further harden it. It has been proclaimed once for all. There will be no additions to it – no more new revelation, no more new Scripture. Once Jesus rose from the dead, all that was left was to proclaim it and teach how to live in light of regeneration and then how things would end. There is nothing more to be said. And as Christians, we are commanded to preach the Gospel as God gave it, with no changes, exactly as it was given, and there is a hefty price for failing to do so.
We are to preach the Gospel regardless of how it is accepted or not. If no one receives it, that’s not our problem as long as we were faithful to the message given. We still give God glory. If everyone receives it, then we have two scenarios: we were faithful and God gave a special blessing, or we were not faithful and we got man’s praise.
We will never be able to preach the full Gospel in one sitting, let alone in our lifetime, so preach the parts we can that specifically address the situations we are facing. But the end goal is still Christ and the solution to all problems is still the cross because all problems are from one thing: sin. That said, any extras, any ‘secondary’ doctrines we deal with, need to be correct too because nothing tells an audience your story is baloney if you need to lead them to a lie in order to expose them to the truth. It does no one any good to load up your talk on totally extraneous stuff and then say, “By the way, Jesus loves you.” It needs to be connected.
Preaching the Gospel is not a competition. That is one thing I despise seeing in the Christian community. And I’ll get on my fellow “young earth creationists” for it as well as “campus ministries” where I have seen it too. They seem to carry that attitude more than some others, where other ministries are competition instead of partners in the same war. Jesus told His disciples to not stop a man preaching in Jesus’ name because he was not against Jesus. There is no need to be part of your “clique” to be able to preach the Gospel. If the Gospel is being preached, praise the Lord.
But what about those who have false doctrines and yet somehow preach the Gospel correctly from time to time and people get saved? We praise the Lord that the Gospel was preached, but that does not mean we endorse the false teacher. We still mark such a person, and we still avoid them, but we do not deny God’s sovereign power to work even through a heretic. We are not to endorse or support said teacher even if some people happened to have gotten saved because they did get the Gospel right on occasion if most of the time, they aren’t preaching the Gospel. They are preaching their own message, so be careful. Endorse those who preach the message correctly, expose those who do not, and praise the Lord anytime the Gospel is proclaimed regardless of who it is from.
Preach a correct response to the Gospel as well. Do not leave someone ready to meet the Lord hanging, but do not seek any manipulative means to get more people to the altar. Provide an opportunity to respond after the message, but if someone is going to respond right then and there, let them do it. Always include the correct response of repentance and faith and be sure the people understand that Christianity is a life of denial of self and a lifting up of God and living with His heart for this world.
The Gospel is not a “Get out of hell free” card, though getting out of hell is a benefit. The Gospel is about the life-changing transformation from a sinner in rebellion against God into a submissive, obedient child of God. The benefits that come with it are just bonuses. We will get to rule, we will get to paradise, and we will get to judge angels, but those are all side effects of being a child of God whose first and foremost purpose is to worship, glorify, and enjoy God forever.
The Gospel is not about heaven. We can talk about heaven, but it’s not about heaven. The Gospel is about the relationship between Jesus and His bride, the Church. It is about the true marriage between Jesus and the believer. That is one thing I have noticed in many of the “heavenly tourism” proclamations: a lack of focus on Jesus and the Father. Many do mention Him, but very casually and rather nonchalantly. When Isaiah and John saw their glimpses of heaven, the majesty and glory of God were all they could think about, as well as their own unworthiness to be there. When these “tourists” go to “visit heaven,” there is no solemnity and the focus is all on the joyous, fun things we get to do. It’s not about God. And worse is when they barely give a mention of how to get there, because they presume their audience is already going. That’s not the Gospel. The Gospel is about God, for God, and towards God, and we simply get to enjoy the side benefits of being there.
As I conclude this series, the Gospel needs to be the focus of every believer – preaching it to others and living it out. If our lives did not change, we did not hear the Gospel, even if it was preached correctly. We did not receive it. Do not worry about what others say about the Gospel. Let God deal with them, whether they receive it or not. And when it is all said and done, let our attitude be, “I am but a humble servant; I have only done that which I ought.”
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he·don·ism
/ˈhēdnˌizəm,ˈhēdəˌnizəm/
noun
1. the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence.
Philosophy: the ethical theory that pleasure (in the sense of the satisfaction of desires) is the highest good and proper aim of human life.
When I was a child, I was blessed to go to Church every single week. As I got older, I also attended a vibrant youth ministry every single Wednesday evening.
Admittedly, it has taken me many years to realize that while church attendance was and is very important, and I encourage it, that’s not really what influenced my life. Back then, what really influenced my life more than anything were friends and the government-run school I attended. I believe it is time for many of us who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s to admit what way of life and lifestyle many of us really were disciples of. It’s time to admit many of us were trained up and put on the road to hedonism.
I am not saying in every circumstance, but in many, many ways, we were directed toward hedonism being the way of life we should pursue. I encourage you to pray about this. Think about and remember the music, movies. Think about the fact that in the government-run schools we were educated in frowned immensely on not talking about the God of the Bible and not teaching His good and right ways. What was promoted and taught? The philosophy of hedonism. I encourage you to pray and truly seek out God’s counsel on this.
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning;
for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.
- 1 Corinthians 15:33-34
As I look back on my life, I realize how much I listened to and allowed the ideas of humans to influence my life instead of hearing and obeying God’s ways to live in this world that He has given to us. Just one example in my life is in regard to the meaning of the word love. The Bible is clear that love is long suffering and love is kind, and it does not envy, nor is it self-seeking (1 Corinthians 13). A friend of mine “counseled” me in the meaning of the word and “helped” me to see that love could mean something else. This person encouraged me to see that loving someone could be having sex with another person I desired to be with that wasn’t my wife to “show” her how much I “loved” her, even though we knew that the Bible taught something completely different. Sadly, I began to see the “wisdom” in this new thought. In essence, this person was trying to convince me to live out the philosophy of hedonism, that “pleasure is the highest and proper aim of human life.”
Think about much of the music children and teenagers were exposed to in the 1970s and 1980s:
“Pour some sugar on me”
“Girls, girls, girls”
“Shook me all night long”
“Talk dirty to me”
“When doves cry”
Those of us who grew up listening to songs like these know what they are about. You’re not an idiot and neither am I. These songs and many songs like them are all about hedonism. It is my belief that it is time for those of us who grew up in that time and indulged in hedonism, and possibly still are, need to confess our sin, ask for forgiveness, and repent – turn away from this way of life.
I think if you’re honest with yourself, you’ll see things in our society and even in the Church now have only gotten worse.
I greatly encourage you to begin to strive to live out for Jesus Christ in all that you do. Begin to raise your children in Godliness and not in the ways of the world anymore. As Christ followers, we need to take Romans 12:2 seriously.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
- Romans 12:2
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Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
In this part of 2 Corinthians, Paul is in the middle of a teaching on generosity. This has been his topic since the start of chapter 8, and in the previous section, Paul began to talk about an attitude of generosity. That is the theme he continues here in greater depth.
To start, Paul shares a fundamental principle in verse 6 that governs both the physical and spiritual realms: the law of sowing and reaping. This metaphor, rooted in agricultural imagery, was easily understood by his audience. The analogy is simple yet profound: just as a farmer’s harvest depends on the amount of seed sown, so too do the blessings and results in our lives correspond to the generosity of our giving. Paul had previously discussed this idea in Galatians 6:7, and it is also referred to in Proverbs – 11:24-25, 19:17, and 22:8-9 just to name a few.
In the context of Christian giving, Paul emphasizes that the measure of our generosity directly affects the measure of blessings we receive. However, it’s important to note that Paul is not advocating a prosperity gospel, where giving is motivated by the desire for material wealth. Rather, he is teaching that God blesses those who give out of genuine love and generosity. The “harvest” may not always be material but could manifest in spiritual growth, deepened relationships, or greater joy.
In verse 7, Paul shifts from the principle of sowing and reaping to the attitude of the giver. Giving is not just about the amount but the heart behind it. Paul emphasizes that giving should be a personal decision, made willingly and joyfully. The phrase “not reluctantly or under compulsion” highlights that God values the spirit in which the gift is given more than the gift itself. The statement “God loves a cheerful giver” is key. It reflects God’s own nature, as He gives to us out of love, not obligation. When we give cheerfully, we align ourselves with God’s heart, participating in His joy.
Paul reassures the Corinthians that their generosity will not lead to lack but rather to abundance (verse 8). This verse highlights God’s ability to provide for His people. The repetition of the word “all” underscores the completeness of God’s provision: “in all things at all times, having all that you need.” This abundance, however, is not for selfish indulgence but to enable believers to “abound in every good work.” Paul is emphasizing that God’s blessings equip us to serve others more effectively. The resources God provides are intended to be used in fulfilling His purposes, and as we give, God continues to supply what we need to do good.
In verse 9, Paul quotes Psalm 112:9, a psalm that describes the righteous person who fears the Lord. The imagery of scattering gifts to the poor suggests not just occasional giving but a lifestyle of generosity. This kind of giving reflects a heart transformed by God’s righteousness. The second part of the verse, “their righteousness endures forever,” speaks to the lasting impact of such generosity. Acts of kindness and generosity are not forgotten; they have eternal significance. This verse challenges us to consider the legacy of our giving. Are we sowing seeds that will bear eternal fruit?
Paul continues to build on the agricultural metaphor in verse 10, reminding the Corinthians that God is the ultimate source of all we have. The same God who provides “seed to the sower and bread for food” is the one who will “increase your store of seed and enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” This reassures us that when we give, we are not depleting our resources but participating in a cycle of divine provision. God not only replenishes what we give but also multiplies it, leading to an even greater “harvest of righteousness.” This harvest is not just about material wealth but includes spiritual growth, deepened faith, and increased impact for God’s kingdom.
Paul concludes this passage in verse 11 by summarizing the purpose of God’s blessings. The phrase “enriched in every way” encompasses both material and spiritual blessings. God’s enrichment is holistic, touching every aspect of our lives. However, the purpose of this enrichment is clear: “so that you can be generous on every occasion.” God blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others. Our generosity, in turn, leads to thanksgiving to God. This cycle of blessing, giving, and gratitude brings glory to God, which is the ultimate goal.
This passage first of all reminds us of the idea of sowing and reaping, which is foundational for our generosity. But the attitude of the giver is the most important; we give cheerfully and willingly because God gave to us in that way. We give to honor Him and further His Kingdom on this earth. We can trust that when God calls us to give to Him, He will provide for our needs and bless us abundantly when we give to bring Him glory. In a world that often values accumulation, this passage reminds us of the joy and purpose found in giving, reflecting the generous heart of our Creator.
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When Paul said that he determined to know nothing but Christ and Christ crucified, he did not say he intentionally forgot everything else. Instead, he was saying that of everything he said and did, his goal was to get to Christ. Little showcased this better than Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill, where he started with the religions of the Athenians and then used the “Altar to the Unknown God” to showcase the ignorance of Athenian philosophers and then point to Jesus Christ.
Charles Spurgeon once spoke of a young preacher who had his mentor in the audience. After the sermon, the young preacher asked about how it went. The old mentor said that despite the proper exegesis, despite the great tone and voice, and despite the images and illustrations, it was a poor sermon. Why? Because there was no Christ. The young preacher said Christ was not in the text. The mentor replied that as there is a road from every village to London, there is also a road from every text to Christ and the job of the preacher is to find that road and even make one if he has not seen one yet.
Preaching should have one key thrust: to showcase and reveal Christ and to proclaim the Gospel. That is one thing I greatly appreciate about Answers in Genesis as a ministry: they purpose to make the Gospel the goal of what they do and what they share. While they emphasize dealing with origins, their stated goal and purpose is to help people believe that Genesis can be believed and therefore so can the Gospel. It is also a problem I have with other “ministries” where the goal and purpose is to promote self. And don’t get me wrong: the big creation organizations are very capable of stepping off that goal and starting to view every other creationist and organization as competition.
In March, I went to the Grand Canyon with the Engage Truth Ministry and many of their Worldview Academy students. The morning sessions were about getting the Biblical worldview side of the canyon, and the afternoon was about evangelism on the South Rim. The science was awesome, but the evangelism was the most amazing part. In our small groups, we asked some basic questions about how the canyon was formed, but then we went straight to the Bible and the Flood. We began explaining how the Flood and the aftermath are the only things that make sense of it. In my particular group, the bulk of those we spoke with were already Christians but none of them had made the connection between the Bible and the canyon before. They were very grateful to us for sharing our faith and helping them make that connection.
The best part of it was when we went to the geology museum. We got there just in time for an older lady to do her scheduled talk about the canyon and how it formed. It was so full of lies and bad science that it was very difficult for me to not interrupt. But I did not want to embarrass this poor old woman who was speaking from a script. So after the presentation, I took our group outside to debrief them and we just got a fire under our bellies. We went back and then presented what we had learned from the morning and then presented the Gospel in their own museum. Many from the audience there thanked us. Some were Christians, some were not, but they said it made absolute sense. We did have some scoffers who didn’t have the courage to engage with us. But it was incredible. Again, the goal was to present Christ and to present the Gospel. That day, a pastor from Phoenix came up to us and specifically thanked us for what we did.
If Paul could tie an altar to an unknown god to the Gospel, and we can tie a location like the Grand Canyon to the Gospel, we can connect just about anything to the Gospel. We can use any starting point and carve away a message to showcase the Gospel. Now there are limitations to this. I remember in my schooling days I thought we could showcase the connection between Star Wars and the Gospel, and the reality is yes and no. Many people have made a connection between Harry Potter and the Gospel (I have not read the books, only seen movies 1-5). Even the very popular TV Show “The Chosen” can be used to showcase the Gospels, even though it is a fictional supposition of what some of the backstories could have been. Now I am careful about justifying making a connection with a pragmatic basis, so one does need to be careful here.
The point here though is whatever tool you are using, get to the Gospel. Don’t let the tool replace the Gospel or supplement the Gospel; just use it as a connection point to pave and carve your way to Jesus. Even though we have some great tools, when a preacher or evangelist is doing his job correctly, and the person is intently listening, that person should be thinking more about Jesus than any other topic. In the Gospels, when people talked about Jesus, they did talk about their problems, but they talked more about Jesus than they did themselves. We need to do the same. When we get to Heaven, the focal point will be Jesus, so let’s start practicing now and making Jesus the center of every discussion and the target of every topic.
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There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the Lord’s people. For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to say anything about you—would be ashamed of having been so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.
- 2 Corinthians 9:1-5
While this section begins a new chapter in our English Bibles, we need to remember that it was not originally written with chapters and verse numbers, so this section is a continuation of Paul’s thoughts on the topic of generosity, which he has been discussing since the beginning of chapter 8.
Here, he begins in verse 1 by expressing confidence in the Corinthians' awareness and commitment to the service of the Lord's people. His phrase “There is no need for me to write to you” suggests that the Corinthians are already well-informed and enthusiastic about their charitable activities. This statement sets a positive tone, recognizing their past efforts and existing willingness to give. Paul acknowledges the readiness of the Corinthians to express generosity, which can serve as an encouragement for us to reflect on our own readiness and willingness to serve others. Are we proactive in our generosity, or do we need reminders and prompts to act?
In verse 2, Paul praises the Corinthians' eagerness and uses their example to motivate others. He mentions that he has been boasting about their willingness to help to the Macedonians, creating a sense of healthy competition and mutual encouragement among the churches. The phrase "your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action" highlights the contagious nature of genuine zeal and generosity. This verse reminds us of the powerful impact our actions can have on others. When we are enthusiastic and proactive in our service and giving, it can inspire and encourage those around us to do the same. Our generosity can create a ripple effect, motivating others to join in the effort.
Paul's mention of sending "the brothers" in verse 3 is a strategic move to ensure that his boasting does not turn out to be empty words. He wants to ensure that the Corinthians' readiness is maintained and that they follow through on their commitments. This verse highlights the importance of accountability and follow-through in our commitments. “The brothers” Paul is talking about were brought up in the previous section, where Paul explains how he is sending Titus and two other men to collect their offering and take it to where it’s needed in Jerusalem.
Accountability and integrity are crucial in our walk of faith. It is easy to make commitments and express intentions, but without follow-through, these promises remain hollow. Having accountability partners or systems in place can help us stay true to our commitments and maintain our readiness to serve.
In verse 4, Paul expresses concern about the potential embarrassment that could arise if the Corinthians are found unprepared when the Macedonians visit. This concern underscores the importance of living up to the expectations set by one's commitments and the reputational impact of failing to do so. This verse challenges us to consider the implications of our actions on our reputation and the perception of others. It reminds us that our commitments are not just personal but have communal and relational dimensions. We must strive to be reliable and trustworthy, ensuring that our actions align with our words.
Paul emphasizes the importance of preparing in advance and ensuring that the gift is given generously and willingly, not reluctantly or under compulsion (verse 5). He wants the Corinthians' financial gift to be a reflection of their true generosity and not something given out of obligation or pressure. The manner in which we give is just as important as the act of giving itself. True generosity comes from a willing and cheerful heart. Preparation and intentionality in our giving can help ensure that our contributions are meaningful and reflect our genuine desire to serve and support others.
This passage gives us some practical advice for our own generosity in the Church. Our enthusiasm for giving can inspire and encourage those around us to also give enthusiastically. We should have systems or people in place around us to help maintain our accountability and integrity in these matters, following through on what we say we are going to do. Being reliable and trustworthy in our commitments has a positive impact on both our reputation and our relationships with others. Giving with a willing heart and not begrudgingly shows that we demonstrate true generosity, not just giving out of mere obligation.
If we follow Paul’s words of wisdom here, we can cultivate a culture of generosity and readiness, making a positive impact on our communities and reflecting the love and grace of Christ in our actions.
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Another issue that comes up when one mistakes the Gospel for “getting saved” is the notion of “moving on beyond the Gospel.” Moving on to what? The Gospel is all there is. The Gospel is the message that God gave to mankind for salvation and for everything. The Gospel is the solution to all of man’s problems. The Gospel is the answer to all questions. The Gospel is sufficient for life and godliness. It will sanctify and purify us in this life and then finally bring us into full redemption in the next.
This is a continual process, and therefore, the Gospel has to be repeated over and over again to believers. It never hurts to go over the basics again. In my experience in academia, I have seen many people so focused on the high-level studies that they forget the basics and foundations upon which those high-level studies are built upon, even denying them because they went off trail. Christians do this all the time. They seek such high-level theologies that they forget the basic premises. I am not the only one who loves the simple faith of someone who had no academic inclinations but knows his God, over these highly “educated” people who know all doctrines but it’s pure academic and ultimately worthless. That is one of the things I love about my dad. He is not academically inclined whatsoever and could not handle himself in a “debate” with anyone, however, he knows the Bible and he knows his God. It is that simple child-like faith that carried onto me, even though I am intellectually driven. Despite my inclination towards the academic side of things, that child-like faith surpasses my intellect and that is why people can see my faith to a greater level than they can see my intelligence. They see both, and are amazed at the insights I get, but my insights come from that faith, not from my intellect. And I have a long way to go, too. There are people out there with half the “brain” I have, but far greater faith because they keep the Gospel close to their heart and not just in the head.
It does not matter how many years we have been walking with Christ. We need the Gospel regularly and continually, and we must remind ourselves regularly of the Gospel. One thing I do not like about having grown up in the church and on the mission field is that it is so easy for me to get complacent with being a Christian. One reason I keep bringing up the Gospel is because I, Charlie Wolcott, need the Gospel continually and regularly. It is music to my ears, honey to my tongue, and a constant reminded that Jesus is first and foremost.
I love how Voddie Baucham reported how he was asked if his message would be a Gospel-message or a message for believers. His answer was, “Yes.” It would be both - a message that believers need to hear and a Gospel message. Do not think the Gospel is just for unbelievers. A few weeks ago, I wrote about how the Gospel is for the believer as well as everyone else. The Gospel needs to be preached again and again and again because there will always be an area of life that needs to hear the Gospel and have it be applied.
Don’t stop preaching the Gospel and don’t stop listening to the Gospel. Do not think you can advance or graduate from the Gospel and look for “deeper things.” While there is milk and meat, the Gospel is BOTH milk and meat. The Gospel is so simple that a child can understand it, but so deep and rich than the entirely of theologians could not combine their resources to exhaust it. Never depart from the Gospel. In all you say, let the Gospel be your starting point and your destination. Let Christ be your domineering thought so that anything else seems mere superfluous next to Him.
I am a science teacher, and I love the science that keeps showing the Bible to be true. But as great and cool as those studies are, they still pale in comparison to Christ and to the Gospel. The Gospel does not need any academic support from science, history, archaeology, or any other field because it can stand on its own. Fortunately, God did leave all these fields of study, so man truly has no excuse; all the evidence showcases that the Gospel is indeed the standard for reality. Yes, it seems I am using the Gospel and Scripture interchangeably here, but I do believe for this purpose, it counts.
That said, don’t let people twist this and use this as a cover to insert and believe things contrary to Scripture. Many false teachers will use the primacy of the Gospel to discount “secondary doctrines” to insert opinions and man’s authority into Scripture and once they do that, they have won the battle. Because once it happens in one area, it will happen in others and before long, the Gospel itself will have been compromised. Don’t fall for it.
Do not think you can graduate from the Gospel. Keep preaching it. Keep reminding yourself of it. Worship the Lord by proclaiming how the Gospel has done its work on you. Plead with others that they may hear it. Don’t get complacent with the Gospel (I know that is a weakness in me). Keep it fresh in your mind. If it gets “old,” you absolutely need to hear it and listen to it again, or maybe you may never have had it do its work in you. Keep preaching it and do not let the Gospel depart from your mind, your lips, and especially, your heart.
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Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ. Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.
- 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
In the previous section of this letter, Paul gave some thoughts on practicing generosity and trusting in God to meet our needs. Here, he discusses the attributes of the three people he was sending to them – Titus and two others who remain unnamed. This section is essentially a letter of introduction and recommendation for these three men who would come to receive the collection for the believers in Jerusalem.
Paul begins in verse 16 by expressing gratitude to God for instilling in Titus the same earnest care he himself has for the Corinthians. This verse highlights the importance of shared concern and alignment in ministry. It is God who places this deep care and concern within the hearts of His servants, ensuring that they are unified in their purpose and mission.
Titus not only accepts Paul's request but does so with enthusiasm and self-motivation (verse 17). This verse underscores the value of willingly and eagerly participating in ministry. Titus’ initiative shows a proactive and passionate approach to serving others, which is a key attribute for anyone in a position of spiritual leadership.
In verses 18-19, Paul mentions another Christian brother, well-regarded by the churches, who will accompany Titus. Though he remains unnamed here, this brother’s reputation for his service to the gospel speaks volumes about his character and dedication. The brother accompanying Titus was chosen by the churches, highlighting a communal decision-making process. The selection of trustworthy individuals in handling church matters is crucial, as it maintains integrity and trust within the community. Collective responsibility and transparency are essential for handling financial matters, ensuring that the process honors the Lord and reflects the eagerness to assist those in need.
In verses 20-21, Paul and his team are proactive in maintaining integrity and preventing any potential criticism regarding the administration of the offering. This demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability in handling church funds. By addressing potential concerns beforehand, Paul ensures that the integrity of the ministry remains intact, not just before God but also before other people. This dual accountability is crucial in ministry, as it ensures that actions are above reproach and can withstand scrutiny from both divine and human perspectives.
Another man is brought up in verse 22 as being sent with Titus and the other brother, and this man remains unnamed here as well. We know that he has demonstrated zeal and proven his worth in various ways. This highlights the importance of proven character and zeal in ministry. Confidence in the Corinthians' response further motivates this brother’s involvement, reflecting mutual trust and respect.
While these other two brothers are helping the cause, in verse 23 Paul affirms Titus as his partner and coworker. The other brothers are representatives of the churches and also serve to honor Christ in their duties. This recognition of their roles underscores the collaborative nature of ministry and the honor associated with serving Christ faithfully.
This section concludes in verse 24 with Paul encouraging the Corinthians to demonstrate their love and validate the pride Paul has in them. This public display of support and affection serves as a testament to the church’s genuine commitment and love, fostering a sense of unity and encouragement among the believers.
The most curious part of this passage is that the two men accompanying Titus are not named. This may be because Titus would introduce them personally when they arrived in Corinth, as the church there may not have known of them previously. Or perhaps both of them were already well-known and they need not be identified at this time. The names may also have been left out of the letter to keep these men more neutral. The Scriptures do not give us a clear answer to this question.
Another question that may be raised is why was it necessary to have three people do this task. Wouldn’t it be sufficient for one person to pick up and deliver the collection? One person could have opened up the church to accusations of mishandling the collection. Two independent parties would be necessary to promote full integrity in the matter, and since Paul was close with Titus, he chose two others as well.
Paul’s meticulous approach in these verses provides a guide for both church leaders and members, emphasizing the importance of integrity, accountability, and mutual respect in the body of Christ. Ministry should be driven by a genuine and God-given concern for others, and participants should be willing and enthusiastic. Those chosen to handle ministry responsibilities should be well-regarded and trustworthy, as these brothers were. Integrity is essential in all matters, and Paul encourages this by acknowledging and valuing the contribution of each person involved. Just as Paul operated with integrity in his ministry, especially regarding finances, the Church today should do the same.
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