Sunday 21st May
Read 2 Corinthians 9:12-15
“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (NIVUK)
Paul finishes his exhortation for the Corinthians to follow through on their promise by pointing out the consequences of their worship. The winners are everywhere in this worship circle. The Judean believers are comforted. The Macedonians and others will be inspired by their commitment. God will be praised and prayers for them will overflow. There is no downside for anyone.
All of it flows from the gospel. If they embrace the gospel and are obedient to the Lord’s will their worship is perfected. That it all flows from the gospel is clear from Paul’s final words – “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (v15). A gift that inspires generosity and obedience and love and selflessness. An exclamation we can all join in making today!
