Second Corinthians 8 Part 2 Ensure The Integrity Of How Offerings Are Handled

God used Titus as a strong supporter of Paul's gospel labors.

2 Corinthians 8:16-17  But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. 17)  For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. 

Paul gave an account of those who helped collect the offering at Corinth for the poor saints. 

He started with Titus because God put a burden in his heart to help relieve the poor saints in Judea.

The words "earnest care" means that Titus had a sense of great urgency to encourage the Corinthians to finish taking an offerings to relieve the saints at Jerusalem.

We can trust God to work things out properly. 

When Paul thought to send Titus on this mission, he then discovered that Titus already had a great desire to do this and was ready to go to Corinth.

Those who love and serve God have no hesitation when called upon to meet a need or serve in a particular manner.

Paul sent an unnamed brother to accompany Titus in going to Corinth.

2 Corinthians 8:18  And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; 

In addition to sending Titus, Paul also sent with him "the brother." Who the brother is remains a mystery for his name it not given.

All we know is that this brother was held in high regard in all the churches and that he has a gospel connection.

This brother was also someone Paul trusted very much.

The most obvious answer is that Luke was "the brother" who was with Titus because Luke wrote a gospel and the book of Acts.

Luke traveled extensively with Paul recording the spread of the gospel of Christ and the churches that were planted.

Steps taken to avoid the appearance of evil in handling church offerings.

2 Corinthians 8:19-21  And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: 20)  Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: 21)  Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 

Paul tells us that "the brother" was also chosen by the churches that traveled with him to gather the money given by each church to relieve the poor saints in Judea.

He had a reputation for honesty and integrity. His presence helped avoid any appearance of of evil or misuse of the funds collected. 

This offering was not given by the apostles, but collected by them from the churches who cheerfully complied in supporting the poor saints in Judea.

Paul stressed that this giving was to the glory of the same Lord Jesus Christ, who is the one Lord over all. 

Christ is the same Lord of the poor saints at Jerusalem as He is over those who are blessed with more resources.

The declaration of a ready mind means stirring up their minds to readily and freely serve others with their offerings. 

Paul's main concern about the offering was that the Lord Jesus Christ receive all glory.

Paul exercised prudent caution by having witnesses chosen by the churches themselves, to verify that the funds were handled properly.

The idea of "providing for honest things" is that which is beautiful by reason of purity of heart and life, and therefore praiseworthy. 

It is conduct and character that is morally good and noble in the sight of God and man.

Honor faithful servants of the gospel of Christ.

2 Corinthians 8:22  And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. 

Paul emphasized a second time "our brother" who proved himself to be diligent in carrying out his duties and will use that same carefulness in collecting the Corinthian's offering.

Honor those who faithfully serve God with their lives.

2 Corinthians 8:23-24  Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. 24)  Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf. 

Paul is saying that Titus was his partner and faithful companion in his travels. 

He assisted Paul in preaching the Gospel, as well as enduring in the apostle's troubles and persecutions. 

In short, Titus was one with whom Paul had had sweet communion and fellowship.

Since they were men whom Paul held in high regard,  they ought to be received with great respect and affection. 

These men were sent by the churches as their representatives.  

The love of the Gentile churches for the Jews in Judea would be known by the generosity they displayed in sending funds to assist the Jerusalem church.

We see that each local church plays a part in helping meet the needs of Christians who suffer for the sake of the gospel.

We see that church finances should be handled with strict accountability.

We see that church finances should be conducted with the utmost transparency. 

We see that trusted men ensure that the tithes and offerings received are spent in the manner which the church determines.

This is an important message to all churches. Many televangelists operate as if all revenue is the personal treasury of a televangelist or his family.

I have pointed our spiritual errors of televangelists in other lessons. 

All televangelists and all local, Bible believing churches have a duty to operate in accord with Biblical truth.

Our role as individual Christians is to freely and cheerfully give our tithes and offerings in support of our local church.

A secondary role is making sure that proper controls are in place to govern church revenue and to ensure that all things are done honestly.

Bob