Finish the Work

Finish the Work

Words of Faith 11-9-17

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2017

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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2 Corinthians 8

   [10] And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. [11] Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. [12] For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

       Apparently Paul did not consider it an unspiritual topic to address the matter of offerings. Paul concluded that the Corinthians would not refuse his appeal so he offered a brief rationale for the collection and an explanation of how it should be handled. Paul's advice was to finish what they had begun.   Good intentions, desire and eager willingness, are no substitute for good deeds.

       Paul also taught that an individual's giving should be commensurate with his means according to what one has. As Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians: "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made" (16:2). Our giving should be systematic and proportionate to our means so as not to burden others.

       The strong affirmation here is to finish the work. Finish what was started. Complete the commitment. There was a considerable need in Jerusalem and the Corinthians were needed to supply that need.

         All this is readily applicable for us as modern believers. We need to finish what we start whether it is a mission commitment, ministry project or a building for ministry. We need to complete the commitments in an acceptable way that is commensurate with our means. We need to prayerfully consider the needs of ministry and give, not as a manner of getting our way or securing a position, but simply because the Lord first gave to us.

         Are you giving to the ministry of your church? Are you sharing in the necessary expenses of your church family and the mission outreach of the Body? Is there a commitment that you made that you now need to finish?

       Father God, I submit to You the finances You have blessed me with and entrusted to me. Show me way You want me to give through the ministry of Your church. In Jesus' Name.