April 2, 2014
THE MIDDLE MAN
2 Corinthians 8:16–24
Charla Dixon
Central Truth
Giving is a matter of trust and unity. Faithfulness inspires faithfulness.
Key Verse | 2 Corinthians 8:22
And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. (2 Corinthians 8:22)
2 Corinthians 8:16–24
Commendation of Titus
16 But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going 1 8:17 Or he went to you of his own accord. 18 With him we are sending 2 8:18 Or we sent; also verse 22 the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. 19 And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. 20 We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, 21 for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man. 22 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers 3 8:23 Greek apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.
Dive Deeper | 2 Corinthians 8:16–24
Paul sets up the Corinthians to succeed in areas that matter. He challenges them to give to those in need outside their realm. He gives a clear way to make it practical. It would require a middle man. But who trusts the middle man? Paul knows this, so he shares how the messengers have proved themselves worthy to assure the Corinthians about those who were to deliver their gift.
The best way to challenge someone to be diligent is by being diligent ourselves and calling them to trust others who are faithful, too. We're all stewards of the grace given us. Credibility is earned. Tested, Titus proved himself sincere, diligent, chosen, and honorable beyond what was expected. He even jumped at the task because of his confidence in their potential. By sending those like Titus, Paul took away any excuses they had not to grow. God didn't rain money on those in need because He's providing more than food and supplies. He's building faith and unity.
In my twenties, I worked for a nonprofit in College Station. We volunteered to be audited every year, which meant more expense, time, and paperwork. It felt like ministry diversion rather than ministry itself. I wondered, "Why can't people just trust that we'll do the right thing?" That's an immature response. Ministry goes deeper than a cause. It‘s innately relational. My eyes were on those we were reaching more than those giving far away. Both were important. Both were ministry. We needed to show our readiness so the work wouldn't be discredited. Paul wanted the church to be both willing and wise.
It goes beyond financial audits. The Corinthians needed a heart audit just as much as the messengers. Would they grow in the area God was calling them? Am I diligent in the tests God brings in every season? Am I giving and growing in areas outside my comfort zone?
Christ gave outside His comfort zone the day He came to earth and was tested beyond anything we'll ever experience. When He challenges us to share out of what He's provided, we can know He's faithful and enough for us all.
Discussion Questions
1. How is God testing my trustworthiness in life right now as His disciple?
2. How am I giving and growing in areas outside my own community?
3. When was the last time I let God do a heart audit in me with regards to the gifts He's entrusted?
4. How have I seen God unify His church by growing hearts that are giving, faithful, and dependent?