Tag: Jesus gave it all

2 Corinthians 8:1-24 – Be Generous

Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

Chapter 8 is the first of two chapters dealing with the concept of giving. Here Paul gives examples and encourages gracious giving. The Corinthians apparently had shown great generosity in the past. Paul wanted to bring that to mind in case they had forgotten their zeal for giving. They had to complete what they had started.

Paul puts giving into perspective, and verse 9 speaks volumes. “You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” Jesus was the most generous giver of all. He gave his very life so that we could be reconciled to himself and the Father. He sacrificed himself for you and me. Take a moment to reflect on what Jesus left behind in his heavenly kingdom to come to earth as a tiny baby. Now let the gratitude of your abundance swell up inside. Continue reading “2 Corinthians 8:1-24 – Be Generous”

Romans 12:1 – Worship Like This

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”  (Romans 12:1)

Don’t get the wrong idea and imagine Paul telling the people in this letter to get up on a slab as a burnt offering sacrifice to the Lord. While that type of thing would be common in the pagan world, Paul’s counsel was for a different type of worship—a holy, devoted kind.

Context: The twelfth chapter of Romans is one of my favorite chapters because of all the gems. Paul’s whole letter to the Romans gives practical advice for living a faithful life devoted to Jesus. Paul had never met his audience, but he taught them with love and respect. When we think of the historical backdrop of events, new believers living in Rome had seen and endured a lot. Paul’s counsel would have been insightful and encouraging. Continue reading “Romans 12:1 – Worship Like This”

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