2 Corinthians “The Heart of an Apostle” Part 14 - 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 “Unknown Men of...

2 Corinthians2 Corinthians““The Heart of an Apostle” The Heart of an Apostle”

Part 14 - 2 Corinthians 8:16-24Part 14 - 2 Corinthians 8:16-24““Unknown Men of Integrity”Unknown Men of Integrity”

Not Again!Not Again!

FederalFederalState State LocalLocalSalesSales

04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 2 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 2 Corinthians 22

April 9 - Tax Freedom DayApril 9 - Tax Freedom Day

Generosity is Non-Generosity is Non-negotiablenegotiable

““Those who have been redeemed by the Those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ should joyfully look at blood of Christ should joyfully look at

generosity as a natural outgrowth of the generosity as a natural outgrowth of the work of grace in their lives, even if work of grace in their lives, even if

economically impoverished” economically impoverished”


Elder’s at EphesusElder’s at Ephesus

““I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me.” my necessities and to those who were with me.” (Acts 20:33–34 ESV)(Acts 20:33–34 ESV)


Accountability with Accountability with Regard to MoneyRegard to Money

In this morning’s passage, Paul In this morning’s passage, Paul describes for us the means of describes for us the means of accountability that he used to assure accountability that he used to assure godly integrity with regard to money.godly integrity with regard to money.

In this morning’s passage, Paul In this morning’s passage, Paul describes for us the means of describes for us the means of accountability that he used to assure accountability that he used to assure godly integrity with regard to money.godly integrity with regard to money.


Big IdeaBig Idea

““since God has called since God has called us to generosity, us to generosity, we we are responsible to are responsible to handle these funds handle these funds with focused integritywith focused integrity””

““since God has called since God has called us to generosity, us to generosity, we we are responsible to are responsible to handle these funds handle these funds with focused integritywith focused integrity””


Smitten in the Smitten in the Heart (8:16-17)Heart (8:16-17)

2 Cor 8:16–17 2 Cor 8:16–17

““1616I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. the same concern I have for you. 1717For Titus not For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.”initiative.”


2 Cor 8:16–17 2 Cor 8:16–17

““1616I thank God, who I thank God, who put into the heart of put into the heart of Titus Titus the same concern I have for you. the same concern I have for you. 1717For Titus not For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.”initiative.”


Paul says that Titus’ heart literally “is being smitten” by God. Paul says that Titus’ heart literally “is being smitten” by God.

2 Cor 8:16–17 2 Cor 8:16–17

““1616I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. the same concern I have for you. 1717For Titus not For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.initiative.””


When God has our hearts, there is unity of direction and purpose, and spirit motivated enthusiasm for ministry.

When God has our hearts, there is unity of direction and purpose, and spirit motivated enthusiasm for ministry.

Search Me…Search Me…

““Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalms 139:23–24 ESV)everlasting!” (Psalms 139:23–24 ESV)


Renowned in the Renowned in the Word (8:18-19)Word (8:18-19)

2 Cor 8:18–19 2 Cor 8:18–19

““1818And we are sending along with him the And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. service to the gospel. 1919What is more, he was What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.”eagerness to help.”


2 Cor 8:18–19 2 Cor 8:18–19

““1818And we are sending along with him the And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. service to the gospel. 1919What is more, he was What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.”eagerness to help.”


ESV – “preaching of the gospel”

This brother, whose name is not given, is credentialed only by his preaching of the gospel.

This brother, whose name is not given, is credentialed only by his preaching of the gospel.

2 Cor 8:18–19 2 Cor 8:18–19

““1818And we are sending along with him the And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. service to the gospel. 1919What is more, he was What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.eagerness to help.””


This unknown brother added credibility to the project! This unknown brother added credibility to the project!

Word-ly WiseWord-ly Wise

““Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Cor 1:20–25 ESV)men.” (1 Cor 1:20–25 ESV)


Word-ly WiseWord-ly Wise

““Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (1 Cor 1:20–25 ESV)men.” (1 Cor 1:20–25 ESV)


God’s Word and God’s Wisdom are one and the sameGod’s Word and God’s Wisdom are one and the same

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)

Prudent in the Prudent in the World (8:20-21)World (8:20-21)

2 Cor 8:20-212 Cor 8:20-21

““2020We want to avoid any criticism of the way we We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. administer this liberal gift. 2121For we are taking For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.” the Lord but also in the eyes of men.”


But why does Paul worry about criticism? After all, it’s nobody’s business but God’s what the Church of Jesus Christ does, right?

But why does Paul worry about criticism? After all, it’s nobody’s business but God’s what the Church of Jesus Christ does, right?

Unobstructed Unobstructed MinistryMinistry

““Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry,” (2 Cor 6:2–3 ESV)with our ministry,” (2 Cor 6:2–3 ESV)


Paul’s priority in everything is to proclaim the gospel in a pure, blameless, unobstructed way. This is why he takes special pains to make sure even the appearance of what is unethical is removed.

Paul’s priority in everything is to proclaim the gospel in a pure, blameless, unobstructed way. This is why he takes special pains to make sure even the appearance of what is unethical is removed.

Daniel’s ExampleDaniel’s Example

““Then these men said, “We shall not find any Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his we find it in connection with the law of his God.”” (Dan 6:5 ESV)God.”” (Dan 6:5 ESV)


“Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:6–7 ESV)

“Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:6–7 ESV)

Proved in the Proved in the Church (8:22-24)Church (8:22-24)

2 Cor 8:22-242 Cor 8:22-24

““2222In addition, we are sending with them our In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. because of his great confidence in you. 2323As for As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ. of the churches and an honor to Christ. 2424Therefore show these men the proof of your Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.”the churches can see it.”04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 2 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 2 Corinthians 2323

2 Cor 8:22-242 Cor 8:22-24

““2222In addition, we are sending with them our In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often brother who has often proved to us in many proved to us in many ways that he is zealousways that he is zealous, and now even more so , and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. because of his great confidence in you. 2323As for As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ. of the churches and an honor to Christ. 2424Therefore show these men the proof of your Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.”the churches can see it.”04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 2 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 2 Corinthians 2424

ESV – “whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters” ESV – “whom we have often tested

and found earnest in many matters”

The biblical method for producing church leadership is not to bring qualified men in from the outside, but to grow them slowly and methodically from the inside.

The biblical method for producing church leadership is not to bring qualified men in from the outside, but to grow them slowly and methodically from the inside.

2 Cor 8:22-242 Cor 8:22-24

““2222In addition, we are sending with them our In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often brother who has often proved to us in many proved to us in many ways that he is zealousways that he is zealous, and now even more so , and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. because of his great confidence in you. 2323As for As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ. of the churches and an honor to Christ. 2424Therefore show these men the proof of your Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.”the churches can see it.”04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 2 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 2 Corinthians 2525

“And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.” (1 Timothy 3:10 ESV)

“And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.” (1 Timothy 3:10 ESV)

“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—” (Titus 1:5 ESV)

“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—” (Titus 1:5 ESV)

2 Cor 8:22-242 Cor 8:22-24

““2222In addition, we are sending with them our In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. because of his great confidence in you. 2323As for As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are you; as for our brothers, they are representatives representatives of the churches and an honor to Christof the churches and an honor to Christ. . 2424Therefore show these men the proof of your Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.the churches can see it.””04/21/2304/21/23 EBFC Semon Series: 2 CorinthiansEBFC Semon Series: 2 Corinthians 2626

The Church was meant to be the lifeblood of Christ’s disciples from which His glory and honor is reflected. The Church was meant to be the lifeblood of Christ’s disciples from which His glory and honor is reflected.

What Is a What Is a Healthy ChurchHealthy Church ? ?

““a group of pardoned rebels…whom God a group of pardoned rebels…whom God wants to use to display his glory…before all wants to use to display his glory…before all

the heavenly host…because they tell the the heavenly host…because they tell the truth about him…and look increasingly just truth about him…and look increasingly just

like him – holy, loving, united.”like him – holy, loving, united.” --Mark DeverMark Dever


So What?So What?

God has called us to generosity. God has called us to generosity. How do we handle this generosity How do we handle this generosity

with integrity?with integrity?

1.1. With a heart that has been “smitten” or With a heart that has been “smitten” or controlled by God.controlled by God.

2.2. With a burning desire to know and live by God’s With a burning desire to know and live by God’s Holy Word.Holy Word.

3.3. With a zealous desire to remove any obstacles With a zealous desire to remove any obstacles from our lives that would impede the preaching from our lives that would impede the preaching of the gospel. of the gospel.

4.4. With a desire to be tested and qualified to go With a desire to be tested and qualified to go forth and be a representative of this local church forth and be a representative of this local church and thus bring honor and glory to Christ in our and thus bring honor and glory to Christ in our circles of influence.circles of influence.


2 Corinthians “The Heart of an Apostle” Part 14 - 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 “Unknown Men of...

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