All things in comman, through unity:

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=90 BGCOLOR="#99CCFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="09776bc1egdyqn.gif"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFCC" FACE="Arial" ><B>Jim's Bible Note's</B></FONT><B>   |   </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Jims Bible Notes"><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Welcome "><U>Welcome  </U></A>   |   <A HREF="id23.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Day of the Lord"><U>Day of the Lord</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id27.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="In This Generation:"><U>In This Generation:</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id26.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Coming in the Clouds"><U>Coming in the Clouds</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id33.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Harvest, the End of the Age:"><U>Harvest, the End of the Age:</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id34.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="New Jerusalem"><U>New Jerusalem</U></A>   |   <B>All things in comman, through unity: </B>   |   <A HREF="id29.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="By Grace, Not Law:"><U>By Grace, Not Law:</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id24.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Favorite Links"><U>Favorite Links</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id25.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Friend"><U>Friend</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id30.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Me:"><U>About Me:</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id32.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" 87 Pontiac Firebird:"><U> 87 Pontiac Firebird:</U></A>   |   <A HREF="specifications.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="83 Honda CB1000C"><U>83 Honda CB1000C</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=390 BGCOLOR="#99CCFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="09776ba3.gif"> <div> All things in comman, through unity:                                                            <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#6633CC" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="id29.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="By Grace, Not Law:"><U><B>Next Page</B></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Psa 133:1  <B>How wonderful it is, how pleasant</B>, when <U>brothers live together in harmony</U>!</div> <div> 2  For <U>harmony is as precious</U> as the fragrant anointing oil that was poured over Aaron's head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe.</div> <div> 3 <U> Harmony is as refreshing</U> as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And the LORD has pronounced his blessing, even life forevermore.</div> <div> Rom 5:21  So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, <B>now</B> God's wonderful kindness rules instead, <U>giving us right standing </U>with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.</div> <div> Rom 6:23  For the wages of sin is death;<B> but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.</B></div> <div> Rev 1:18  I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.</div> <div> Eph :4:1  I therefore, the<B><U> prisoner of the Lord</U></B>, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith <B>ye are called,</B></div> <div> 2  With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing <B><U>one another in love</U></B>;</div> <div> 3  Endeavouring to keep the <B>unity</B> of the Spirit in the bond of peace.</div> <div> 4  There is <B>one body, </B>and <B>one Spiri</B>t, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;</div> <div> 5  <B>One Lord, one faith, one baptism,</B></div> <div> 6  One God and Father of all, <B>who is above all, and through all, </B><B><U>and in you all.</U></B></div> <div> 7  But unto <U>every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ</U>.</div> <div> 8  <U>Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men</U>.</div> <div> Eph 4:13  <B>Till we all come in the unity of the faith</B>, <B>and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:</B></div> <div> 4:13. Gifted people are to minister till all the church attains (reach translates katante4so4men, used in Acts of travelers arriving at their destinations) the three goals, each introduced by the Greek preposition (eis, “unto”): literally, (1) “<U>unto the unity of the faith</U> (cf. Eph. 4:5) a<U>nd full knowledge</U> (epigno4seo4s; cf. 1:17) of the Son of God,” (2) “unto a mature man,” and (3) “unto the measure (metron; cf. 4:7, 16) of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” As each believer functions in accord with the gift(s) Christ has given him (v. 7) the body as a whole enjoys unity (cf. vv. 3-6) and becomes more spiritually mature (cf. v. 15), <U>more like Jesus Christ in all His fullness (cf. 1:23; 3:19)</U></div> <div> Acts 1:14  These all continued <U>with one accord in</U> prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.</div> <div> 2:1  If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,</div> <div> 2  Fulfil ye my joy, t<B>hat ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.</B></div> <div> 3  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; <U>but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.</U></div> <div> 4  Look not every man on his own things, but every man <U>also on the things of others.</U></div> <div> 5  <U>Let </U><B><U>this </U></B><U>mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus</U>:</div> <div> Rom 15:5  Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:</div> <div> 6  That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.</div> <div> 7  Wherefore <B>receive ye one another</B>, <B>as Christ also received us </B>to the glory of God.</div> <div>  Paul’s exhortation in this passage is in keeping with Christ’s prayer for <B>unity among believers</B> (John 17:21-23). The four “if”s of Philippians 2:1 represent conditions that are assumed as true and could be translated “since.” The first verse sets forth the grounds for the believers’ <U>unity in Christ</U> (2:2).</div> <div> Apparently some believers at Philippi were characterized by vain conceit and selfish ambition (2:3-4). They thought more highly of themselves than they ought to have and neglected their responsibility to serve others (cf. John 13:1-17). Humility (“<B>lowliness of mind”)</B> might be defined as a proper evaluation of oneself in the sight of God and others (2:3; cf. Rom. 12:3; 1 Pet. 3:8; 5:6).</div> <div> HUMILITY, FOLLOWING CHRIST’S EXAMPLE</div> <div> Phil 2:1 Paul now expands upon his statement in 1:27, “<B>stand fast in one spirit, striving together with one mind [soul]</B>.” The four clauses in this verse are conditional; their substance will be fulfilled if and when the conditions stated in 2:2 are fulfilled. consolation in Christ—i.e., consolation of which Christ<B> is the source</B>. <U>comfort of love—comfort or encouragement flowing from love. fellowship of the Spirit—communion together as Christians, flowing from joint-participation in the Spirit (see 1 Cor. 12:4, 13, 14). bowels [tender affections] and mercies—as the issues of fellowship in the Spirit</U>. The opposites of these rhetorical questions are denounced in 2:3, 4, to which the four demands mentioned in 2:2 also correspond.</div> <div> 2 Fulfil ye my joy—Paul had experienced joy because of the Philippians. <B><U>He now asks</U></B><U> </U><B><U>that he might have this joy </U></B><U>completed by seeing full unity and harmony among them</U>.<U> likeminded</U>—lit., “<U>that you think the same thing” (see 2:5). being of one accord</U>—In Greek this is a noun meaning “co-souled ones” or “united souls.” of one mind—lit., “thinking one thing.”<U> If their thinking was focused on Christ, they would be united in thought.</U></div> <div> 3 The KJV supplies the words Let nothing be done, but it could just as well read, “Let nothing be thought.” Not only our actions but our thoughts need to be guarded from selfishness. God takes our attitudes as well as our actions into account. lowliness of mind—actually, “humility.” Humility is the realization that we are creatures who are totally dependent on God, the Creator. If we are really humble before God, <B>we are totally relying on God.</B> <U>This affects our attitudes toward others, for as</U> <B>equally dependent creatures</B>, we cannot take pride in accomplishments that put other men down (see Eph. 4:2; Col. 3:12). let each esteem other better than themselves—<B>Instead</B> of looking for good points in ourselves, <B>we should look for the good in others.</B></div> <div> 4 This verse is better translated, “Let each of you look not <B>only</B> to his own interests, but <B>also</B> to the interests of others” (RSV).</div> <div> 5 Let this mind be in you—Let this kind of thinking be in you, i.e., the kind of thinking that existed in Christ Jesus. We should follow Christ’s example, rather than put ourselves first. He did not think too highly of his own status to take on our humanity (2:8) with its complement of suffering and humiliation (Rom. 15:3).</div> <div> Acts 4:32  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought <B>of the things which he possessed</B> <B>was his own; </B><B><U>but they had all things common.</U></B></div> <div> 33  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.</div> <div> 34  Neither was there any<U> </U><B><U>among them that lacked</U></B>: <B>for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,</B></div> <div> 35  And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and<U> distribution</U> was made unto every man <B><U>according as he had need.</U></B></div> <div> 2 Chr 30:12  At the same time, God's <U>hand </U>was on the people in the land of Judah, <B>giving them a strong desire to unite in obeying the orders of the king and his officials, who were following the word of the LORD.</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>I. Encouragement for Living the Christian Life (Phil 1:1-30)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A. Paul’s praise of the saints at Philippi (Phil 1:1-8)</B></div> <div> <B>1. Introduction (1:1-2) Both grace and peace find their source in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.</B></div> <div> <B>2. Praise for their constant witness (Phil 1:3-6)</B></div> <div> <B>3. Praise for their concern for the gospel (Phil 1:7)</B></div> <div> <B>4. Praise shown by his love for them (Phil 1:8)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>B. Paul’s prayer for the saints at Philippi (Phil 1:9-11)</B></div> <div> <B>1. Prayer for love (Phil 1:9-10)</B></div> <div> <B>2. Prayer for the fruit of righteousness (Phil 1:11)</B></div> <div> <B>C. Paul’s presentation of himself to the saints (Phil 1:12-30)</B></div> <div> <B>1. Stalwart testimony (Phil 1:12-18)</B></div> <div> <B>2. Settled convictions (Phil 1:19-26)</B></div> <div> <B>3. Solemn exhortations (Phil 1:27-30)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>II. Examples for Living the Christian Life (Phil 2:1-30)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A. The Son of God whose attitude the believer is to share (Phil 2:1-18)</B></div> <div> <B>1. The declaration (Phil 2:1)</B></div> <div> <B>2. The exhortations (Phil 2:2-4)</B></div> <div> <B>3. The humiliation of Christ (Phil 2:5-8)</B></div> <div> <B>4. The exaltation of Christ (Phil 2:9-11)</B></div> <div> <B>5. The exhortations continued (Phil 2:12-18)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>B. The servants of God whose manner of life the believer is to follow (Phil 2:19-30)</B></div> <div> <B>1. Timothy and Paul (Phil 2:19-24)</B></div> <div> <B>2. Epaphroditus and Paul (Phil 2:25-30)</B></div> <div> <B>III. Exhortations for Living the Christian Life (Phil 3:1-21)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A. Believers are to have no confidence in the flesh (Phil 3:1-14)</B></div> <div> <B>1. The exhortation introduced (Phil 3:1)</B></div> <div> <B>2. The example to be avoided (Phil 3:2-3)</B></div> <div> <B>3. The example to be followed (Phil 3:4-14)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>B. Believers are to have a walk that pleases God (Phil 3:15-21)</B></div> <div> <B>1. A walk of maturity (Phil 3:15-16)</B></div> <div> <B>2. A walk of watchfulness  (Phil 3:17-19)</B></div> <div> <B>3. A walk completed (Phil 3:20-21)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>IV. Enablement for Living the Christian Life (Phil 4:1-23)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>A. Christ at the center (Phil 4:1-7)</B></div> <div> <B>1. Standing fast in Him (Phil 4:1-3)</B></div> <div> <B>2. Rejoicing in Him (Phil 4:4)</B></div> <div> <B>3. Living in the light of His presence (Phil 4:5-7)</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>B. God’s presence with believers (Phil 4:8-9)</B></div> <div> <B>1. Thinking worthy thoughts (Phil 4:8)</B></div> <div> <B>2. Doing worthy deeds (Phil 4:9)</B></div> <div> <B>C. God’s supply of human needs (Phil 4:10-20)</B></div> <div> <B>1. The lesson of contentment (Phil 4:10-13)</B></div> <div> <B>2. The blessing of giving and receiving (Phil 4:14-20)</B></div> <div> <B>D. Conclusion (Phil 4:21-23) </B></div> <div> <B>Final greetings came to the Philippians from Paul, from his fellow workers, and from other believers.</B></div> <div> <B>The apostle sent his greetings from all the saints (v. 21). </B></div> <div> <B>He addressed “all the saints” (1:1) in writing the epistle. </B></div> <div> <B>The brothers who were with Paul also sent greetings.</B></div> <div> <B>Timothy was certainly included in this group.</B></div> <div> <B>The saints (v. 22) who sent greetings were those in the church in Rome (Rom. 16:1-15).</B></div> <div> <B>Those who belong to Caesar’s household (Phil. 4:22) were probably those who had come to Christ as a result of Paul’s house arrest. They probably included soldiers and relatives of Caesar’s household. No wonder Paul could say that what had happened to him had advanced the gospel (1:12).</B></div> <div> <B>As was his usual practice Paul gave great prominence to Christ’s marvelous grace as he concluded his letter (cf. Phile. 25).</B></div> <bR> <div> Jer 32:39  And I will give them <B>one heart, and one way,</B> that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:</div> <div> John 17:11  And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, t<U>hat they may be one, as we are.</U> </div> <div>  21  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.</div> <div> 22  And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them;<U> that they may be one, even as we are one</U>:</div> <div> 23  I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.</div> <div> Rom 14:15  But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.</div> <div> 16  Let not then your good be evil spoken of:</div> <div> 17  For the kingdom of God is <B>not</B> meat and drink; <B>but </B><U>righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.</U></div> <div> 18 <U> For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.</U></div> <div> Rom 12:9  Don't just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong.<U> Stand on the side of the good.</U></div> <div> 10  Love each other with genuine affection, <B>and take delight in honoring each other</B>.</div> <div> 11  Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.</div> <div> 12  <U>Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.</U></div> <div> 13  When God's children <B>are in need</B>,<B> </B><B><U>be the one</U></B><B> to help them out</B>. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for <U>dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night.</U></div> <div> 14  If people persecute you because you are a Christian, don't curse them; <U>pray that God will bless them.</U></div> <div> 15  When others are happy, <U>be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow.</U></div> <div> 16  Live in<U> harmony with each other</U>. Don't try to act important, but enjoy the company of<U> ordinary people</U>. And <B>don't think you know it all!</B></div> <div> James 2:5  Hearken, my beloved brethren, <U>Hath not God chosen</U><B><U> the poor of this world</U></B><U> rich in faith</U>, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?</div> <div> 6  But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?</div> <div> James 1:9  Christians who are poor <U>should be glad</U>, for God has honored them.</div> <div> Prov 17:5  Whoso <B><U>mocketh the poor</U></B><U> reproacheth his Maker</U>: and he that is <B><U>glad at calamities</U></B> <U>shall not be unpunished.</U></div> <bR> <div> John 12:26  "If anyone serves Me, let him<B> follow Me; and</B><B><U> where I am</U></B>, there shall My servant also be; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.</div> <div> Gal 6:15  For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, <U>but a new creation</U>.</div> <div> 16  And those who will walk by this rule,<U> peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God</U>.</div> <div> 17  From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus.</div> <div> 18  <U>The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen</U>.</div> <div> Col 3:23  And <B>whatsoever ye do</B>, do it heartily, <B>as to the Lord</B>, and <B><U>not</U></B> unto men;</div> <div> 24  Knowing that of the Lord ye <U>shall receive the reward</U> of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.</div> <div> Acts 10:35  In every nation <U>he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.</U></div> <div> 2 Cor 8:21  Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, <U>but also in the sight of men.</U></div> <div> Mat 11:25  At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast<B> hid </B>these things from the wise and prudent, and hast<U> revealed them unto babes</U>.</div> <div> Mat 16:17  And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: <U>for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, </U><B><U>but </U></B><U>my Father which is in heaven.</U></div> <div> Isa 5:21  <B>Woe</B> <U>unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!</U></div> <div> 1 Cor 1:27  But God hath chosen the <U>foolish things of the world to confound the wise</U>; and God hath chosen the<B> weak things</B> of the world to <U>confound the things which are mighty;</U></div> <div> Isa 29:14  Because of this, I will do wonders among these hypocrites. I will show that human wisdom is foolish and <B>even</B> the most brilliant people <B>lack understanding</B>."</div> <div> Psa 112:9  They <U>give generously to those in need. </U>Their good deeds will never be forgotten. They will have influence and honor.</div> <div> 10  The wicked will be infuriated when they see this. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.</div> <div> 2 Cor 9:9  As the Scriptures say, <U>"Godly people give generously to the poor.</U> Their good deeds will never be forgotten."</div> <div> Deu 15:11  There will always be some among you who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share your resources freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need.</div> <div> Prov 11:24  <B>It is possible to give freely and become </B><B><U>more wealthy</U></B><B>, but those who are </B><B><U>stingy will lose everything.</U></B></div> <div> 25  <B>The generous prosper and are satisfied; </B><B><U>those who refresh others</U></B><B> will themselves be refreshed</B>.</div> <div> Prov 19:17<B>  He who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed</B>.</div> <div> Eccl 11:2  Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.</div> <div> Luke 6:30  Give to every man <U>that asketh of thee;</U> <B>and </B><U>of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again</U>.</div> <div> 31  And as ye would that men should <U>do to you, </U>do ye <U>also</U> to them likewise.</div> <div> 32  For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners <B>also</B> love those that love them.</div> <div> 33  And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners<B> also</B> do even the same.</div> <div> 34  And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners <B>also</B> lend to sinners, to receive as much again.</div> <div> 35  But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend,<U> hoping for nothing again</U>; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: <B>for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil</B>.</div> <div> 1 Tim 6:18 <U> That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate</U>;</div> <div> 19  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come,<U> that they may lay hold on eternal life.</U></div> <div> Dan 4:27  "'O King Nebuchadnezzar, please listen to me. Stop sinning and do what is right. <B>Break</B> from your wicked past <B><U>by</U></B><B> </B>being merciful to the poor. Perhaps then you will continue to prosper.'</div> <div> Isa 58:7 <U> I want you to share your food with the hungry and to welcome poor wanderers into your homes. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.</U></div> <div> 8  "I<B>f you do these things</B>, your salvation will come like the dawn. Yes, your <B>healing will come quickl</B>y. Your godliness will <B>lead you forward</B>, and the glory of the LORD will <B>protect you from behind</B>.</div> <div> 9  Then when you call, the LORD will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply. "Stop oppressing the helpless and stop making false accusations and spreading vicious rumors!</div> <div> 10  <B>Feed the hungry and help those in trouble</B>. <U>Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as day.</U></div> <div> 11  The LORD will <B>guide you continually</B>, <U>watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.</U></div> <div> 1 John 3:17  But if one of you has enough money to live well, and sees a brother or sister <B>in need</B> and refuses to help--how can God's love be in that person?</div> <div> 18  Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; <B>let us really show it by our actions</B>.</div> <div> 19 <B> It is by our actions</B> that <B>we know</B> we are<B> living in the truth</B>, so we will be confident when we stand before the Lord,</div> <div> 20 <B> even</B> if our hearts condemn us. <B>For God is greater than our hearts</B>, and he knows everything.</div> <div> Luke 16:9  And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.</div> <div> Luke 10:20  But don't rejoice just because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered as<U> citizens of heaven</U>."</div> <div> Jude 1:21  Live in such a way that God's love can bless you <B>as</B> you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you.</div> <div> 22  Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.</div> <div> 2 Cor 4:18  So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, <B>but the joys to come will last forever</B>.</div> <div> Earthly treasure should <B>serve</B> kingdom purposes and should <B>never be one’s master</B> (Luke 16:1-13).</div> <div> James 2:1  My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim that you have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ <B><U>if you favor some people more than others</U></B><U>?</U></div> <div> 2  For instance, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in shabby clothes.</div> <div> 3  If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, "You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor"--<B>well</B>,</div> <div> 4  doesn't this discrimination show that you are guided by wrong motives?</div> <div> 5  Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn't God<B> chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith</B>? Aren't they the ones who will inherit the kingdom God promised to those who love him?</div> <div> 6  And yet, you insult the poor man! <B>Isn't it the rich </B>who oppress you and drag you into court?</div> <div> 7  Aren't they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?</div> <div> 8  Yes indeed, <B>it is good</B> when you truly obey our Lord's royal command found in the Scriptures: <B>"Love your neighbor as yourself."</B></div> <div> 9  But<U> if you pay special attention to the rich</U>, you are committing a sin, for you are guilty of breaking that law.</div> <div> 10  And the person who keeps all of the laws <B>except one is as guilty as the person who has broken all of God's laws.</B></div> <div> 1 John 3:17  But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?</div> <div> 18  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; <B>but in deed and in truth.</B></div> <div> <B>Work to enter God's Rest</B>.  if indeed one has truly entered the "<B>rest of God</B>" completely.</div> <div>  I have<B> ceased </B>from fmy work of<B> earning </B>God's favor and am <B>resting in the righteousness of Christ and all that he did when I was redeemed. </B></div> <bR> <div> 2 Cor 8<B>:</B>12  For if there be <U>first a willing mind</U>, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.</div> <div> 13  For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:</div> <div> 14  But by an <B>equality</B>, that now at this time your abundance <B>may</B> be a supply for their <B>want</B>, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: <B>that</B> there may be equality:</div> <div> 15  As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.</div> <div> 16  But thanks be to God, which <B>put</B> the same earnest care <U>into the heart of Titus for you</U>.</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Grace Giving: 2 Corinthians 8–9</div> <bR> <div> Several things help us put this passage’s teaching on giving in perspective. In the early New Testament church there were no buildings to finance, no curriculums or programs to support. <U>Yet there were needs within the body</U>. <U>Funds were given to the apostles and to others who traveled as missionaries</U>. Often local elders would be supported to free them for a full-time ministry. <U>Paul wrote to Timothy about needy widows who were also supported by the congregation.</U> <B><U>However the first obligation for their support fell on children and grandchildren</U></B>. The great collections of which the New Testament speaks here and in other passages (cf. Acts 11:27-30; etc.) were, however, intended for the support of Christian brothers and sisters in lands struck by famine or some other natural disaster. Essentially then “<B>giving” in the New Testament was focused on meeting “people needs.”</B> Its goal was to <B>enable</B> others to <B>simply survive, or</B> <B>to carry on ministries recognized as important by the church.</B></div> <div> It is not surprising then to discover that the term used for “giving” in this New Testament context is not the typical Greek word for making a gift. Instead the New Testament adopts the Greek word <I>koinonia</I>, which means “<FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#6633CC" FACE="Arial" ><B>sharing</B></FONT>.” As Christians shared life in Christ<U>, their family relationship was expressed by a sharing of financial and material resources.</U></div> <div> In these chapters of 2 Corinthians then Paul wrote to encourage members of this congregation to share their material possessions with needy brothers. His whole approach and argument was a demonstration of the revolutionary approach to motivation explored in our last study guide. <U>Paul held </U><B><U>no</U></B><U> rallies and called for </U><B><U>no</U></B><U> pledges. He sent </U><B><U>no</U></B><U> letters filled with underlined appeals. Paul set up </U><B><U>no</U></B><U> “buy a brick” campaigns; he put </U><B><U>no</U></B><U> red ribbon threaded through a giant thermometer to creep upward toward Paul’s campaign goal. There was </U><B><U>not even</U></B><U> an every-member canvass</U>. In fact, Paul seems to have found an entirely different way.</div> <div> If we <B>keep in mind</B> these two factors, that “<B>giving” is really </B><B><U>sharing</U></B><B> to meet needs in the body of Christ</B>, and that New Testament giving focuses on people needs, <U>we will be able to better understand what Paul teaches us here.</U></div> <div> <I>Two</I> <I>examples</I> <I>(1</I> <I>Cor</I>. <I>8:1-9)</I>. Paul began by telling about the way the churches of Macedonia had shared generously <U>despite extreme poverty</U>. Their act of service was viewed as a <U>privilege</U>, and their example provided a standard against which the Corinthians could measure their <U>own earnestness</U>.</div> <div> But the Macedonians were not the prime example of the grace of giving: Jesus is. Jesus <U>demonstrated this grace in that though He was rich</U>, He gave all (“became poor”) that through His poverty <U>we might become rich</U>.</div> <div> There is no appeal here to <U>the tithe as a standard</U> against which to measure our giving. <U>Instead</U> Paul pointed to other believers and to Jesus, <B>whose love moved them to give, first themselves and then money.</B></div> <div> <I>Willingness</I> <I>(2</I> <I>Cor</I>. <I>8:10-12)</I>. Paul was pleased that the Corinthians had earlier expressed a strong desire to help. But the Corinthians needed to carry their intentions through to completion, “according to your means.” This is an important factor in grace giving. Paul said it again. <B>“If the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.”</B></div> <div> On the one hand, one need not be a millionaire for his or her contribution to be significant. Even the gifts of those who have little and can give little are acceptable. What God is concerned with is the willingness: the love that motivates the believer to share (cf. Luke 21:1-4).</div> <div> <I>The</I> <I>principle</I> <I>of</I> <I><B>“equality</B></I><I>”</I> <I>(2</I> <I>Cor</I>. <I>8:13-15)</I>. Here Paul laid down an important principle. The goal in grace giving is “<B>that there might be equality</B>.” This is <I>not</I> Christian communism, in any sense. Paul’s vision is of a worldwide church, an international body. In the first-century world, as in our own, there were at times famines or other natural disasters, which left whole populations on the verge of starvation. The collections which Paul spoke of here were for the relief of Christians in such areas. What Paul pointed out is that, at present, the plenty enjoyed by the Corinthians <B>could supply others’ needs. In their turn those others might one day supply the Corinthians when they had needs.</B></div> <div> The body image is appropriate here. Just as the food we take in is digested and distributed to all parts of the body, in order that every bodily part can function, <U>so the funds God supplies to believers are to be shared with those in need so they can live and function as God intends.</U></div> <div> <I>Action</I> <I>encouraged</I> <I>(2</I> <I>Cor</I>. <I>8:16–9:5)</I>. Paul told the Corinthians that Titus and another brother were coming to take and distribute their liberal gift, and urged them to “show these men the <U>proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you” by having it ready</U>.</div> <div> <I>Giving</I> <I>as</I> <I>sowing</I> <I>(2</I> <I>Cor</I>. <I>9:6-11)</I>. Paul turned to another image that had its roots in the Old Testament<U>. Sharing with others</U> is like sowing seed: the more generously one sows the more he or she will reap.</div> <div> This is <I>not</I> a promise that one who sends in $10 will get $100 in return. Instead it is an affirmation of God’s ability to <B>outgive His people</B>. “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” <I>The</I> <I>conviction</I> <I>that</I> <I>God</I> <I>is</I> <I>able</I> <I>to</I> <I>supply</I> <I>our</I> <I>needs</I> <I>is</I> <I>intended</I> <I>to</I> <I>free</I> <I>us</I> <I>to</I> <I>give</I> <I>generously</I>, <I><B>without</B></I><B> </B><I><B>fear</B></I> <I><U>that</U></I><U> </U><I><U>we</U></I><U> </U><I><U>will</U></I><U> </U><I><U>deprive</U></I><U> </U><I><U>ourselves</U></I><U> </U><I><U>or</U></I><U> </U><I><U>our</U></I><U> </U><I><U>family</U></I><U> </U><I><U>by</U></I><U> </U><I><U>responding</U></I><U> </U><I><U>to</U></I><U> </U><I><U>meet</U></I><U> </U><I><U>the</U></I><U> </U><I><U>needs</U></I><U> </U><I><U>of</U></I><U> </U><I><U>others</U></I><U>.</U></div> <div> In this context Paul said that “each man should give <U>what he has decided in his heart to give</U>, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Again, Paul was careful not to place believers under any obligation to give, and not to specify any percentage as appropriate. Each is to give “what he has decided in his heart,” and that decision is not to be made reluctantly or under compulsion.</div> <div> <I><B>The</B></I><B> </B><I><B>outcome</B></I><B> </B><I><B>of</B></I><B> </B><I><B>grace</B></I><B> </B><I><B>giving</B></I> <I>(2</I> <I>Cor</I>. <I>9:12-15)</I>. Paul now summed up the results of generous giving. It supplies the needs of God’s people. It overflows in expressions of thanks to God, and stimulates praise. It demonstrates the obedience (commitment) that is appropriate to our profession of faith. It generates prayers for the giver by the one who receives.</div> <div> And, as Paul had shown earlier, it permits us to experience the faithfulness of God <U>who is able, and does supply our needs as we use our material possessions to help our brothers and sisters.</U></div> <bR> <div> ·     <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#6633CC" FACE="Arial" >Giving is a privilege (2 Cor 8:4).</FONT></div> <div> ·     <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#6633CC" FACE="Arial" >Giving flows from commitment (2 Cor 8:5).</FONT></div> <div> ·     <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#6633CC" FACE="Arial" >Giving is voluntary (2 Cor 8:8).</FONT></div> <div> ·     <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#6633CC" FACE="Arial" >Giving is purposeful (2 Cor 8:13-16).</FONT></div> <div> ·     <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#6633CC" FACE="Arial" >Giving has personal consequences (2 Cor 9:6).</FONT></div> <div> ·     <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#6633CC" FACE="Arial" >Giving involves head and heart (2 Cor 9:7).</FONT></div> <div> ·     <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#6633CC" FACE="Arial" >Giving has spiritual as well as material results (2 Cor 9:12).</FONT></div> <div> <B>James 1:27 </B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#6633CC" FACE="Arial" ><B> Pure religion</B></FONT><B> and undefiled before God and the Father </B><B><U>is this</U></B><B>, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to</B><B><U> </U></B><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#6633CC" FACE="Arial" ><B><U>keep himself unspotted</U></B></FONT><B><U> </U></B><B>from the world.</B></div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#6633CC" FACE="Arial" ><B>Please </B></FONT><I> </I><A HREF="index___sign_guestbook.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Jims Bible Notes"><U><I>  Sign Guestbook</I></U></A></div> <bR> <div> <A HREF="id29.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="By Grace, Not Law:"><U><B>Next Page</B></U></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>