OVERCOMING A POVERTY MENTALITY

OVERCOMING A POVERTY MENTALITY

(Prov 10:22 NIV) The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.(Prov 10:23 NIV) A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.
(Prov 10:22 KJV) The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. (Prov 10:23 KJV) It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.
Prov 10:22: Vs. 10:22 Real prosperity is a divine blessing, accompanied by neither anxiety nor trouble. Prov 10:23: Vs. 10:23 mischief. Wickedness. but a man of understanding hath wisdom. Better, and so is wisdom to a man of understanding.

(Prov 11:24 KJV) There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty.
Prov 11:24: Vs. 11:24 meet. Right; i.e., what he should give.
(Prov 11:24 NIV) One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
(Prov 13:22 KJV) A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
Prov 13:22: Vs. 13:22 just = righteous. Good men leave their wealth to their grandchildren, but sinners lose it to more righteous persons.
(Prov 13:22 NIV) A good man leaves an inheritance for his children's children, but a sinner's wealth is stored up for the righteous.
(Prov 22:29 KJV) Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.
Prov 22:29: Vs. 22:29 mean men. Obscure men.
Prov 22:29 Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.
(Psa 68:19 NIV) Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah
(Psa 68:19 KJV) Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.
Psa 68:19: Vs. 68:19 loadeth us with benefits. Better, bears our burdens.
(Psa 84:11 NIV) For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
(Psa 84:11 KJV) For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
(Psa 112:1 KJV) Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
Psa 112:1: Ch. 112 An acrostic like the preceding psalm, this one contrasts the blessings of the righteous (vv. 1-9) and the judgment on the wicked (v. 10). Vs. 112:1 Here the fear of the Lord is related to obeying God's commands, which brings freedom from all other fears (vv. 7-8).
(Psa 112:2 KJV) His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed.
(Psa 112:3 KJV) Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
Psalms 112: The blessedness of the righteous.
(Psa 112:1 NIV) Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands.
Psa 112:1: We have to praise the Lord that there are a people in the world, who fear him and serve him, and that they are a happy people; which is owing entirely to his grace. Their fear is not that which love casts out, but that which love brings in. It follows and flows from love. It is a fear to offend. This is both fear and trust. The heart touched by the Spirit of God, as the needle touched with the loadstone, turns direct and speedily to God, yet still with trembling, being filled with this holy fear. Blessings are laid up for the faithful and their children's children; and true riches are bestowed on them, with as much of this world's possessions as is profitable for them. In the darkest hours of affliction and trial, the light of hope and peace will spring up within them, and seasonable relief shall turn mourning into joy. From their Lord's example they learn to be kind and full of compassion, as well as just in all their dealings; they use discretion, that they may be liberal in that manner which appears most likely to do good. Envy and slander may for a time hide their true characters here, but they shall be had in everlasting remembrance. They need not fear evil tidings. A good man shall have a settled spirit. And it is the endeavour of true believers to keep their minds stayed upon God, and so to keep them calm and undisturbed; and God has promised them both cause to do so, and grace to do so. Trusting in the Lord is the best and surest way of establishing the heart. The heart of man cannot fix any where with satisfaction, but in the truth of God, and there it finds firm footing. And those whose hearts are established by faith, will patiently wait till they gain their point. Compare all this with the vexation of sinners. The happiness of the saints is the envy of the wicked. The desire of the wicked shall perish; their desire was wholly to the world and the flesh, therefore when these perish, their joy is gone. But the blessings of the gospel are spiritual and eternal, and are conferred upon the members of the Christian church, through Christ their Head, who is the Pattern of all righteousness, and the Giver of all grace.
(Psa 112:2 NIV) His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
(Psa 112:3 NIV) Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
1 Samuel: In this book we have an account of Eli, and the wickedness of his sons; also of Samuel, his character and actions. Then of the advancement of Saul to be the king of Israel, and his ill behaviour, until his death made way for David's succession to the throne, who was an eminent type of Christ. David's patience, modesty, constancy, persecution by open enemies and feigned friends, are a pattern and example to the church, and to every member of it. Many things in this book encourage the faith, hope, and patience of the suffering believer. It contains also many useful cautions and awful warnings.
(1 Sam 1:1 NIV) There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.
1 Sam 1:1: Verses 1-8. Elkanah kept up his attendance at God's altar, notwithstanding the unhappy differences in his family. If the devotions of a family prevail not to put an end to its divisions, yet let not the divisions put a stop to the devotions. To abate our just love to any relation for the sake of any infirmity which they cannot help, and which is their affliction, is to make God's providence quarrel with his precept, and very unkindly to add affliction to the afflicted. It is evidence of a base disposition, to delight in grieving those who are of a sorrowful spirit, and in putting those out of humour who are apt to fret and be uneasy. We ought to bear one another's burdens, not add to them. Hannah could not bear the provocation. Those who are of a fretful spirit, and are apt to lay provocations too much to heart, are enemies to themselves, and strip themselves of many comforts both of life and godliness. We ought to notice comforts, to keep us from grieving for crosses. We should look at that which is for us, as well as what is against us.
(1 Sam 1:2 NIV) He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.
(1 Sam 1:3 NIV) Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the LORD Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the LORD.
(1 Sam 1:4 NIV) Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters.
(1 Sam 1:5 NIV) But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the LORD had closed her womb.
(1 Sam 1:6 NIV) And because the LORD had closed her womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her.
(1 Sam 1:7 NIV) This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.
(1 Sam 1:8 NIV) Elkanah her husband would say to her, "Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?"
Hannah's prayer
(1 Sam 1:9 NIV) Once when they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the Lord's temple.
1 Sam 1:9: Verses 9-18. Hannah mingled tears with her prayers; she considered the mercy of our God, who knows the troubled soul. God gives us leave, in prayer, not only to ask good things in general, but to mention that special good thing we most need and desire. She spoke softly, none could hear her. Hereby she testified her belief of God's knowledge of the heart and its desires. Eli was high priest, and judge in Israel. It ill becomes us to be rash and hasty in censures of others, and to think people guilty of bad things while the matter is doubtful and unproved. Hannah did not retort the charge, and upbraid Eli with the wicked conduct of his own sons. When we are at any time unjustly censured, we have need to set a double watch before the door of our lips, that we do not return censure for censure. Hannah thought it enough to clear herself, and so must we. Eli was willing to acknowledge his mistake. Hannah went away with satisfaction of mind. She had herself by prayer committed her case to God, and Eli had prayed for her. Prayer is heart's ease to a gracious soul. Prayer will smooth the countenance; it should do so. None will long remain miserable, who use aright the privilege of going to the mercy-seat of a reconciled God in Christ Jesus.
(1 Sam 1:10 NIV) In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD.
(1 Sam 1:11 NIV) And she made a vow, saying, "O LORD Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the LORD for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head."
(1 Sam 1:12 NIV) As she kept on praying to the LORD, Eli observed her mouth.
(1 Sam 1:13 NIV) Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk
(1 Sam 1:14 NIV) and said to her, "How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine."
(1 Sam 1:15 NIV) "Not so, my lord," Hannah replied, "I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the LORD.
(1 Sam 1:16 NIV) Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief."
(1 Sam 1:17 NIV) Eli answered, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him."
(1 Sam 1:18 NIV) She said, "May your servant find favor in your eyes." Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.
Samuel, Hannah presents him to the Lord
(1 Sam 1:19 NIV) Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the LORD and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah lay with Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her.
1 Sam 1:19: Verses 19-28. Elkanah and his family had a journey before them, and a family of children to take with them, yet they would not move till they had worshipped God together. Prayer and provender do not hinder a journey. When men are in such haste to set out upon journeys, or to engage in business, that they have not time to worship God, they are likely to proceed without his presence and blessing. Hannah, though she felt a warm regard for the courts of God's house, begged to stay at home. God will have mercy, and not sacrifice. Those who are detained from public ordinances, by the nursing and tending of little children, may take comfort from this instance, and believe, that if they do that duty in a right spirit, God will graciously accept them therein. Hannah presented her child to the Lord with a grateful acknowledgment of his goodness in answer to prayer. Whatever we give to God, it is what we have first asked and received from him. All our gifts to him were first his gifts to us. The child Samuel early showed true piety. Little children should be taught to worship God when very young. Their parents should teach them in it, bring them to it, and put them on doing it as well as they can; God will graciously accept them, and will teach them to do better.
(1 Sam 1:20 NIV) So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the LORD for him."

(1 Sam 1:21 NIV) When the man Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow,
(1 Sam 1:22 NIV) Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, "After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the LORD, and he will live there always."
(1 Sam 1:23 NIV) "Do what seems best to you," Elkanah her husband told her. "Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the LORD make good his word." So the woman stayed at home and nursed her son until she had weaned him.
(1 Sam 1:24 NIV) After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh.
(1 Sam 1:25 NIV) When they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli,
(1 Sam 1:26 NIV) and she said to him, "As surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD.
(1 Sam 1:27 NIV) I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.
(1 Sam 1:28 NIV) So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there.
1 Samuel: 1 SAMUEL
DATE: 930 B.C. and later
Authors Though the two books of Samuel are named for the key figure of the early chapters, Samuel could not have written more than part of 1 Samuel, since his death is recorded in chap. 25. That he did in fact write a book is attested to in 1 Samuel 10:25. First Chronicles 29:29 indicates that Nathan and Gad also wrote about the events recorded in Samuel.
Historical Background Samuel emerged as the last judge in the 350-year span of the judges. The book covers a period of about 115 years, from the childhood of Samuel to the beginning of the reign of King David. Appearing on the scene during one of the darkest periods of Israel's history, Samuel called the people to a revival of the true worship of Yahweh (the LORD; Acts 3:24). He was also a kingmaker, anointing both Saul (10:1) and David (16:13). Thus 1 Samuel forms the link between the judges and the monarchy.
Contents First Samuel focuses on three principal characters: Samuel, Saul, and David. (Second Samuel centers exclusively on David.) The principal lesson of the book has to do with the effects of sin and holiness in relation to the people and their leaders. Well-known stories in the book include that of David and Goliath (chap. 17), David and Jonathan (chap. 18), and Saul and the witch of En-dor (chap. 28).
(1 Sam 1:1 KJV) Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:
1 Sam 1:1: TIMELINE OF 1 SAMUEL (see chart).
Vs. 1:1 Ramathaim-zophim. Lit., the heights of the Zuphite. A longer name for Ramah (1:19), a city in the hill country of Ephraim, five mi (eight km) N of Jerusalem. Although Elkanah was an Ephraimite by residence, he was a Levite by birth through the Kohathites who were allotted towns in Ephraim (1 Chron. 6:33-36).
(1 Sam 1:2 KJV) And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
1 Sam 1:2: Vs. 1:2 Though at variance with God's ideal for marriage (Gen. 2:24), polygamy was allowed in the case of a childless first marriage (cf. Deut. 21:15-17) and of a levirate marriage (Deut. 25:5-10), but the practice often caused great misery (cf. vv. 6-7).
(1 Sam 1:3 KJV) And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.
1 Sam 1:3: Vs. 1:3 Yearly. Three times a year male Israelites were required to appear at the central sanctuary--at the festivals of Unleavened Bread, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. See Ex. 23:14-17 and its note. Which festival this was is not said. LORD of hosts. A military figure, referring to God as the One who commands the angelic armies of heaven (1 Kings 22:19; Luke 2:13; Rev. 19:14) and the armies of Israel (1 Sam. 17:45). The term emphasizes the sovereignty and omnipotence of God. Shiloh. The location of the Tabernacle (Josh. 18:1) and the religious center of the nation until the loss of the ark (1 Sam. 4). It was 20 mi (32 km) N of Jerusalem.
(1 Sam 1:4 KJV) And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:
(1 Sam 1:5 KJV) But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.
1 Sam 1:5: Vs. 1:5 worthy portion. Better, double portion.
(1 Sam 1:6 KJV) And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.
1 Sam 1:6: Vs. 1:6 adversary. Better, rival. sore = greatly. fret. Lit., thunder; i.e., irritated.
(1 Sam 1:7 KJV) And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.

(1 Sam 1:8 KJV) Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?
1 Sam 1:8: Vs. 1:8 Elkanah considered his love and care for her a greater blessing than a large family!
b Her supplication, 1:9-18
(1 Sam 1:9 KJV) So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.
1 Sam 1:9: Vs. 1:9 temple. I.e., the Tabernacle and additional quarters (3:2-3).
(1 Sam 1:10 KJV) And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.
(1 Sam 1:11 KJV) And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
1 Sam 1:11: Vs. 1:11 Hannah vowed that if she were given a son, he would be dedicated to lifelong levitical service (cf. Num. 4:2-3) and become a lifelong Nazarite. See note on Num. 6:1-8.
(1 Sam 1:12 KJV) And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.
(1 Sam 1:13 KJV) Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
1 Sam 1:13: Vs. 1:13 Apparently drunkenness was not uncommon even at the Tabernacle and by women.
(1 Sam 1:14 KJV) And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.
(1 Sam 1:15 KJV) And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.
1 Sam 1:15: Vs. 1:15 The outpouring of one's soul before God is an excellent description of fervent prayer (cf. Phil. 4:6-7; 1 Peter 5:7).
1 Sam 1:16 KJV) Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
1 Sam 1:16: Vs. 1:16 a daughter of Belial = a worthless woman.
(1 Sam 1:17 KJV) Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

(1 Sam 1:18 KJV) And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.
c Her son, 1:19-23
(1 Sam 1:19 KJV) And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.
1 Sam 1:19: Vs. 1:19 knew. Often, as here, a euphemism for sexual relations.
(1 Sam 1:20 KJV) Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.
1 Sam 1:20: Vs. 1:20 Samuel means "name of God" and serves as a continual reminder of God's mercy toward those who call upon His name.
(1 Sam 1:21 KJV) And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
(1 Sam 1:22 KJV) But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.
1 Sam 1:22: Vs. 1:22 weaned. Hebrew children were normally weaned at two to three years (cf. 2 Macc. 7:27).
(1 Sam 1:23 KJV) And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
1 Sam 1:23: Vs. 1:23 gave her son suck. Nursed. d Her sacrifice, 1:24-28
(1 Sam 1:24 KJV) And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.
1 Sam 1:24: Vs. 1:24 ephah = three-fifths of a bushel (20 qt, or 22 lit). bottle. I.e., wineskin or jug.
(1 Sam 1:25 KJV) And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.
(1 Sam 1:26 KJV) And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.
(1 Sam 1:27 KJV) For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
(1 Sam 1:28 KJV) Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.
1 Sam 1:28: Vs. 1:28 lent him. Lit., made him over. The idea is that of a complete and irrevocable giving up of the child to the Lord. Hannah was careful to pay the vow even at great cost (cf. Eccl. 5:4-5).
(Deu 8:18 KJV) But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
Deu 8:18: Vs. 8:18 This is an important lesson to remember: all we have is of God's grace (cf. 1 Cor. 4:7).
(Deu 8:18 NIV) But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
(Deu 28:11 KJV) And the LORD shall make thee plenteous in goods, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers to give thee.
(Deu 28:11 NIV) The LORD will grant you abundant prosperity--in the fruit of your womb, the young of your livestock and the crops of your ground--in the land he swore to your forefathers to give you.
(2 Chr 26:5 KJV) And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the LORD, God made him to prosper.
2 Chr 26:5: Vs. 26:5 Zechariah. Not the postexilic prophet Zechariah, but another, unknown to us, by the same name.
(2 Chr 26:5 NIV) He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the LORD, God gave him success.
(Isa 1:19 KJV) If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
(Isa 1:19 NIV) If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land;
(Job 36:11 KJV) If they obey and serve him, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.
(Job 36:11 NIV) If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.
(Gen 26:12 KJV) Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the LORD blessed him.
Isaac grows rich, The Philistines' envy
(Gen 26:12 NIV) Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the LORD blessed him.
Gen 26:12: Verses 12-17. God blessed Isaac. Be it observed, for the encouragement of poor tenants who occupy other people's lands, and are honest and industrious, that God blessed him with a great increase. The Philistines envied Isaac. It is an instance of the vanity of the world; for the more men have of it, the more they are envied, and exposed to censure and injury. Also of the corruption of nature; for that is an ill principle indeed, which makes men grieve at the good of others. They made Isaac go out of their country. That wisdom which is from above, will teach us to give up our right, and to draw back from contentions. If we are wrongfully driven from one place, the Lord will make room for us in another.
(2 Cor 8:6 KJV) Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
2 Cor 8:6: Vs. 8:6 Perhaps the collection had been stalled because of the problems in the Corinthian church.


B Purposes for Giving, 8:7-15
(2 Cor 8:7 KJV) Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
2 Cor 8:7: Vs. 8:7-15 Some purposes in giving are (1) to abound in all aspects of Christian experience (v. 7), (2) to prove the reality of one's love (v. 8), (3) to imitate Christ (v. 9), and (4) to help meet the needs of others (v. 14).
(2 Cor 8:8 KJV) I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
(2 Cor 8:9 KJV) For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
2 Cor 8:9: Vs. 8:9 A concise statement of the gospel and the motivation for giving.
(2 Cor 8:6 NIV) So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.nforces this by their gifts, and by the love and grace of Christ
(2 Cor 8:7 NIV) But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us --see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
( Cor 8:7: Verses 7-9. Faith is the root; and as without faith it is not possible to please God, Hebrews 11:6, so those who abound in faith, will abound in other graces and good works also; and this will work and show itself by love. Great talkers are not always the best doers; but these Corinthians were diligent to do, as well as to know and talk well. To all these good things the apostle desires them to add this grace also, to abound in charity to the poor. The best arguments for Christian duties, are drawn from the grace and love of Christ. Though he was rich, as being God, equal in power and glory with the Father, yet he not only became man for us, but became poor also. At length he emptied himself, as it were, to ransom their souls by his sacrifice on the cross. From what riches, blessed Lord, to what poverty didst thou descend for our sakes! and to what riches hast thou advanced us through thy poverty! It is our happiness to be wholly at thy disposal.
(2 Cor 8:8 NIV) I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.
(2 Cor 8:9 NIV) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
By the willingness they had shown to this good work
(2 Cor 8:10 NIV) 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.
2 Cor 8:10: Verses 10-15. Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds. Good beginnings are well; but we lose the benefit, unless there is perseverance. When men purpose that which is good, and endeavour, according to their ability, to perform also, God will not reject them for what it is not in their power to do. But this scripture will not justify those who think good meanings are enough, or that good purposes, and the mere profession of a willing mind, are enough to save. Providence gives to some more of the good things of this world, and to some less, that those who have abundance might supply others who are in want. It is the will of God, that by our mutual supplying one another, there should be some sort of equality; not such a levelling as would destroy property, for in such a case there could be no exercise of charity. All should think themselves concerned to relieve those in want. This is shown from the gathering and giving out the manna in the wilderness, Exodus 16:18. Those who have most of this world, have no more than food and raiment; and those who have but little of this world, seldom are quite without them.
(Mat 6:31 KJV) Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
(Mat 6:32 KJV) (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
(Mat 6:33 KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
(Mat 6:31 NIV) So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'
(Mat 6:32 NIV) For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
(Mat 6:33 NIV) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
II THE DEVELOPMENT OF FAITH, 1:3-21
A The Growth of Faith, 1:3-11
(2 Pet 1:3 KJV) According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
(2 Pet 1:3 NIV) His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
(Luke 6:38 KJV) Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Luke 6:38: Vs. 6:38 pressed down, and shaken together, and running over. The imagery is of a container of grain filled to the brim and running over the edge. Our liberality should be like that.
(Luke 6:38 NIV) Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
(Luke 4:18 KJV) The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Luke 4:18: Vs. 4:18 See Isa. 61:1-2a. Christ stopped reading in the middle of 61:2, since at His first coming He preached only the "acceptable year of the Lord" (v. 19). The "day of vengeance of our God" (Isa. 61:2b) was reserved for His second coming. Long-suffering and the cross are associated with His first coming; judgment and a crown, with His second.
(Luke 4:19 KJV) To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
(Luke 4:18 NIV) "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
(Luke 4:19 NIV) to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
4 Exultant living, 8:31-39
(Rom 8:31 KJV) What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
(Rom 8:32 KJV) He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
(Rom 8:31 NIV) What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Their final triumph, through Christ
(Rom 8:32 NIV) He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
Rom 8:32: Verses 32-39. All things whatever, in heaven and earth, are not so great a display of God's free love, as the gift of his coequal Son to be the atonement on the cross for the sin of man; and all the rest follows upon union with him, and interest in him. All things, all which can be the causes or means of any real good to the faithful Christian. He that has prepared a crown and a kingdom for us, will give us what we need in the way to it. Men may justify themselves, though the accusations are in full force against them; but if God justifies, that answers all. By Christ we are thus secured. By the merit of his death he paid our debt. Yea, rather that is risen again. This is convincing evidence that Divine justice was satisfied. We have such a Friend at the right hand of God; all power is given to him. He is there, making intercession. Believer! does your soul say within you, Oh that he were mine! and oh that I were his; that I could please him and live to him! Then do not toss your spirit and perplex your thoughts in fruitless, endless doubtings, but as you are convinced of ungodliness, believe on Him who justifies the ungodly. You are condemned, yet Christ is dead and risen. Flee to Him as such. God having manifested his love in giving his own Son for us, can we think that any thing should turn aside or do away that love? Troubles neither cause nor show any abatement of his love. Whatever believers may be separated from, enough remains. None can take Christ from the believer: none can take the believer from Him; and that is enough. All other hazards signify nothing. Alas, poor sinners! though you abound with the possessions of this world, what vain things are they! Can you say of any of them, Who shall separate us? You may be removed from pleasant dwellings, and friends, and estates. You may even live to see and seek your parting. At last you must part, for you must die. Then farewell, all this world accounts most valuable. And what hast thou left, poor soul, who hast not Christ, but that which thou wouldest gladly part with, and canst not; the condemning guilt of all thy sins! But the soul that is in Christ, when other things are pulled away, cleaves to Christ, and these separations pain him not. Yea, when death comes, that breaks all other unions, even that of the soul and body, it carries the believer's soul into the nearest union with its beloved Lord Jesus, and the full enjoyment of him for ever.
(1 Cor 10:26 KJV) For the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof.
(1 Cor 10:26 NIV) for, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it."
(3 John 1:2 KJV) Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
(3 John 1:2 NIV) Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.