Grace Produces Willing Obedience
2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Scripture Reading:
#1. “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)
#2.: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?” (Luke 16:10-12)
Prayer of Praise: Refer to the verses above and hymn below.
Hymn: Psalm 15
1 Within thy tabernacle, Lord,
who shall abide with thee?
And in thy high and holy hill
who shall a dweller be?
2 The man that walketh uprightly,
and worketh righteousness,
And as he thinketh in his heart,
so doth he truth express.
3 Who doth not slander with his tongue,
nor to his friend doth hurt;
Nor yet against his neighbour doth
take up an ill report.
4 In whose eyes vile men are despis’d;
but those that God do fear
He honoureth; and changeth not,
though to his hurt he swear.
5 His coin puts not to usury,
nor take reward will he
Against the guiltless. Who doth thus
shall never moved be.
Reading of the Law: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
Silent Confession of Sin/Confession of Sin: Heavenly Father, You have shown us what is good and commanded us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with You. Yet we confess that we have often failed: we have been unjust in our words and actions, unkind to others, and proud in our hearts. We have neglected to walk humbly before You. Forgive us, Lord, for our selfishness and pride. Cleanse us by Your mercy, renew our hearts, and grant us grace to walk faithfully in Your ways. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Reading of the Gospel: “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:7-9)
Heidelberg Catechism: Lord’s Day 49
Question # 124
Q. What does the third petition mean?
A. “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” means: Help us and all people to reject our own will and to obey your will without any back talk. Your will alone is good. Help us one and all to carry out the work we are called to, as willingly and faithfully as the angels in heaven
Prayer of Thanksgiving: Thank God for the resources He entrusts to your family and for His blessing in allowing you to use them for His glory and for Titus-like leaders in your church, for elders, teachers, and those who serve with honesty and dedication.
Prayer of Supplication: Ask God for help so your family would walk humbly, do justice, and love kindness.
Bible reading and commentary: 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
In this closing section of Paul’s discussion of the collection for the saints, he turns from the theology of generosity to the practical outworking of integrity, accountability, and honorable ministry. Paul commends Titus and the unnamed brothers who accompany him, demonstrating that gospel ministry is not only spiritual in doctrine but ethical in practice.
Paul begins by thanking God for working in Titus’s heart (v. 16). What Paul urges outwardly, God creates inwardly. This reaffirms that Christian generosity is ultimately a work of divine grace rather than human coercion. Titus’s eagerness (v. 17) embodies this truth: grace produces willing obedience.
The two brothers mentioned in verses 18 and 22 remain unnamed, but their reputations are significant. One is “famous among all the churches” for his gospel preaching; the other is “earnest” and “often tested.” Paul emphasizes their character because administering money in the church requires visible integrity. Ministry must not merely be honest—it must appear honest. Paul explicitly says that they take precautions “that no one should blame us” (v. 20), and that they aim to do what is honorable not only before the Lord but also before men (v. 21).
This reflects a deep Reformed principle: the gospel shapes both the message and the manner of ministry. Calvin captures this when he notes in his Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:20–21, “Paul’s purpose was to clear himself and others from all suspicion, so that no one might think that they were making gain by the gospel.” Calvin insists that financial transparency serves the credibility of the gospel itself.
In verse 19, Paul explains that this collection is “administered by us for the glory of the Lord.” This is crucial: the offering is not merely charity but worship. The churches appoint these men as representatives, showing unity and shared responsibility (v. 23). Their presence protects both the offering and the reputation of the ministry.
Finally, Paul urges the Corinthians (v. 24) to let their love be visibly confirmed. Grace is never abstract—it takes shape in faithful stewardship, generous giving, and transparent ministry for Christ’s glory.
Closing Hymn: The Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Closing Scripture: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
The Lord’s Prayer (together):
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen