Next Week's Reading
October 11
2 Corinthians 8:1-9, Title: How Much Do We Truly Need?
- Introduction
- Background
- The Jerusalem collection (Acts 24:17; Rom. 15:27-29; 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 8-9)
- Paul’s location and plans
- Passage makes no sense in contemporary culture
- Paul speaks of not straining yourself in giving
- Media messages
- You don’t have enough
- You need _________ to be happy, fulfilled, attractive, current, complete, etc.
- Look at __________
- Consumer culture constantly promotes conspicuous consumption
- I should not have to give, or give very little
- How can we understand this passage?—start at the end
- Exodus 16:18—obvious sounding passage
- Larger story—manna
- People kvetch (complain)
- Morning dew brings manna
- Take what you need for the day, not too much
- Application
- Decisions made in context of grace, not consumer culture
- Take what you truly need
- Too much becomes “foul”
- “Fair balance”
- Conclusion—why give?
- Because God has given us an abundance
- Because too much becomes “foul”
Future Readings
Oct. 18
2 Corinthians 9:1-10, Topic: Giving
Oct. 25
2 Corinthians 9:11-15, Topic: Giving
Nov. 1
Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44, Topic: All Saints’, those who have died
Nov. 8
Mark 12:38-44, Topic: Giving all to God
Nov. 15
TBA
Nov. 22
John 18:33-37, Topic: Christ the King, Jesus’ Kingship
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