It Starts Small

Three men will ensure that the funds’ collection and distribution are upright. Titus is named as one of them. This will allow everyone to trust Paul’s integrity in administering the collection. They are also going to deliver the very letter we are studying to the Corinthians. Paul refuses to give anyone a valid reason to question his motives in collecting this money. These men will report back to their churches. They will reveal how the Corinthians responded to the opportunity to help those in need. Paul urges them to allow their gift to be proof of their Christlike love.

¹⁶ Thanks be to God, who put the same concern for you into the heart of Titus. ¹⁷ For he welcomed our appeal and, being very diligent, went out to you by his own choice. ¹⁸ We have sent with him the brother who is praised among all the churches for his gospel ministry. ¹⁹ And not only that, but he was also appointed by the churches to accompany us with this gracious gift that we are administering for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. ²⁰ We are taking this precaution so that no one will criticize us about this large sum that we are administering. ²¹ Indeed, we are giving careful thought to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before people. ²² We have also sent with them our brother. We have often tested him in many circumstances and found him to be diligent—and now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you. ²³ As for Titus, he is my partner and coworker for you; as for our brothers, they are the messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. ²⁴ Therefore, show them proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you.

2 Corinthians 8:16-24

Thanks be to God

Paul embodies a profound spirit of thanksgiving. When blessings unfold, he fervently redirects them to God with an overflowing heart of gratitude. Instead of merely stating, “Titus has an earnest heart for you,” Paul realizes that Titus’ passionate dedication is a testament. It beautifully demonstrates God’s incredible grace at work in his life.

¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

This reveals a vibrant worldview that recognizes every single “good gift is from above.”

Gratitude to God should flow from our hearts like a living stream, overflowing with appreciation. Even when others perform acts of kindness, we must recognize that these deeds are rooted in God’s magnificent grace. Acknowledging this fact is vital. Embracing this viewpoint fills us with profound joy, cultivates our humility, and curbs our tendency to complain. Moreover, we must resist the urge to claim credit for our own good deeds. We are fully aware that God ignited this beautiful work within us. Without God, it would be utterly impossible.

Who put into Titus the same earnest care I have for you

What ignited Titus’s fervent desire to offer his precious time for the Corinthian church? The answer is beautifully simple: he deeply cared for them. True care for others transcends mere words; it goes beyond casual promises like, “I will pray for you.” Titus showed this heartfelt commitment. He embarked on a long journey and selflessly dedicated his time and energy to the Corinthians. It’s easy to proclaim, “I care.” The real challenge lies in being willing to sacrifice yourself for the sake of others.

Ultimately this heart for others comes from God. Therefore we should ask God to work in us and give us more love for others.

He is going to you of his own accord

We have discovered in the first part of chapter 8 that true generosity arises from the heart. It cannot be forced. Giving that is extracted under pressure lacks sincerity, fails to honor God, and is often short-lived. Similarly, ministering to others is a profound calling that cannot be coerced. It presents its own set of challenges and frequently demands significant sacrifices. Those who serve God must be willing to relinquish precious offerings—time, comfort, convenience, security, and sometimes even their own selves. This choice must ignite from within, fueled by genuine conviction. When someone is driven by external pressure, they risk losing their passion. Misguided motives can also cause burnout.

Titus made that choice himself. Paul encouraged him, but in the end it was in between him and God.

Every believer is profoundly accountable to God for the choices they make. It’s crucial not to act merely for the sake of others’ observations or adhere to societal expectations. Instead, let your heart pulse with the desire to please God in every single action you take. The Old Testament reveals a rich tapestry of offerings. Sin offerings are a divine obligation. Yet, peace offerings emerge as beautiful freewill sacrifices. They are gifts brought to God from a heart deeply moved. When we offer our lives freely and sincerely to the Lord, our sacrifices gain profound meaning. Romans 12:1 expresses this beautifully.

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.

Romans 12:1

We are sending the brother who is famous

It is not clear from this passage who this brother is. Evidently the Corinthians were well acquainted with him so they did not need an introduction. In verse 19, Paul mentions this brother. The churches appointed him to travel with us. We carry out this act of grace together. Basically, this brother’s role was to ensure accountability. He also made sure that the funds were collected transparently. That brings us to a key point as it relates to giving.

The collecting of funds should be done in a transparent and above board way

Money is one of the most talked about issues in the Bible. Greed, theft, bribes, corruption, and many more sins are related to money.

¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

1 Timothy 6:10

Money can lead the unsuspecting astray, even within the sacred walls of the church. Embezzlement scandals can shake the very foundations of faith, tarnishing its testimony and eroding trust. In this modern era, charities are fiercely vigilant. They understand that donors are driven by a profound desire to see their contributions genuinely impact the intended mission. People yearn for their donations to fuel vital causes close to their hearts. Organizations place tremendous emphasis on transparency, recognizing that every penny matters. They diligently file meticulous paperwork and submit to rigorous external audits, all in the name of integrity and accountability.

But how about in the early church? There was no external system to keep people accountable. It was important for the givers to know their gift was used properly. They wanted assurance that it reached the intended destination. Proper accountability ensured that the gift was not misused. It protected the giver from wasting their money. It also safeguarded the team collecting the funds from false accusations.

These verses show that collecting funds in a blameless way was crucial to Paul. He knew there were pitfalls that might occur. This could happen if a single person was entrusted with this large sum of money. So he made sure that a single person was not responsible.

Here are some references to Paul’s consideration on this issue:

• For the glory of the Lord (19)
• So that no one should blame us (20)
• We aim at what is honorable (21)
• Not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man (21)

With clarity, we grasp Paul’s deep motivation. He was driven by an unwavering desire to maintain a pristine conscience before God, acutely aware of humanity’s divine accountability. Simultaneously, he yearned to uphold a transparent conscience in the eyes of man. This gift, he insisted, must not breed division, factions, or accusations. He sought to ensure it would not become a stumbling block. Additionally, he wanted to prevent providing Satan an opportunity to infiltrate and sow discord among the faithful.

So Paul took a number of precautions, some of which he already mentioned in a previous letter.

16 Now about the collection for the saints: Do the same as I instructed the Galatian churches. ² On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he is prospering, so that no collections will need to be made when I come. ³ When I arrive, I will send with letters those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.

1 Corinthians 16:1-3

We see Paul’s careful instructions and care put into making sure this collection was handled properly and without blemish.

• The collection should be taken up first. This way, he would not need to handle the actual money himself.
• The Corinthians should appoint their own representative to accompany the collection the entire way to Jerusalem.
• He sends a trusted colleague (Titus) to finish the collection effort. Titus himself was blameless and had been in charge of appointing elders.
• Titus goes as part of a three man team. The churches specifically appoint one member to go with them. This person acts as an objective accountability partner. He too is a man of great character and repute, being praised by all the churches.

With unwavering determination, Paul tirelessly undertook pre-emptive measures to ensure that this collection would be conducted with the utmost integrity. Foresight is the greatest strength. He anticipated challenges and skillfully sidestepped them. He embraced proactive planning instead of adopting a laid-back mindset.

Does taking precautions really send a message of distrust to the person responsible for collecting offerings or donations? Think about it—if you genuinely trust someone, should you still prioritize precautions? Absolutely! It’s not just about doubt; it’s about protecting what matters most and ensuring the integrity of the entire process. By remaining vigilant, you’re not only safeguarding your contributions but also empowering the very trust you place in them! Why compromise on security when true care for your community and resources demands both trust and precaution?

It must be passionately emphasized that ensuring transparency in no way implies, “I do not trust you.” This goes beyond mere trust. It actively diminishes temptation and safeguards the individual responsible for collections from the horrors of unjust accusations. Without unequivocal guidelines and established processes, an individual may find themselves helpless, unable to defend against a baseless allegation. Consequently, their reputation could unjustly tarnish, all through no fault of their own.

Wherever you wield influence, passionately ensure that every dollar—be it offerings, tithes, or donations—is managed with unwavering transparency! Clear processes and guidelines must be established, for there is profound safety in numbers. Imagine this: a steadfast rule where three vigilant individuals are present when counting the money, safeguarding against any misstep. More broadly, we must resolutely deny the devil any chance. This is urged in Ephesians 4:27 and Romans 13:14.

²⁷ and don’t give the devil an opportunity.

Ephesians 4:27

¹⁴ But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires.

Ephesians 13:14

Let us stand firm in our commitment to integrity and accountability!

The importance of team

In verse 23, Paul passionately refers to Titus as his “partner and fellow worker,” highlighting the deep camaraderie they shared. The brothers who accompanied Titus were not mere followers. They were vital messengers of the churches. This reinforced the notion that Paul’s mission was a collective effort. Though he held the esteemed title of apostle, Paul was no lone wolf, wielding authority like a tyrant. Instead, he embraced the power of unity, never resorting to intimidation or manipulation. Paul did not see Titus and others as mere subordinates. He cherished Titus as an invaluable partner. Paul recognized the immense worth of teamwork and cultivated a rich tapestry of collaboration. This collaboration fueled their shared mission.

What are some of the benefits of team?

• A team can get much more accomplished than a single person.
• A team can help to pick up a member who falls.
• A team can keep each other accountable.
• A team can exercise positive “peer pressure.”
• A team can act as a safeguard and minimize temptation.
• A team can deflect accusations that could more easily land on one individual.
• A team can have more collective wisdom than one person does.
• A team can address weaknesses. The team enhances strengths. People are more free to pursue what they are gifted at.
• A team can help keep each person humble.
• A team can help members learn to cooperate.
• A team can share the load.

Paul’s ministry model is centered on the team.

Are you on a team? If so, is it a healthy team? What can you do this week to be a better team member?

Give proof before the churches of your love and our boasting

²⁴ And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, ²⁵ not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.

Hebrews 10:24-25

Here, Paul seeks to ignite the Corinthians’ hearts, urging them to channel their love into powerful deeds. He passionately calls upon them to demonstrate their affection by completing the collection of this precious gift. Having glorified them to others, Paul implores them to transform his proud declarations into reality. Now is the moment for their love to burst forth in vibrant action!

How can you love in deed and in truth this week?

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Cross-References

• 1 John 1:7
• Titus 1:4
• Ecclesiastes 4:9
• 1 Corinthians 3:9
• Proverbs 27:17
• Ephesians 4:16

Reflective Questions

• How does this passage fit in with the context about giving?
• Why did Titus want to go to them?
• Who else was on this team?
• Who might the “brother who is famous” be?
• Who appointed this brother to go? What might his role have been? What does this brother’s role teach us about the importance of accountability?
• Why might someone blame them (verse 20)? How could this brother’s position help keep them blameless?
• Who is the third member of the team?
• What can we learn about team and partnering from this passage?
• How can the phrase “there is safety in numbers” apply to Christian workers?
• How did Paul ask the Corinthians to respond to these brothers?

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