A New and Holy Equity

SERMON SERIES - RENEWAL IN CHRIST - 2 CORINTHIANS

SERMON TEXT - 2 Corinthians 8:8-15

I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.”

NEW TITLE - A NEW AND HOLY EQUITY

SERMON SUMMARY:

What does it mean to be fair? Is capitalism fair? Is socialism fair? Is communism fair? The world has asked this question many times but never has there been any consensus. Therefore, as Christians, we must ask this question of the Scriptures. Should everyone have the same? Should some have more than others? What Paul makes apparent, is that Christ PERFECTS FAIRNESS in his coming and incarnation. Though sinless, Jesus gave up everything for his church. Likewise, and because of this great truth, the church should be willing to give up everything for each other and to the glory of God. In this passage, Paul teaches us why we are to give up everything. How we are to give up everything and demonstrates exactly how this is to look as the church seeks to live sacrificially and generously for Jesus.