GOD'S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT
Key verse: 15
NIV
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs(A) of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.(B) 13 Because of the service(C) by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God(D) for the obedience that accompanies your confession(E) of the gospel of Christ,(F) and for your generosity(G) in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God(H) for his indescribable gift!(I)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway
ESV
12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying (A)the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, (B)they[a] will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your (C)confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 (D)Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 2 Corinthians 9:13 Or you
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
1. God is praised by generous giving (12-14)
Our purpose in giving is not only to help those in need; it is to glorify God. Our giving is an expression of our thanks to God for his surpassing grace. When we give, we want others to praise and thank God--we should not expect them to heap praise on us. When we live obedient and sacrificial lives, consistent with the gospel we confess, then God is pleased and honored. We must praise God with our lives as well as with our lips.
2. God's indescribable Gift (15)
God loved this sin-sick world so much that he gave his Son to die for us. Whatever we give to others is small compared with God's gift and grace to us. When we remember God's indescribable gift to us, we can give to others generously, sacrificially and joyfully, with hearts full of thanksgiving.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your indescribable gift. Help me to give to others with a joyful and thankful heart.
One Word: Thanks be to God
