1. 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5 Faithful service

2. Overview God raises up faithful servants Recommendation of three faithful servants of the church The right response to these faithful servants Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians So what?

3. God raises up faithful servants Paul recognises and thanks God for raising up Titus –God saved, gifted and called Titus to service –No room for personal pride God placed the same love and concern for the Corinthians in both of their hearts Paul appealed to Titus for help Titus welcomed the request –He passionately followed his God given conviction

4. The second brother We don’t know for certain who these 2 companions of Titus were –Barnabas, Silas, Luke? He was praised in all the churches for his gospel service –It is not wrong praise good works –What are we / do we want to be praised for –What are our achievements / ambitions?

5. The 2 nd brother (continued) He was chosen by the churches –Important public tasks should be given to trustworthy men –The Lord is honoured by good work –The believers wanted to help –They were careful not only to do, but to be seen to do the right thing This is not about individual pride or about being man pleasers

6. The recommendation of the three brothers The Third brother –Has often proved in many ways he is zealous Titus –Partner and fellow worker in the gospel The 2 brothers –Representatives of the churches –An honour to Christ

7. The church’s right response Show them the proof of your love Demonstrate the reason we are proud of you and have boasted about you Let the other churches see how you love them

8. Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians No need to explain the importance of this service Paul knew their eagerness to help Paul held them up as an example to the Macedonians Their example had encouraged the Macedonians Paul recognised a risk –Be ready –Didn’t want them to be embarrassed –Sends the messengers ahead

9. So what? Are we sensitive to the thoughts, desires and concerns that God places on our hearts? Do we act on these thoughts, desires and concerns? Do we recognise and honour faithful servants? Are we seeking to be praised for God’s glory or our own? Are we careful to honour God, not only in what we do but also how we do it? Are we consistently zealous and faithful? Do we see all who serve God as partners and fellow workers? Do we show the proof of our love? Are we eager to help and serve? Are we a good example to other churches? Are we concerned for the good of others and to help them avoid mistakes? Are we willing and ready to take action to help?