Poor that we might be rich

Wesley Wright

Lighthouse Bible Church

Sunday, June 7, 2026

 

2 Corinthians 8:6-15

Title: Poor that we might be rich

 

 

Paul encouraged readers at Corinth to give in lockstep with the other values they had already shown (2 Corinthians 8:7-8). He did not command them, notably. Remember freewill giving?

 

What does it mean that Jesus Christ was poor? What does it mean that we became rich via His poverty

(2CO 8:9)?

 

First, consider the basic necessities. Many of us, but not all, have more than we need:

1TI 6:6-10

 

Jesus Christ was rich, and everything was created through Him:

JOH 8:51-59; COL 1:15-18; HEB 1:3-9

 

While he was physically on the Earth, Jesus Christ did not live a lavish life.

LUK 9:57-62

 

 

That same Jesus Christ voluntarily died on a cross like a common criminal:

LUK 22:31-38; PHI 2:5-8

 

 

You and I believers as believers are rich as a result of His sacrifice on our behalf:

ROM 8:16-19, EPH 1:1-3

 

Given what they had, Paul urged those at Corinth to willingly give for the sake of other saints

(2CO 8:10-12).

MAR 4:24-25, Luke 6:37-38

 

The Macedonians were poor, and dealt with a great deal of affliction. Not the case in Corinth —

they were in a bustling city of commerce.

 

Equity or equality was on Paul’s mind (2CO 8:13-15). Those who had much should help support those who did not.

 

PSA 112:4-9; 1TI 6:17-18

 

God’s only begotten Son lived life like a pauper would, and he died a death that made it so we could enjoy wonderful riches in Him.

 

 

Knowing full well the riches we have in Christ, those who can should give on their own volition — remember what we have been given.

 

 

Give freely, according to what you have. There’s no poverty vow needed, just know the obligation we have to help one another. You don’t have anything that was not given to you by our great God and Savior.