What does Christian generosity look like when it is rooted in the example of Jesus? In this episode we study 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, where Paul addresses stewardship, giving, and the care believers show one another. This is Lesson 11 in our Third Quarter 2026 series on First and Second Corinthians. The lesson is studied the week of September 5 to 11 and taught in Sabbath School on Sabbath, September 12.

Paul is responding to a real need: a famine in Judea, and an offering gathered by churches elsewhere to help. We talk through the context, including the very practical work of carrying the gift safely, and then we focus on the reason Paul gives for generosity. In 2 Corinthians 8:8 and 9, he says he is not commanding but inviting, and he points to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, who became poor so that others might become rich. That makes Jesus the measure of generous giving.

In this conversation we explore what Paul's appeal shows us about God's character, how generosity strengthens unity in the church across distance, and how stewardship becomes worship when we offer everything back to God. We also take an honest look at materialism and the reminder that our hearts follow our treasure.

A note for teachers: pray as you prepare, and teach for both the head and the heart. Sound study is the starting point, but the aim is for the Word to take root in daily life, in your students and in you.

Next week, in Lesson 12, we look at "Dealing With False Teachers." New episodes release every Sabbath to help you prepare to teach.

Executive Producer: Carolina Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Producer: Henrique Gomes
Editing: Henrique Gomes
Logo: Becky Carpenter