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.”

 Proverbs 13:22, 22:7; Romans 12:18; 2 Corinthians 8:12-13; and 1 Timothy 5:8

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.” 2 Corinthians 8:12-15

I continue a pause of my study of Numbers to focus on text that will be discussed Friday morning with my men's small group.  The text today is focused on the second of two sets of five texts that will be used to derive Godly wisdom for a personal situation faced by one of my brothers in Christ. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do learn from the text about God?: God seeks for us to care for and provide for our families - yet we should be careful about wrongly interpreting Proverbs 13:22.  Most importantly is that we pass on to our children a love of God (see also this post from John Piper on DesiringGod.com).  We should also be careful about how we use money as an instrument to exercise selfish or evil intent against those to whom we lend money (Proverbs 22:7) - we are to be good stewards of our financial resources and use them for His will.  The broader text surrounding Romans 12:18 is less about financial dealings then it is about how we generally interact with others, including our brothers and sisters in Christ, those who persecute us, and the lowly. 2 Corinthians 8:12-13 does concern how we give financially to others but it's important to also read surrounding text including vv14-15 where fairness is emphasized and corresponding text in Exodus 16:18 where some view this that we should trust God in how He provides and not concerns ourselves with gathering too much for ourselves.  1 Timothy 5:8 does instruct us about righteous behavior about providing for our family, and a reading of the surrounding text focuses on how we are to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ within the church - particularly widows.   
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Money is a difficult matter for nearly everyone so there is much scripture from which we can draw....the challenge is for us to rightly view this scripture and prayer for wisdom is key. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): God is clear that we are not to use our financial resources selfishly nor for evil intent.  We are not to worry about finances as we should claim the promise that God provides.  Follow the example of Paul who was content regardless of need - Philippians 4:11-12.  Trust God and be a good steward of what He provides in our care. 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  I am not deserving of how You love, save, provide, etc.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.   Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.