In today’s fast-paced world, we often feel overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of global needs. When the word “missions” comes up, many might assume that it’s the work of career cross-cultural missionaries—extraordinary people who travel across the world to spread the gospel. However, missions, the act of sharing Jesus with the world, is not just for career vocational missionaries. Every follower of Christ is called to be part of God’s mission, regardless of age, resources, or background. This message is especially relevant to those who might think they are too young, old, or unequipped to make a significant difference. As we’ll see in 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, everyone has something to offer, and God can use even the smallest contribution of time, talent, or treasure to make an eternal impact.
The Challenge of Feeling Insignificant
It’s easy to feel small in the face of global issues. What can one follower of Jesus really do about problems like hunger and poverty? Even more importantly, what impact can a believer have on the vast number of people who haven’t heard the gospel of Jesus? It’s easy to convince ourselves that we bring nothing to the table compared to others who seem more talented, experienced, or resourceful. But the truth is, God doesn’t measure our contributions by their size or outward significance. He values the heart behind them and our willingness to step out in faith to proclaim the good news of salvation in Christ.
The passage of 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 beautifully illustrates this principle, as Paul highlights the example of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their limited financial resources, eagerly and generously supported the Jerusalem church in its time of need. Though small and struggling, the Macedonian churches understood the importance of giving out of what they had, no matter how little. Their sacrificial giving toward the cause of missions constituted an act of worship and a demonstration of their faith in God’s provision.
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:1-9 NKJV).
As our church prepares to celebrate international missions later this month, consider four implications on missions from 2 Corinthians 8 ...
1. Missions is for people who have been saved.
Who should participate in missions? First and foremost, missions is for people who have experienced the life-changing power of the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 8:9, Paul points to Jesus’ example:
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV).
Jesus gave up everything—His heavenly riches—to come to earth and offer salvation to a lost and dying world. If we have experienced such a great salvation in our own lives, we are called to share it with others. Missions, the act of sharing Jesus with the world, begins with our own personal encounter with Jesus.
The ultimate goal of missions is to spread the gospel to those who have never heard the good news of salvation in Jesus. Consider these facts about the status of evangelical Christianity around the world:
The above statistics are staggering, but they serve as a reminder that the task of missions is far from over. If we have been saved, we bear the responsibility to give others the opportunity to experience the same life-changing grace of Jesus in their own lives.
2. Missions is for people who have something to give.
The Macedonian churches gave out of their poverty, showing that even those with little worldly resources can contribute toward Jesus’ Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20) in big ways. As a student pastor, I see this principle often put into practice by our teenagers at LMBC. Teenagers may not have much in terms of material resources, but they have energy, creativity, and passion—things that God often uses to advance the gospel of Christ across their peer groups, throughout the local community, and even around the world by their participating in short term mission trips! Everyone has something to give, whether time, talent, or material resources.
The passage of 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 teaches believers that giving is not just about the amount—it’s about the heart. Writing to the Corinthians, Paul says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7). Whatever we give toward advancing the gospel around the world, we should do it with joy and a willing heart, trusting that God can multiply our efforts.
Again, our teenagers at LMBC illustrate the principle mentioned above. Teens understand what it means to struggle. Whether dealing with personal challenges, school pressures, or family issues, they know what it’s like to feel stretched thin. This gives them a unique ability to empathize with others who are hurting. Teens may not have much money to give toward Jesus’ mission of reaching the world with the gospel, but they have plenty of enthusiasm, ideas, and talents that can be used for God’s work. Whether serving in local outreaches, participating in mission trips, or simply being a light in their school, teens, as do each of us, have something to offer toward the cause of missions.
3. Missions is for people who want to experience God.
The Macedonians did more than give of what they had; they gave beyond their means. Paul writes that they gave “according to their ability, and even beyond their ability”
(2 Cor 8:3). This kind of sacrificial giving shows a deep trust in God’s provision. When we step out in faith and give, even when it’s uncomfortable, we create space for God to show up miraculously in and through our lives.
Sacrificial giving toward the cause of missions might mean surrendering your time, talents, or future to God. It could mean choosing to spend your summer on a mission trip instead of the beach or deciding to pursue a career in ministry or service instead of following the world’s definition of success. When we give what we have—no matter how small it may seem—God can use it to impact the world for Him far broader and deeper than we could ever imagine.
As the Macedonians experienced, when we put everything on the line for God, He comes through for us. In fact, it’s been said that “God’s math” doesn’t always add up in human terms. But when we trust Him with our resources, He has a way of multiplying them beyond what we thought possible.
4. Missions is contagious!
When we step out in faith and leverage our limited resources to further the gospel worldwide, it inspires others to do the same. The Macedonians’ generosity stirred the wealthy Corinthian church to action, as they learned by the example of a comparatively smaller church significantly impacting the world for Christ. In the same way, through our participation, we can inspire others around us to get involved in missions.
What does this mean for Christians today? How can we get involved in missions?
1. Give yourself to God first. The greatest gift we can give to God is our obedience. Before we serve others, we must surrender our own lives to God. This could mean deciding to follow Jesus in believers’ baptism, rededicating your life to Christ, establishing consistency in your daily time with the Lord, or becoming more faithfully involved in the local work here at LMBC. Our lost and dying world doesn’t need another celebrity or sports star; it needs people who are fully surrendered to Jesus daily.
2. Figure out what you have to give. Take some time to think about your God-given gifts, abilities, and resources and how they can be used toward the cause of missions. Do you have your time, specific talents, or social influence? Even if what you have seems small and insignificant, God will use and multiply it. What can you give to God today for the cause of missions? What’s your first step?
3. Step out of your comfort zone. Obedience to Jesus’s Great Commission requires faith, and faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones. Whether signing up for a mission trip, serving at a local outreach, or participating in LMBC’s Faith Promise missions program, , it takes courage to take that first step. But once you do, you’ll see God work in amazing ways.
4. Learn from those on fire for God. Surround yourself with people who are passionate about missions. Read biographies of missionaries like Hudson Taylor, follow missionaries on social media, and get involved with others actively sharing the gospel locally and around the world. Their stories will inspire and challenge you to live out your faith boldly.
Missions isn’t just for missionaries—it’s for everyone who has experienced the life-changing grace of Jesus Christ. Whether you’re a teenager with limited resources or an adult with years of experience, God can and will use what you have to offer. The world is full of people who need to hear the gospel, and it’s our responsibility to share it. So, what will you give? What steps will you take to be part of God’s global mission?
The Challenge of Feeling Insignificant
It’s easy to feel small in the face of global issues. What can one follower of Jesus really do about problems like hunger and poverty? Even more importantly, what impact can a believer have on the vast number of people who haven’t heard the gospel of Jesus? It’s easy to convince ourselves that we bring nothing to the table compared to others who seem more talented, experienced, or resourceful. But the truth is, God doesn’t measure our contributions by their size or outward significance. He values the heart behind them and our willingness to step out in faith to proclaim the good news of salvation in Christ.
The passage of 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 beautifully illustrates this principle, as Paul highlights the example of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their limited financial resources, eagerly and generously supported the Jerusalem church in its time of need. Though small and struggling, the Macedonian churches understood the importance of giving out of what they had, no matter how little. Their sacrificial giving toward the cause of missions constituted an act of worship and a demonstration of their faith in God’s provision.
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:1-9 NKJV).
As our church prepares to celebrate international missions later this month, consider four implications on missions from 2 Corinthians 8 ...
1. Missions is for people who have been saved.
Who should participate in missions? First and foremost, missions is for people who have experienced the life-changing power of the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 8:9, Paul points to Jesus’ example:
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV).
Jesus gave up everything—His heavenly riches—to come to earth and offer salvation to a lost and dying world. If we have experienced such a great salvation in our own lives, we are called to share it with others. Missions, the act of sharing Jesus with the world, begins with our own personal encounter with Jesus.
The ultimate goal of missions is to spread the gospel to those who have never heard the good news of salvation in Jesus. Consider these facts about the status of evangelical Christianity around the world:
- There are 7.75 billion people in the world, and 3.23 billion of them live in unreached people groups—places where the gospel has not been fully established.
- Out of 17,446 unique people groups, over 7,400 remain unreached, meaning that 41% of the world’s population is still waiting to hear the good news of Jesus.
- Most of these people live in what is known as the 10/40 window, a region that includes North Africa, the Middle East, and much of Asia, where 85% of the world’s unreached people live.
- Less than 10% of missionary work is focused on the 10/40 window.
- Tragically, about 178,000 people die every day without having heard the gospel.
The above statistics are staggering, but they serve as a reminder that the task of missions is far from over. If we have been saved, we bear the responsibility to give others the opportunity to experience the same life-changing grace of Jesus in their own lives.
2. Missions is for people who have something to give.
The Macedonian churches gave out of their poverty, showing that even those with little worldly resources can contribute toward Jesus’ Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20) in big ways. As a student pastor, I see this principle often put into practice by our teenagers at LMBC. Teenagers may not have much in terms of material resources, but they have energy, creativity, and passion—things that God often uses to advance the gospel of Christ across their peer groups, throughout the local community, and even around the world by their participating in short term mission trips! Everyone has something to give, whether time, talent, or material resources.
The passage of 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 teaches believers that giving is not just about the amount—it’s about the heart. Writing to the Corinthians, Paul says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor 9:7). Whatever we give toward advancing the gospel around the world, we should do it with joy and a willing heart, trusting that God can multiply our efforts.
Again, our teenagers at LMBC illustrate the principle mentioned above. Teens understand what it means to struggle. Whether dealing with personal challenges, school pressures, or family issues, they know what it’s like to feel stretched thin. This gives them a unique ability to empathize with others who are hurting. Teens may not have much money to give toward Jesus’ mission of reaching the world with the gospel, but they have plenty of enthusiasm, ideas, and talents that can be used for God’s work. Whether serving in local outreaches, participating in mission trips, or simply being a light in their school, teens, as do each of us, have something to offer toward the cause of missions.
3. Missions is for people who want to experience God.
The Macedonians did more than give of what they had; they gave beyond their means. Paul writes that they gave “according to their ability, and even beyond their ability”
(2 Cor 8:3). This kind of sacrificial giving shows a deep trust in God’s provision. When we step out in faith and give, even when it’s uncomfortable, we create space for God to show up miraculously in and through our lives.
Sacrificial giving toward the cause of missions might mean surrendering your time, talents, or future to God. It could mean choosing to spend your summer on a mission trip instead of the beach or deciding to pursue a career in ministry or service instead of following the world’s definition of success. When we give what we have—no matter how small it may seem—God can use it to impact the world for Him far broader and deeper than we could ever imagine.
As the Macedonians experienced, when we put everything on the line for God, He comes through for us. In fact, it’s been said that “God’s math” doesn’t always add up in human terms. But when we trust Him with our resources, He has a way of multiplying them beyond what we thought possible.
4. Missions is contagious!
When we step out in faith and leverage our limited resources to further the gospel worldwide, it inspires others to do the same. The Macedonians’ generosity stirred the wealthy Corinthian church to action, as they learned by the example of a comparatively smaller church significantly impacting the world for Christ. In the same way, through our participation, we can inspire others around us to get involved in missions.
What does this mean for Christians today? How can we get involved in missions?
1. Give yourself to God first. The greatest gift we can give to God is our obedience. Before we serve others, we must surrender our own lives to God. This could mean deciding to follow Jesus in believers’ baptism, rededicating your life to Christ, establishing consistency in your daily time with the Lord, or becoming more faithfully involved in the local work here at LMBC. Our lost and dying world doesn’t need another celebrity or sports star; it needs people who are fully surrendered to Jesus daily.
2. Figure out what you have to give. Take some time to think about your God-given gifts, abilities, and resources and how they can be used toward the cause of missions. Do you have your time, specific talents, or social influence? Even if what you have seems small and insignificant, God will use and multiply it. What can you give to God today for the cause of missions? What’s your first step?
3. Step out of your comfort zone. Obedience to Jesus’s Great Commission requires faith, and faith often requires us to step out of our comfort zones. Whether signing up for a mission trip, serving at a local outreach, or participating in LMBC’s Faith Promise missions program, , it takes courage to take that first step. But once you do, you’ll see God work in amazing ways.
4. Learn from those on fire for God. Surround yourself with people who are passionate about missions. Read biographies of missionaries like Hudson Taylor, follow missionaries on social media, and get involved with others actively sharing the gospel locally and around the world. Their stories will inspire and challenge you to live out your faith boldly.
Missions isn’t just for missionaries—it’s for everyone who has experienced the life-changing grace of Jesus Christ. Whether you’re a teenager with limited resources or an adult with years of experience, God can and will use what you have to offer. The world is full of people who need to hear the gospel, and it’s our responsibility to share it. So, what will you give? What steps will you take to be part of God’s global mission?
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