In these verses Paul is giving us a wonderful example of what it means to walk in integrity and accountability. He knew that not only were others keeping track of him, but most importantly, so was Our Lord Jesus.

The context of chapters 8 and 9 of 2 Corinthians is about how the Gentile churches were called upon to collect funds to help the struggling and needy Jewish church in Jerusalem. In these two chapters, we are going to learn important and timeless biblical principles of financial stewardship. But beneath the surface of biblical principles on giving is the deeper subject of sacrificial, Christian living.

If we associate ourselves with “bad company,” our lives will reflect the negative influence they have on us. The opposite is also true; godly friends can have a positive influence on our character and actions. In friendships, as in other areas of life, our enemy's goal in spiritual warfare is to outwit us as believers. In all our relationships we need to be on guard against his schemes. If we fail to be alert or discerning about people, we will be drawn into the wrong kind of relationships, with the destructive or sinful effects.

There are glimpses of God’s new creation even in the struggling church at Corinth. God’s power to rectify simply cannot be contained. For a world held captive to all manifestations of sin’s power – to fear, anxiety, social injustices, war, starvation, and exploitation – this is good news, indeed.

One of the most powerful motivations for Christian service and holy Christian living is the fact that every single believer is going to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Sin and salvation will not be the subject of that Judgment, for Jesus Christ bore all of our sin and judgment on His cross. At the Judgment Seat of Christ, every believer will stand before The Lord Jesus as stewards of the time, resources, opportunities, and talents that He gave to us.