We are famous as we serve sincerely, we are generous for the kingdom, and we live to push others forward in the service of Christ: this is the new ambition of the new heart strengthened by sovereign grace in the gospel.

First, we can be famous for ministering the gospel. 2 Corinthians 8:18 - "With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel." If our motives are pure, and we’re not after our own glory, then God will cause us to shine unto others. He’ll manifest within their consciences that we are faithful. 2 Corinthians 4:2 - "But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God."

This is for the person who DOES NOT seek his own glory. The way up is down, and the path to greatness is humility and sincere service. The person that seeks a following is not great. They have corrupt motives. The compromising preacher is not great, but the one who is faithful honors the Lord, and he will honor us.

Let us be content with the approval that comes from God. If others see it, then great. If not, then he will testify in our conscience that we please him, and we will have peace. Greatness is service, so let us serve from a pure heart, sincerely, seeking no praise and honor, so that we can be rewarded by Christ who sees in secret. 1 Samuel 2:30, “Those who honor me, I will honor.”

Secondly, it is honorable to give for the gospel and the saints. 2 Corinthians 8:21 - "for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man."

Our responsibility is not to the world. The Lord Jesus went about doing good, so we have compassion on the lost. We must, however, provide for poor saints and qualified widows. We must help the orphans of believers, support pastors, and support our missionaries. We must take care of church business! James 1:27 - "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

It is improper to care for the world while saints languish. Let us do the first things first. Paul, Titus, and this esteemed saint are carrying money from the Gentiles to Jerusalem, where famine struck the church; it is good that this care be exercised, and it is good that faithful men be put in charge. 2 Corinthians 8:19 - "And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will." This pleases God, and it is honorable before people that we care for our own.

Church money is not used for private jets and needless luxuries. Pastors aren’t getting rich off the people. Poor widows, who’ve served faithfully, and not given empty prayers, while the pastor collects multiple offerings for himself. No, the gospel helps the poor saints in their distress. The children of orphaned believers are not sent to the street. We do what is right.

Are you doing what's right with your money? Are your resources for yourself, or the good of others? We can’t live selfishly and be happy. We must give.

Thirdly, our example encourages and strengthens others. 2 Corinthians 8:22 - "And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you."

This brother knew the Corinthians would prepare an offering, so he was more zealous to go to them. He was not discouraged by their lack of generosity, but believing in their faithfulness, he got increased pep in his step.

We can encourage others by our zeal. Our ministries may only exist so that someone else can take up the banner. A child may be stirred to great sacrifice by noticing the example of his parents. A church in someplace… struggling as she may be… may send a word of encouragement to a hundred churches by her example in the fire, even though her own results seem sparse.

Let us give ourselves to the ministry for God’s glory. We don’t know who is watching. When John Paton went to the cannibal islands of East Asia, the boat before him landed and the missionaries were eaten. He tried to land, but the captain of his vessel turned around. Paton returned a year later with his wife, and they established a thriving ministry that encouraged thousands and planted dozens of churches. He was spurred on, I’m sure, by the example of the missionaries who lost their lives. They strengthened him by their faithfulness… and his wife too.