Moving Toward Generosity Biblical Principles of Financial Giving 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 pg 1801 pg 1146

Introduction What would you be willing to trade to have a deeply satisfying life & true fulfillment? What would you be willing to trade to have a deeply satisfying life & true fulfillment? Time? Behaviors? Vehicle? Money? Job? House? Time? Behaviors? Vehicle? Money? Job? House? "The last part of the person to convert is the wallet." ~ Missiologist Herbert Kane: "The last part of the person to convert is the wallet." ~ Missiologist Herbert Kane:

Introduction “The amount of American giving to charitable organizations of all kinds remains relatively constant at somewhere between 1.6% and 2.16% of a family’s income. American Christians do only slightly better, averaging somewhere around 2.4% of the national per capita income.”

Introduction “In most... suburban Western communities, it is impossible to detect any outward differences between the expenditures of professing Christians and the religiously unaffiliated who surround them in their neighborhoods.” 5

Introduction Happiness = = $$ “If I just had enough money, then I’d be happy.” “I know they say having money doesn’t make you happy, but I sure wouldn’t mind tying it out for myself.” “If I just had enough money, then I’d be happy.” “I know they say having money doesn’t make you happy, but I sure wouldn’t mind tying it out for myself.”

Introduction $$ If you’re not satisfied in life without lots of money, you won’t be satisfied in life with lots of money. securit y acceptanc e significanc e X 7

Historical setting

(1 Cor. 16:1-3) Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. (1 Cor. 16:1-3) Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned.

Historical setting (1 Cor. 16:1-3) cont’d... Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. (1 Cor. 16:1-3) cont’d... Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. 2 Cor. 8:10 And I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it. 2 Cor. 8:10 And I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it. 10

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 1 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped,

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving.

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 7 Since you excel in so many ways— in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. 8 I am not commanding you to do this. 7 Since you excel in so many ways— in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. 8 I am not commanding you to do this.

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

2 Corinthians 8:1-9 GRACEGRACE od’s od’s iches iches t hrist’s hrist’s xpense xpense 16

1. Giving is motivated by God’s grace (2 Cor. 9:15) Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Cor. 9:15) Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

1. Giving is motivated by God’s grace Why does grace motivate giving? Why does grace motivate giving? 2 Cor 8:9. You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 2 Cor 8:9. You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. Regularly and thankfully ponder: how spiritually poor we were, how spiritually poor we were, how poor Jesus made Himself to rescue us, and how poor Jesus made Himself to rescue us, and how spiritually rich we are now how spiritually rich we are now Regularly and thankfully ponder: how spiritually poor we were, how spiritually poor we were, how poor Jesus made Himself to rescue us, and how poor Jesus made Himself to rescue us, and how spiritually rich we are now how spiritually rich we are now

1. Giving is motivated by God’s grace Attitudes toward giving Attitudes toward giving Under Law Under Grace Acceptance before God "I give in order to be accepted by God." 19

1. Giving is motivated by God’s grace Attitudes toward giving Attitudes toward giving Under Law Under Grace Acceptance before God "I give in order to be accepted by God." “I give BECAUSE I have been accepted by God.”

1. Giving is motivated by God’s grace Attitudes toward giving Attitudes toward giving Under Law Under Grace Acceptance before God "I give in order to be accepted by God." “I give BECAUSE I have been accepted by God.” Duty vs. Privilege "My giving is a duty which I resent."

1. Giving is motivated by God’s grace Attitudes toward giving Attitudes toward giving Under Law Under Grace Acceptance before God "I give in order to be accepted by God." “I give BECAUSE I have been accepted by God.” Duty vs. Privilege "My giving is a duty which I resent." "My giving is a privilege that I enjoy."

1. Giving is motivated by God’s grace Attitudes toward giving Attitudes toward giving Under Law Under Grace Acceptance before God "I give in order to be accepted by God." “I give BECAUSE I have been accepted by God.” Duty vs. Privilege "My giving is a duty which I resent." "My giving is a privilege that I enjoy." Amount Given "I give the least I can to keep God and others off my back." Warning Signs: “What's the right amount to give?” “What's the right amount to give?” “I don't want to be irresponsible toward my obligations to the family!” “I don't want to be irresponsible toward my obligations to the family!” Warning Signs: “What's the right amount to give?” “What's the right amount to give?” “I don't want to be irresponsible toward my obligations to the family!” “I don't want to be irresponsible toward my obligations to the family!”

1. Giving is motivated by God’s grace Attitudes toward giving Attitudes toward giving Under Law Under Grace Acceptance before God "I give in order to be accepted by God." “I give BECAUSE I have been accepted by God.” Duty vs. Privilege "My giving is a duty which I resent." "My giving is a privilege that I enjoy." Amount Given "I give the least I can to keep God and others off my back." “I give as much as I can to express my joy and gratitude to God for his love.”

1. Giving is motivated by God’s grace What about 2 Cor 9:7? What about 2 Cor 9:7? You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.

1. Giving is motivated by God’s grace What about 2 Cor 9:7? What about 2 Cor 9:7? “Isn’t it legalistic for us to call on or remind each other as Christians to make giving commitments?” “Isn’t it legalistic for us to call on or remind each other as Christians to make giving commitments?” 26

1. Giving is motivated by God’s grace What about 2 Cor 9:7? What about 2 Cor 9:7? “Isn’t it legalistic for us to call on or remind each other as Christians to make giving commitments?” “Isn’t it legalistic for us to call on or remind each other as Christians to make giving commitments?” “Shouldn’t we not give if we don’t feel cheerful?” “Shouldn’t we not give if we don’t feel cheerful?” 27

2 Corinthians 8:5 2 Corinthians 8:5 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 28

2. Christians are stewards 2 Corinthians 8:5 2 Corinthians 8:5 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.

2. Christians are stewards Stewardship Stewardship "the use of God-given resources for the accomplishment of God-given goals." "the use of God-given resources for the accomplishment of God-given goals." 30

2. Christians are stewards Biblical implications of stewardship Biblical implications of stewardship Everything we have is God's and not ours. Everything we have is God's and not ours. (Ps. 24:1) The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. (Ps. 24:1) The earth is the LORD'S, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. (1 Cor. 4:7) For who regards you as superior? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (1 Cor. 4:7) For who regards you as superior? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 31

2. Christians are stewards Biblical implications of stewardship Biblical implications of stewardship Everything we have is God's and not ours. Everything we have is God's and not ours. We will give an account to God for how we spent his money. We will give an account to God for how we spent his money. Matt 25:19, 21 Matt 25:19, 21 Romans 14:12 Romans 14:12 Matthew 25:19, 21 Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them...21 "His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master.' Matthew 25:19, 21 Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them...21 "His master said to him, `Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your master.' Romans 14:12 So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12 So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.

2. Christians are stewards Biblical implications of stewardship Biblical implications of stewardship Everything we have is God's and not ours. Everything we have is God's and not ours. We will give an account to God for how we spent his money. We will give an account to God for how we spent his money. We should manage God's money to advance his kingdom. We should manage God's money to advance his kingdom. 33

2. Christians are stewards Biblical implications of stewardship Biblical implications of stewardship Everything we have is God's and not ours. Everything we have is God's and not ours. We will give an account to God for how we spent his money. We will give an account to God for how we spent his money. We should manage God's money to advance his kingdom. We should manage God's money to advance his kingdom. Luke 14:33 So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. Luke 14:33 So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.

Biblical implications of stewardship Biblical implications of stewardship Everything we have is God's and not ours. Everything we have is God's and not ours. We will give an account to God for how we spent his money. We will give an account to God for how we spent his money. Therefore, we should manage God's money to advance his kingdom. Therefore, we should manage God's money to advance his kingdom. 2. Christians are stewards Luke 16:9-11 And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the mammon (money) of unrighteousness; that when it fails, they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. Luke 16:9-11 And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by means of the mammon (money) of unrighteousness; that when it fails, they may receive you into the eternal dwellings. He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much. If therefore you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous mammon (money), who will entrust the true riches to you?

2. Christians are stewards Attitudes toward giving: Attitudes toward giving: OwnerSteward "How much of my money will I give to God?" "How much of God's money will I keep for myself?"

2. Christians are stewards Attitudes toward giving: Attitudes toward giving: OwnerSteward "How much of my money will I give to God?" "How much of God's money will I keep for myself?" “Will I enjoy this purchase?” “Can I afford it?”

2. Christians are stewards Attitudes toward giving: Attitudes toward giving: OwnerSteward "How much of my money will I give to God?" "How much of God's money will I keep for myself?" “Will I enjoy this purchase?” “Can I afford it?” "How will this purchase affect my ability to advance God's purposes?"

2. Christians are stewards Attitudes toward giving: Attitudes toward giving:OwnerSteward "How much of my money will I give to God?" "How much of God's money will I keep for myself?" “Will I enjoy this purchase?” “Can I afford it?” "How will this purchase affect my ability to advance God's purposes?" Things to Consider: The needs of other Christians (8:13-15) The needs of other Christians (8:13-15) The needs of those who don’t know Christ (spiritual, physical; here and abroad) The needs of those who don’t know Christ (spiritual, physical; here and abroad) Opportunity to lead by example Opportunity to lead by example Things to Consider: The needs of other Christians (8:13-15) The needs of other Christians (8:13-15) The needs of those who don’t know Christ (spiritual, physical; here and abroad) The needs of those who don’t know Christ (spiritual, physical; here and abroad) Opportunity to lead by example Opportunity to lead by example 39

Attitudes toward giving: Attitudes toward giving:OwnerSteward "How much of my money will I give to God?" "How much of God's money will I keep for myself?" “Will I enjoy this purchase?” “Can I afford it?” "How will this purchase affect my ability to advance God's purposes?" 2. Christians are stewards Note: When we live with a grace-motivated attitude and a steward mentality, we are actually able to enjoy our giving and the possessions and pleasures God grants us (see 1 Tim. 6:17). Note: Things to Consider: The needs of other Christians (8:13-15) The needs of other Christians (8:13-15) The needs of those who don’t know Christ (spiritual, physical; here and abroad) The needs of those who don’t know Christ (spiritual, physical; here and abroad) Opportunity to lead by example Opportunity to lead by example Things to Consider: The needs of other Christians (8:13-15) The needs of other Christians (8:13-15) The needs of those who don’t know Christ (spiritual, physical; here and abroad) The needs of those who don’t know Christ (spiritual, physical; here and abroad) Opportunity to lead by example Opportunity to lead by example

2. Christians are stewards Attitudes toward giving: Attitudes toward giving: OwnerSteward "How much of my money will I give to God?" "How much of God's money will I keep for myself?" “Will I enjoy this purchase?” “Can I afford it?” "How will this purchase affect my ability to advance God's purposes?" "My finances and giving are my private business."

2. Christians are stewards Attitudes toward giving: Attitudes toward giving: OwnerSteward "How much of my money will I give to God?" "How much of God's money will I keep for myself?" “Will I enjoy this purchase?” “Can I afford it?” "How will this purchase affect my ability to advance God's purposes?" "My finances and giving are my private business." "I will seek wise counsel so I can be faithful with God's resources." 42

HCC’s Giving HCC compared to national average? HCC compared to national average?NationalHCC Income (media n) $51000 Giving (% of income) 2.4% % who give nothing 20% HCC Sock Avg Stats: Avg Family Income ~ $70K Avg Family Income ~ $70K Avg giving/family: $2395 Avg giving/family: $2395 ~ 3.4% ~ 3.4% HCC Sock Avg Stats: Avg Family Income ~ $70K Avg Family Income ~ $70K Avg giving/family: $2395 Avg giving/family: $2395 ~ 3.4% ~ 3.4% HCC Sock Median Stats: Median Family Income ~ $65K Median Family Income ~ $65K Median giving/family: $1256 Median giving/family: $1256 ~ 2% ~ 2% HCC Sock Median Stats: Median Family Income ~ $65K Median Family Income ~ $65K Median giving/family: $1256 Median giving/family: $1256 ~ 2% ~ 2%

HCC’s Giving HCC compared to national average? HCC compared to national average? NationalHCC Income (media n) $51000$65000 Giving (% of income) 2.4% 2% to 4% % who give nothing 20%?? 44

God’s Plan God desires to take his blessing of salvation to the world God desires to take his blessing of salvation to the world The church is THE instrument that He has commissioned to do this The church is THE instrument that He has commissioned to do this You and I are the Church You and I are the Church God is asking us to steward his possessions to accomplish his mission God is asking us to steward his possessions to accomplish his mission 45

True Fulfillment A truly fulfilling life ONLY comes through participating in God’s plan, God’s way A truly fulfilling life ONLY comes through participating in God’s plan, God’s way God’s plan - bring salvation to others God’s plan - bring salvation to others God’s way - through sacrifice God’s way - through sacrifice 46

True Fulfillment A truly fulfilling life ONLY comes through participating in God’s plan, God’s way A truly fulfilling life ONLY comes through participating in God’s plan, God’s way God’s plan - bring salvation to others God’s plan - bring salvation to others God’s way - through sacrifice God’s way - through sacrifice 2 Cor 8:9 [consider] the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 2 Cor 8:9 [consider] the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 47

True Fulfillment As a believer, as your life transforms, as you know God’s grace at deeper levels, you will want to give more and more, and that leads to more fulfillment, more experience at seeing God work, more trust in God rather than your money. As a believer, as your life transforms, as you know God’s grace at deeper levels, you will want to give more and more, and that leads to more fulfillment, more experience at seeing God work, more trust in God rather than your money.

Conclusion God’s grace really is the motivation for the entire Christian life - including giving our money God’s grace really is the motivation for the entire Christian life - including giving our money Reality: everything that we have belongs to God already, including his money. We are called to steward it well towards His goals, His mission, His purpose! Reality: everything that we have belongs to God already, including his money. We are called to steward it well towards His goals, His mission, His purpose!

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