DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH, LOCATION / REGION SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES Year of Full Restoration 10 DECEMBER, 2017

LESSON 672: THE PRACTICE OF ACCEPTABLE GIVING MEMORY VERSE: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7) TEXT: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

SUMMARY (1) From our last study, we learnt the following lessons: Giving generously is evidence of “the grace of God bestowed” on us. We should give our best, support the weak and finance Church projects. Ministers should not manage money all on their own: skilled and faithful people should be set to handle it. The study of today touches on three points: Principles of acceptable giving in the church. Properties of acceptable gifts. Profits of acceptable giving.

SUMMARY (2) Principles of acceptable giving in the church (2 Cor. 9:1-6): Giving must be purposeful: meeting needs, running God’s project, etc. God looks at faithfulness, not the size; the rich and poor can be equally faithful. Having personal need is no reason not to give: it is a venture of faith! Properties of acceptable gifts (2 Cor. 9:2,7-9): Giving must be joyous and zealous, not for carnal comparison or competition. Giving must be deliberate, voluntary and according to ability, not imposed or forced. Profits of acceptable giving (2 Cor. 9:10-15): When we give scripturally, God rewards us financially and in other areas. Giving glorifies God, promotes His work and brings joy in the heart of the giver. Giving brings joy to those who are relieved by it; it also strengthens the bond of unity.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 What is the basic condition for acceptable giving in the sight of God? 2 Corinthians 8:4,5 2 Corinthians 5:17

QUESTION 2 Mention three important principles to be observed in giving acceptably to God. 2 Corinthians 8:2 Galatians 6:10 1 Kings 17:9-16

QUESTION 3 Mention three important properties of an acceptable gift in God’s sight: 2 Corinthians 9:6 2 Corinthians 9:7a 2 Corinthians 9:7b

QUESTION 4 Mention other places in the bible where blessing and favour are promised to those who give to the needy or the work of the gospel: Isaiah 58:10 Proverbs 11:25 Psalm 41:1

QUESTION 5 Explain how the practice of acceptable giving brings praise to God and joy to men: Psalm 112:9 2 Corinthians 9:14 2 Corinthians 8:9

QUESTION 6 What is the greatest gift a man can receive from God and what is its effect in man’s ability to give acceptably? John 3:16

CONCLUSION Faith in God will lead us to liberal, cheerful and thoughtful giving. Our giving must be purposeful, faithful and sacrificial. The poor and the rich should be equally faithful. We should give zealously, voluntarily and freely for God’s glory alone. When we give scripturally, God rewards us financially and in other areas.