2 Corinthians Growing In The Grace of Giving Look At The Book! 2 Corinthians Growing In The Grace of Giving

Never Pass The Contribution Tray Again??? A wish I have Strange? Not if we truly understand the concept of the grace of giving back to God, and excel in that grace. Why wish such a thing? Why wish to never again hear the phrase, “return a small portion to God”? Why wish to never hear the awkward attempts to tell visitors they have no obligation to give? By the end of this sermon I hope everyone can understand my wish.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 “Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

What is OUR PURPOSE in Giving? Paul spoke these words concerning a particular occasion where giving was planned and promised. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 -- “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.” The principle applies to us as well!

Paul Boasted Beforehand 2 Corinthians 9:2-3, 5: “…for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them. But I have sent the brethren, in order that our boasting about you may not be made empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you may be prepared….So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a bountiful gift and not affected by covetousness.”

By Which We Learn…. The value of proper purposeful giving The potential for covetousness The joy of planning and keeping a plan to give for the sake of others.

Instruction On Proper Giving It is to be bountiful, and not sparing – vs. 6 It is to be purposed and not grudging – vs. 7 It is to be cheerful – vs. 7 How full is bountiful? How full is cheerful?

Who Gave More? Who Trusted More? Illustration: Two givers – who gave more? Mark 12:41-44 – “And He sat down opposite the treasury, and began observing how the people were putting money into the treasury; and many rich people were putting in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.”

What Can God Do With Small Gifts? Illustration: Woman preparing a box for missionaries in India. Boy gives a penny. What did God do with that small gift?

God’s Power 2 Corinthians 9:8-11 -- And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, “He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever.” Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.

Instantaneous Gratification Lie! Too many health and wealth preachers abuse these verses to suggest God is waiting around for generous givers to make them filthy rich in this world. These verses are not really about us, per se, but are about God and His power. What does God bring into play for the generous, sacrificial giver?

What Power Does God Supply? He supplies abounding grace He supplies abundance for every good deed He supplies for OUR liberality (one way in which I truly want to be liberal!) All these things are from God’s power, not our own abundance!

Our Liberality To Equal His Sacrifice 2 Corinthians 8:7-9 – “But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also. I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”

God’s Indescribable Gift 2 Corinthians 9:12 – “For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

What God’s Indescribable Gift IS NOT It is not money, possessions, belonging, or any other physical, worldly blessing! What Does Paul Say? Overflowing thanksgiving to God Glory to God from their generosity Visibility to others while doing the will of God and being generous This is the indescribable gift: Bringing more praise and glory to God!

How Deep Is Your Trust? Deep enough to purpose your giving? Deep enough to overcome covetousness? Deep enough to give sacrificially? Deep enough to give liberally? Deep enough to give cheerfully? Deep enough to give with no thought to personal gain, but only to bring thanksgiving, honor, and glory to God? If so, the collection plate will no longer be needed!