Giving 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Introduction Sermons on this can be dangerous –A need for rebuke (2 Timothy 4:2) –Help in evaluating our giving A concern of sincere Christians –How much should I give? –Easier with invoices!

First Things First A desire to give –“Of their own accord” (2 Corinthians 8:1-4,11, 12; 9:7) –Begged to participate –No amount acceptable without a willing heart

First Things First Give ourselves –His interest in us (2 Corinthians 8:5) –Can’t “buy off” the Lord –Service necessary –Those who give self are not stingy with their money

First Things First Motivated by love –Gift was the proof (2 Corinthians 8:24) –Love is essential (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) –If we love souls, we support evangelism –Help because we love (1 John 3:17, 18) –Money and heart (Matthew 6:19-24)

First Things First Stewards –Recognized by early Christians (Acts 4:32) –All we have belongs to God

Figuring The Amount Income –“As we prosper” (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2) –More we make; more we can give –Do we adjust for inflation? –On the “honor system”

Figuring The Amount Capability –Service measured this way (Matthew 25:14-30) –Same principle in giving (2 Corinthians 8:12) –Not a “weekly tax”

Figuring The Amount Need –Special circumstances (Acts 4:32-35) –Beyond their ability (2 Corinthians 8:3)

Figuring The Amount Priorities –Kingdom first (Matthew 6:33) –What do I spend on other things –Movies, fishing, golfing, etc. –Cannot give God leftovers (Malachi 1:6-14; 3:8)

Is This Right? Subtract from gross income… –Income taxes –House expenses –Savings –Medical –Recreational

Figuring The Amount Thankfulness –God will multiply the seed (Isaiah 55:10; Malachi 3:10) –Our blessings (Ephesians 1:3, 7) –God’s gift to us (2 Corinthians 9:15) –Seek maximums, not minimums

Conclusion Use these guidelines Be as generous as we can