The Benefits of Giving An expository study on 2 Corinthians, Chapter 9

Excel in Giving a) They gave despite their severe circumstances b) They gave joyfully and liberally c) They gave entirely on their own d) They gave themselves first to the Lord Christ is our model for Giving

 Let us provoke one another towards good deeds. “For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be” 2 Cor 9:2-3

We can give as a duty We can give to find self-satisfaction We can give out of prestige We can give out of love

 The blessings of giving are manifold a) The Giver is Blessed 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

“all that you need” (v. 8). Autarkeia, means to be sufficient in oneself or self-supporting. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:11 To learn to be content with very little requires that One want very little.

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Tim 6:17 Apart from this we are made rich in every way, it would also mean … Rich in Love: Rich in Friends: Rich in Help: Rich towards God:

b) The Receiver is blessed “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” 2 Cor 9: 12  The greek word for “service” that is used here is “ Diakonia” which means ministry or service.  The word for “perform” is the word Leitourgia – aid, help, support, service.  "needs” – from the greek word “Hysterema” - denotes a shortage or deficiency of basic necessities.

c) God is blessed Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Cor 9: Confession : Homologia – Homo means common, Logia means statement

14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. James 2: indescribable gift. Derived from the greek word anekdihghtos, found only here in the Greek Bible) - denotes something that is beyond human description.