1. 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Water butts and hosepipes

2. Overview Giving: part 3 of 3 Generosity encouraged The rewards of generosity The results of generosity So what?

3. Generous giving Financial giving –In response to an actual need –Jews & Gentiles –What needs do we face today? The generosity of the Macedonians The eagerness of the Corinthians Be ready Prove you have done what you promised

4. Generosity encouraged (6&7) We will reap as we sow –The farmer’s decision: eat or sow We should give what we have decided in our hearts –Heart is the centre of being (not just emotions) –Whole person: appetites, intellect, will –Decision about what to give should be carefully considered We should give with a right attitude –Not reluctantly or under compulsion –Willingly, cheerfully & with thankful attitude

5. Rewards of generosity God’s grace will abound towards us –If we give ourselves to God, we get more back Conversion – talents - money – time – energy –Don’t always get back the same kind of blessing –We can be beggars or children of the king –We will never be more generous than God God is able (and willing) to make all grace abound towards us –ALL grace - ALL things – ALL times – ALL you need –Luke 6:38

6. Rewards of generosity (continued) The purpose: so that we will abound with every good work The principle was established in the OT It is God who gives in the first place The more we give, the more the Lord will enable us to give The Lord makes us rich in every way, so that we can be generous on every occasion