1. What does the grace of God do? n Most of the time we think of receiving God's grace for salvation. (Eph 2:8-9)

2. What does the grace of God do? n (Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV) “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, {9} not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

3. What does the grace of God do? n Indeed God has acted on our behalf and given us that which we could never do for ourselves.

4. What does the grace of God do? n If that is all we think of the grace of God then we may have not received it! The grace of God is to move us to action! (Titus 2:11-14)

5. What does the grace of God do? n (Titus 2:11-14 NKJV) “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, {12} teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, {13} looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

6. What does the grace of God do? n {14} who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”

7. What does the grace of God do? n Those who truly receive God's grace will in turn be so moved to unselfishly serve others! Have you received the grace of God?

8. What does the grace of God do? n In the last chapter we learned how the grace of God had moved the Macedonian Christians to give beyond what anyone thought they could! (2 Cor 8:1-5)

9. What does the grace of God do? n (2 Corinthians 8:1-5 NKJV) “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: {2} that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. {3} For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,

10. What does the grace of God do? n {4} imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. {5} And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.”

11. What does the grace of God do? n Do you view God's grace this way? Do you view the work of the Lord as a privilege or a burden?

12. What does the grace of God do? n This thought is plainly exemplified in Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians. The grace of God is not the "cheap grace" of popular false doctrine!

13. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n (2 Corinthians 9:1-5 NKJV) “Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; {2} for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.

14. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n {3} Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; {4} lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.

15. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n {5} Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.”

16. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n God's grace had already taught them what they should do! (9:1)

17. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n “Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you”

18. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n “Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you” n Because they knew any addition instruction was "superfluous." This is defined as:" over and above, more than is necessary, superadded.“

19. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n The first step in the work of grace is the word of grace! (Acts 20:32)

20. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n (Acts 20:32 NKJV) “”So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

21. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n Those who view the word of God and His grace as being in opposition have missed the grace of God.

22. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n Those who view the word of God and His grace as being in opposition have missed the grace of God. n We can have a problem of knowing but not doing! (1 Thess 5:1-3; Jas 1:22)

23. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 NKJV) “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. {2} For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. {3} For when they say, “Peace and safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.”

24. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n (James 1:22 NKJV) “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

25. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n What will turn intentions into action?

26. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n What will turn intentions into action? n The example and zeal of others will give us courage. (9:2)

27. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n What will turn intentions into action? n The example and zeal of others will give us courage. (9:2) n “for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.”

28. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n The exhortation of others will help us. (9:3, 5)

29. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n “Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; ….Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.”

30. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n The expectations of others will give us courage. (9:3-4)

31. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n The expectations of others will give us courage. (9:3-4) n “ lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.”

32. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n The expectations of others will give us courage. (9:3-4) n “ lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.” n When we prepare beforehand we will have also prepared our hearts.

33. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n Jesus prepared Himself for the cross before He faced it! (Heb 5:7-8)

34. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n (Hebrews 5:8-9 NKJV) “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. {9} And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,”

35. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n We need to face the work of the Lord this way!

36. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n When we make decisions on the spur of the moment we will in time corrupt our hearts. Do you make these decisions on a moment by moment basis?

37. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n When we make decisions on the spur of the moment we will in time corrupt our hearts. Do you make these decisions on a moment by moment basis? n To go to work each day?

38. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n When we make decisions on the spur of the moment we will in time corrupt our hearts. Do you make these decisions on a moment by moment basis? n To go to work each day? n To take care of your children?

39. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n When we make decisions on the spur of the moment we will in time corrupt our hearts. Do you make these decisions on a moment by moment basis? n To go to work each day? n To take care of your children? n To be faithful to your mate?

40. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n Because of the word of His grace, we can determine in our hearts ahead of time if we will give our all in every area of life to serve God! How much have you determined to give?

41. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n Those who are haphazard are also those who do because of "grudging obligation." In time they will be comfortable in doing nothing. (Ex. Do I have to attend every service? …)

42. The Preparation of Grace (9:1-5) n "Giving with glad and generous hearts has a way of routing out the tough old miser within us. Even the poor need to know that they can give. Just the very act of letting go of money, or some other treasure, does something within us. It destroys the demon greed."

43. The Attitude of Grace (9:6-7) n (2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NKJV) “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. {7} So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

44. The Attitude of Grace (9:6-7) n If you know the grace of God, you will be a living dead man! (Gal 2:20)

45. The Attitude of Grace (9:6-7) n (Galatians 2:20 NKJV) “”I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

46. The Attitude of Grace (9:6-7) n Why does a man make any sacrifice for God? (1 Cor 6:19-20)

47. The Attitude of Grace (9:6-7) n (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV) “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? {20} For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”

48. The Attitude of Grace (9:6-7) n If my greatest glory is to give God glory, then I will abound in good works.

49. The Attitude of Grace (9:6-7) n The difference between one who is pretending and one who is converted is their attitude towards the commands of God. (9:6-7)

50. The Attitude of Grace (9:6-7) n (2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NKJV) “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. {7} So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

51. The Attitude of Grace (9:6-7) n Many try to find the minimum and just do that.

52. The Attitude of Grace (9:6-7) n A few seek to do all they can.

53. The Attitude of Grace (9:6-7) n A few seek to do all they can. n The difference is a Christian who is cheerful and full of joy verses one who is miserable in their service. Those who are miserable often must be propped up by carnal means.

54. The Attitude of Grace (9:6-7) n "There are three kinds of givers -- the flint, the sponge and the honeycomb. To get anything out of a flint you must hammer it. And then you get only chips and sparks. To get water out of a sponge you must squeeze it, and the more you use pressure, the more you will get. But the honeycomb just overflows with its own sweetness. Which kind of giver are you?"

55. The Multiplication of Grace (9:8-10) n (2 Corinthians 9:8-10 NKJV) “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. {9} As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

56. The Multiplication of Grace (9:8-10) n {10} Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness,”

57. The Multiplication of Grace (9:8-10) n When we yield to the crucified life of God's grace, we will find we have everything we need. (9:8)

58. The Multiplication of Grace (9:8-10) n “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”

59. The Multiplication of Grace (9:8-10) n “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” n In the fleshly life you will never have enough! Anxiety will haunt you.

60. The Multiplication of Grace (9:8-10) n God will make us abound in His work if we will yield! (1 Cor 15:58)

61. The Multiplication of Grace (9:8-10) n (1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV) “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

62. The Multiplication of Grace (9:8-10) n God has so designed this life that when we give we in fact will receive far more!

63. The Multiplication of Grace (9:8-10) n God has so designed this life that when we give we in fact will receive far more! n Jesus taught His apostles this. (Mk 10:29-30)

64. The Multiplication of Grace (9:8-10) n (Mark 10:29-30 NKJV) “So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, {30} “who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time; houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.”

65. The Multiplication of Grace (9:8-10) n This is also true in the results of our efforts. On the surface it seems that little will be accomplished. What does God say? (Isa 55:10-11; Hosea 10:12)

66. The Multiplication of Grace (9:8-10) n (Isaiah 55:10-11 NKJV) “”For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, {11} So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

67. The Multiplication of Grace (9:8-10) n (Hosea 10:12 NKJV) “Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you.”

68. The Multiplication of Grace (9:8-10) n Will you trust God's ability to multiply? If we receive more than we give, then who is limiting our blessings in the Lord? We often are our own worst enemy!

69. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n (2 Corinthians 9:11-15 NKJV) “while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. {12} For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,

70. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n {13} while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, {14} and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. {15} Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

71. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n When God's grace works in us, we are enriched! (9:11)

72. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n “while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.”

73. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n “while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.” n This word means: "to be richly furnished.”

74. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n If you want God's riches you will become a "liberal!" Here it means: 1) singleness, simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty 1a) the virtue of one who is free from pretence and hypocrisy 2) not self seeking, openness of heart manifesting itself by generosity.

75. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n Are you an open giving person or closed within a select few?

76. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n Many will praise God when we yield to God grace. (9:11-12)

77. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n (2 Corinthians 9:11-12 NKJV) “while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. {12} For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,”

78. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n We want God to have the praise and not ourselves! (1 Cor 10:31)

79. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n (1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV) “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

80. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n This unselfish service will do more to open hearts to God and build up our brethren than anything else we can do. (Phil 2:19-22)

81. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n (Philippians 2:19-22 NKJV) “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. {20} For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. {21} For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. {22} But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.”

82. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n Did the collection here also go to non- Christians?

83. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n Did the collection here also go to non- Christians? n Who did Paul say it was going to? (9:1)

84. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n (2 Corinthians 9:1 NKJV) “Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you;”

85. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n What did the recipients do? (9:12-14)

86. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n (2 Corinthians 9:12-14 NKJV) “For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, {13} while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,

87. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n {14} and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.”

88. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n The pronoun "them" in verse 13 deals with the Christians at Jerusalem while the "all men" concern the other Christians they have or will help at different times.

89. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n The pronoun "them" in verse 13 deals with the Christians at Jerusalem while the "all men" concern the other Christians they have or will help at different times. n Do you share in the "indescribable gift" of God? (9:15)

90. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n (2 Corinthians 9:15 NKJV) “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

91. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n Is you service to God a joyful one?

92. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n Is you service to God a joyful one? n We need to go back and look at our initial forgiveness. Have we forgotten? (2 Pt 1:9)

93. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n (2 Peter 1:9 NKJV) “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.”

94. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n But for Grace, my soul had perished, Withered as the desert sand; Gone to shadows, and tormented, But for Grace's perfect plan! But for God's unceasing Mercy, But for Calvary's sacrifice; I had wandered, blind and thirsting, Fell to Satan's grim device.

95. The Praise of Grace (9:11-15) n But the blessed blood of Jesus, Shed upon that cruel tree; Called me from the ling'ring shadows, Saved my soul, and rescued me! But for Grace, O Grace perfected, But for love's undying flame; I had never hoped in Jesus, Ne'er had even known His name!