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GRACE GIVING

2 Corinthians 8:1-8

                                            

 

Why Give?

We live in uncertain times. With changes occurring at every level: political, economic, global – why would anyone consider giving generously? Paul introduces us to a group of believers that gave even in the most difficult of circumstances and tells us why they chose to give.

 

Give out of ________________________.

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  2 Corinthians 8:1-2

 

Give to ___________ ________ ________.

For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 2 Corinthians 8:3-4

 

Give to be in the __________ ____ ________ ________.

And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.  2 Corinthians 8:5

 

PAUL’S CHALLENGE

But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.  2 Corinthians 8:7-8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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GRACE GIVING

2 Corinthians 8:1-8

 

 

 

Give out of gratitude.

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.  2 Corinthians 8:1-2

 

Give to partner with God.

For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 2 Corinthians 8:3-4

 

Give to be in the center of God’s will.

And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.  2 Corinthians 8:5

 

 

 

But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.  

2 Corinthians 8:7-8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CRAIG MSS

GRACE GIVING

2 Corinthians 8.1-8

                                            

 

Review:

God is the owner, we are managers

We are accountable to God for what we do with what we have

We can either live with an open hand or a clinched fist

 

Last week I said that fear is one of the greatest hindrances to giving. Third servant said, “I was afraid” We are living in Uncertain times:

 

• Economic uncertainty – recession, forecast, looking at 401K, retirement
• National uncertainty - Presidential election
• Global uncertainty – war in Iraq, value of the dollar overseas

 

You have felt these effects in your business (talked with two small business owners this week, trying to stay afloat) We have even felt that in funding our ministry budget here.

 

Some might say that this is the worst time for anyone try to build. People want to circle the wagons, hoard their money. Why would anyone give in that kind of uncertainty? Why would anyone be generous?

 

I want to show you a group of people who not only lived in uncertain times, but chose to give in uncertain times. 2 COR 8.1-8

 

Paul writing to believers in Corinth (Asia Minor) from the region of Macedonia.

The economic instability of the Macedonian believers

 

ii. The poverty of the Macedonians is confirmed by secular history.  The Romans took most of their wealth when they conquered this former homeland of Alexander the Great.

 

 

 

Contrast the economic ability of Corinthians believers

 

Why Give in Uncertainty?

 

Give out of gratitude

 

Give to partner with God

 

Give to be in the center of God’s will

 

 

Paul’s Challenge:

You excel in other ways, now excel in giving

Not commanding you, I’m testing your sincerity