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Living Giving
II Corinthians 8 – 9
Intro:
- We’ve all heard the saying, “Tis’
better to give than to receive.”
- The Bible clearly teaches that we are to give. I
Cor 16:1-3
- We have many examples of giving:
1.
Macedonians – Rom 15:25-27
2.
Widow – Luke
21:1-4
3.
Israelites – Ex 35:21-22; I Chron
29:3-9, etc.
- How much should we give?
- What should I look at to help me decide the right
amount to give?
I.
Giving 101
A. Circumstances
Should Not Dictate Our Giving – II Cor. 8:2
1. These gave
beyond their ability – (also Luke 21:1-4)
2. Jesus
is an example – 8:9
B. Freely
willing – 8:3
1. Willingness
is a primary factor in Godly giving – v. 8, 12, 9:2
2. Macedonian
brethren begged to have gift received – v.4
3. Giving
and true fellowship are one in the same
C. We
Must First Give Ourselves to God – 8:5
1. Giving
is God’s will
2. Only
way to receive life everlasting - I John 2:17
D. Giving
Is One Of The Christian Graces – 8:7
1. Just as important as:
a. faith,
speech, knowledge, diligence, and love
E. God
Expects Me to Give Only From What I Have – 8:12
1. God
doesn’t expect one to bear the load of all – v. 13-15
2. Some
help others now; help returned later.
II.
Readiness In Giving 9:1-4
A. Willing
– 9:2
B. Zealous
– 9:2
C. Always
Ready – 9:3
D. Prepared
- 9:4
E. Sow
Bountifully & Cheerfully – v.7 (not like paying taxes)
1. I Chron 29:3-9
2. Ex 36:4-7
- Gift from the heart – not tithe v.7
1. Jews
actually gave 15 – 20 % with tithe, offerings, etc.
2. Heartfelt
and private – Matt 6:1-4
III.
Promises Received From Giving As We Should
A. God
Will Meet Our Needs & More vv 8 – 9
1.
Prov 11:25
B. We
Can Lead More Fruitful Lives vv 10-11
C. We
Glorify God vv 12 -14
D. We
Store Up Treasures In Heaven – Matt 19:21
1. Mark 9:41
1. Matt 25:35-45
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