Embracing Generosity: The Heart of Giving
Summary
### Summary
Today, we took a brief detour from our study in 1 Kings to delve into 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9, focusing on the theme of generous giving. This topic can often be met with tension, especially given the common misconception that churches are always asking for money. However, our discussion on generous giving is timely, especially following our church's recent decision to build a new facility to better serve our community and fulfill our mission of making disciples.
We began by understanding the context of 2 Corinthians. The Jerusalem church, which had been instrumental in spreading the gospel, was suffering due to persecution, famine, and a lack of resources. Paul, during his third missionary journey, collected offerings from various churches to support the Jerusalem believers. The Macedonian churches, despite their own severe afflictions and extreme poverty, exemplified generous giving. Their motivation was not merely compassion or kindness but the grace of God working in their hearts.
Generous giving, as demonstrated by the Macedonians, begins with God's grace. It is an outflow of the grace we have received from God, extending beyond our salvation to our sanctification. This grace transforms us, making us more like Christ and enabling us to give generously. Paul praised the Corinthians for their growth in faith, speech, knowledge, eagerness, and love, urging them to excel in the act of giving as well.
Generous giving is not about the amount but the sacrifice involved. Jesus highlighted this principle when He praised the widow who gave two small coins, noting that her gift was more significant than the large sums given by the wealthy because she gave out of her poverty. This teaches us that true generosity is measured by the sacrifice made, not the amount given.
Moreover, generous giving should be voluntary, not coerced or manipulated. Paul emphasized that the Macedonians gave of their own accord, driven by a genuine desire to help. This voluntary spirit is crucial, as God desires cheerful givers who give out of love and gratitude, not out of guilt or obligation.
Finally, generous giving occurs only after we have given ourselves fully to the Lord. When we acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we recognize that everything we have belongs to Him. This understanding transforms our approach to giving, making it an act of worship and submission to God's sovereignty.
### Key Takeaways
1. Generous Giving Begins with God's Grace: Generous giving is an outflow of the grace we have received from God. It is not merely an act of compassion or kindness but a response to the grace that transforms us, making us more like Christ. This grace extends beyond our salvation to our sanctification, enabling us to give generously as an act of worship. [33:20]
2. Generous Giving is Measured by Sacrifice, Not Amount: True generosity is not about the amount given but the sacrifice involved. Jesus praised the widow who gave two small coins because she gave out of her poverty, demonstrating that generous giving is about the heart and the sacrifice made, not the monetary value. [45:47]
3. Generous Giving Should Be Voluntary: God desires cheerful givers who give out of love and gratitude, not out of guilt or obligation. The Macedonians gave of their own accord, driven by a genuine desire to help, exemplifying the voluntary spirit that should characterize our giving. [51:03]
4. Generous Giving Occurs Despite Financial Difficulties: The Macedonian churches, despite their severe afflictions and extreme poverty, gave generously. This teaches us that generous giving is not dependent on our financial situation but on our willingness to sacrifice and trust God to provide. [41:45]
5. Generous Giving Follows Full Surrender to the Lord: Generous giving occurs only after we have given ourselves fully to the Lord. Recognizing Jesus as our Lord and Savior means acknowledging that everything we have belongs to Him. This understanding transforms our approach to giving, making it an act of worship and submission to God's sovereignty. [55:59]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[25:27] - Addressing Concerns About Preaching on Giving
[26:08] - Context of 2 Corinthians and the Jerusalem Church
[31:29] - Encouragement to the Corinthian Church
[32:19] - Example of the Macedonian Churches
[33:20] - Generous Giving Begins with God's Grace
[41:45] - Generous Giving Despite Financial Difficulties
[45:47] - Jesus' Teaching on Generous Giving
[51:03] - Voluntary Nature of Generous Giving
[55:59] - Full Surrender to the Lord
[01:02:38] - Closing Prayer and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (ESV)
> "We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us."
2. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV)
> "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
3. Mark 12:41-44 (ESV)
> "And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What motivated the Macedonian churches to give generously despite their severe afflictions and extreme poverty? ([33:20])
2. According to 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, how should one decide the amount to give?
3. In Mark 12:41-44, why did Jesus praise the widow's offering more than the large sums given by the wealthy?
4. What were the three main reasons for the suffering of the Jerusalem church as mentioned in the sermon? ([27:44])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the grace of God influence our ability to give generously, as seen in the example of the Macedonian churches? ([33:20])
2. Why is it significant that generous giving should be voluntary and not coerced, according to Paul's teaching? ([51:03])
3. What does the story of the widow's offering teach us about the nature of true generosity? ([45:47])
4. How does recognizing Jesus as our Lord and Savior transform our approach to giving? ([55:59])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you gave out of your abundance versus a time when you gave sacrificially. How did each experience affect you spiritually? ([45:47])
2. In what ways can you ensure that your giving is motivated by God's grace rather than guilt or obligation? ([51:03])
3. How can you cultivate a cheerful and voluntary spirit in your giving, especially during financial difficulties? ([41:45])
4. Think about your current financial situation. What steps can you take to give generously, even if it means making a sacrifice? ([43:24])
5. How can you fully surrender yourself to the Lord in all areas of your life, including your finances? What practical steps can you take this week to demonstrate this surrender? ([55:59])
6. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to trust God with your resources. How can you take a step of faith in that area this week? ([49:43])
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or church community to embrace the principles of generous giving as an act of worship? ([33:20])
Devotional
Day 1: Generous Giving Begins with God's Grace
Generous giving is an outflow of the grace we have received from God. It is not merely an act of compassion or kindness but a response to the grace that transforms us, making us more like Christ. This grace extends beyond our salvation to our sanctification, enabling us to give generously as an act of worship. The Macedonian churches, despite their severe afflictions and extreme poverty, exemplified this kind of giving. Their motivation was not just compassion but the grace of God working in their hearts. As we grow in our faith, speech, knowledge, eagerness, and love, we are also called to excel in the act of giving. [33:20]
2 Corinthians 8:1-2 (ESV): "We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part."
Reflection: How has God's grace transformed your heart and motivated you to give generously? Can you identify a specific instance where you felt led to give as an act of worship?
Day 2: Generous Giving is Measured by Sacrifice, Not Amount
True generosity is not about the amount given but the sacrifice involved. Jesus praised the widow who gave two small coins because she gave out of her poverty, demonstrating that generous giving is about the heart and the sacrifice made, not the monetary value. This principle teaches us that our giving should be measured by the level of sacrifice and the heart behind it, rather than the actual amount. It challenges us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice for the sake of others and for the glory of God. [45:47]
Mark 12:43-44 (ESV): "And he called his disciples to him and said to them, 'Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can make a sacrificial gift? How can you ensure that your giving is motivated by a genuine desire to honor God rather than the amount you give?
Day 3: Generous Giving Should Be Voluntary
God desires cheerful givers who give out of love and gratitude, not out of guilt or obligation. The Macedonians gave of their own accord, driven by a genuine desire to help, exemplifying the voluntary spirit that should characterize our giving. This voluntary spirit is crucial because it reflects a heart that is aligned with God's purposes and a willingness to participate in His work joyfully. When we give voluntarily, it becomes an act of love and gratitude, not a burdensome duty. [51:03]
2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Reflect on your motivations for giving. Are you giving out of love and gratitude, or do you feel pressured or obligated? How can you cultivate a more cheerful and voluntary spirit in your giving?
Day 4: Generous Giving Occurs Despite Financial Difficulties
The Macedonian churches, despite their severe afflictions and extreme poverty, gave generously. This teaches us that generous giving is not dependent on our financial situation but on our willingness to sacrifice and trust God to provide. It challenges us to look beyond our circumstances and trust that God can use our gifts, no matter how small, to make a significant impact. This kind of giving requires faith and a deep trust in God's provision and faithfulness. [41:45]
2 Corinthians 8:3-4 (ESV): "For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints."
Reflection: In what ways can you trust God more with your finances, especially when it comes to giving? How can you practice generous giving even when you face financial difficulties?
Day 5: Generous Giving Follows Full Surrender to the Lord
Generous giving occurs only after we have given ourselves fully to the Lord. Recognizing Jesus as our Lord and Savior means acknowledging that everything we have belongs to Him. This understanding transforms our approach to giving, making it an act of worship and submission to God's sovereignty. When we fully surrender to the Lord, our giving becomes a natural expression of our faith and trust in Him. It is a declaration that we are stewards of His resources, and we are willing to use them for His glory. [55:59]
2 Corinthians 8:5 (ESV): "And this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Generous giving begins with God's grace given to us. So we give because we have received. Now look what Paul says in verse 1. He says, We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches in Macedonia. So apparently the people in Corinth, they knew about the need in Jerusalem, but they knew nothing about the gift that the Macedonians had given." [33:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we think of God's grace extending to us, most of us think of that in terms of our salvation, don't we? For by grace are you saved through faith and not of yourselves. It is a gift of God, not of works, lest any band should boast. So we know that we are saved not because of anything we did or because of our goodness, but because of his goodness." [34:11] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God not only saved us, he's going to change us. That's his promise. He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. So God's plan is for you and I to look less and less like we used to look when we were lost and look more and more like his son, Jesus. That's his ultimate plan." [35:03] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Generous giving occurs when it is done voluntarily. I'm going to get on into this more next week. Some of you will disagree with me, but that's okay. I still love you, and hopefully you still love me. Verse three, notice what he says. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means. Here's what I think happens as a believer." [50:14] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The point of all of this is that you give in light of the grace that God has extended to you, and we give joyfully and freely. That's what God is looking for in each and every one of us. And this is what Paul says. He says, I didn't demand them. I didn't command them. This is not a command, he'll later say, to them. He says, rather, the Macedonians were begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints." [54:32] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "You may not know this, but last week our church voted overwhelmingly to go ahead and approve the new build, to work and try to build a new building. We're building it not because we like new buildings. We're doing it because we believe that this is the direction we need to go to continue to do. What God has called us to do, that is to glorify God by making disciples of all nations, both here locally and around the world." [26:08] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Paul has a passion and compassion on that Jerusalem church. And so what he does is he begins to go to many of those churches that were reached from the witness. Of that Jerusalem church. And he begins to tell them what's going on. And he begins to collect an offering. And here he begins to write to the church of Corinth. And he's telling Corinth, apparently in the past, he had told them about this need. They committed to be able to give. But over a period of time, they forgot about their commitment. They weren't giving as they had committed." [31:29] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Generous giving begins with God's grace given to us. So we give because we have received. Now look what Paul says in verse 1. He says, We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches in Macedonia. So apparently the people in Corinth, they knew about the need in Jerusalem, but they knew nothing about the gift that the Macedonians had given. And so he's bringing that now to their attention. And the first thing he wants them to know is what motivated them to give." [33:20] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Generous giving occurs despite our present financial difficulties. Look at number two. For in their sincere test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. You know, I think it's interesting that when Paul is looking for some example to be able to show what generous giving looks like, he chooses the poorer churches and not the richer churches to be able to do it." [40:50] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Generous giving occurs only after we give ourselves first to the Lord. This is verse five, and I think it's probably the most important verse in this section. Notice what he says, and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. So what he's saying is, look, the Macedonians were able to generously give to the Lord, to give money because they first gave themselves wholly to the Lord." [55:59] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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