The Grace of Giving(2 Corinthians 8-9)

Rob Keller

23rd May 2010

Giving Principle # 1

Christian giving is an expression of the grace of God (2 Corinthians 8:1-6)

Christian giving:

1. Starts with the grace (generosity) God gives (v1)

2. Christian generosity towards others is an outflow of God’s generosity towards us (v1-5)

Giving Principle # 2

Christian giving can be a gift of the Spirit (2 Corinthians 8:7)

All Christians are called to be generous, but some are given the particular gift of giving.

Giving Principle # 3

Christian giving is inspired by the cross of Christ (2 Corinthians 8:8-9)

Christian giving:

1. Is not the result of command (v8)

2. Is exemplified by the gospel:Because of our poverty, Christ renounced his

riches, so that through his poverty we might become rich (v9)

Giving Principle # 4

Christian giving is proportionate giving (2 Corinthians 8:10-12)

1. Giving must always be according to their means (v11)

2. Giving should never be less than proportionate to our income (v12)

Giving Principle # 5

Christian giving contributes to equality (2 Corinthians 8:13-15)

“Equality”:

1. Is not egalitarianism

2. Sees an end to extreme social disparity

Giving Principle # 6

Christian giving must be carefully supervised (2 Corinthians 8:16-24)

Handling money is a risky business:

1. Don’t handle the money yourself; appoint someone to take charge (v16-17)

2. Appoint another who is recognised for their service to the gospel (v18)

3. Appoint a third, chosen by the churches (v19)

Giving Principle # 7

Christian giving can be stimulated by a little friendly competition (2 Corinthians 9:1-5)

Friendly Competition:

1. Between the northern & southern churches of Greece

2. We can all be stimulated to greater generosity by hearing about the generosity of others

Giving Principle # 8

Christian giving resembles a harvest (2 Corinthians 9:6-11a)

Two harvest principles are applied:

1. We reap what we sow

2. What we reap has a double purpose For eating For further sowing

Giving Principle # 9

Christian giving promotes thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11b-15)

v11: your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God

v12: this service that you perform ... is ... overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God

v13: men will praise God for your obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity

v15: Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift

Exhortation of James

James 1:22, 25: (GNB)

(22) Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice. ...

(25) But if you look closely into the perfect law that sets people free, and keep on paying attention to it and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice---you will be blessed by God in what you do.

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