Date: 11-16-2020

Title: Giving – A New Testament Perspective

(S) cripture:
    2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NASB) Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 9 as it is written, “HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER.” 10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. 13 Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, 14 while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

(O) bservation:
    Paul is making the case for believers to give cheerfully and generously. This passage has been misused by some to teach that you give to get but as you read the passage that is not the emphasis. The Corinthians had promised a gift to the other churches and he just wanted to be sure it happened but more importantly that it happened for the right reasons. The believers were to give what they purposed to give and not to do so under any compulsion but to do so cheerfully. The result of their giving was thanksgiving to God. There is no promise of personal financial gain here only the promise of God’s faithfulness in all things.

(A) pplication:
    I remember a professor say about this passage, “We are not to give until it hurts, we are to give until it makes us laugh.” My giving reflects my understanding of God’s provision for me. I need to give so that others will praise and thank God. I give because God is the one who provides. I personally believe the place to start is with a tithe (10%). I have never understood mathematically how 9/10th’s goes farther than 10/10th’s but in God’s economy it does. Today I commit myself to continue being a purposeful, cheerful and generous giver to the Lord’s work

(P) rayer:
    Lord, thank you for loving and providing for me. Let me now give to your work in a way that reflects your generosity to me. I want to be cheerful and generous in my giving. I want to be obedient and also to see other give thanks to you because of what you can do with what I give. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your work in the world. Amen