Are You A Hilarious Giver?

“ARE YOU A HILARIOUS GIVER?” 2 Cor. 9:6-7

FBCF – 4/30/23

Jon Daniels

INTRO – Several years ago, I had a man tell me that, as pastor of the church, I ought to check people’s giving records so I would know who to listen to.

I don’t listen to people based on how much money they give to the church. I listen to people based on how they are walking w/ the Lord. But I will tell you this: Someone who is walking w/ the Lord is someone who is going to give to His Kingdom work through His Church. Why?

- B/c that person recognizes that God is the owner of everything in their life – every penny in every pocket, wallet, cupholder in their vehicle, bank acct, IRA, 401k, every square inch of their house, every acre of their land, every vehicle in their garage, every stitch of clothing in their closet – EVERYTHING belongs to God & is a gift from Him on loan to us.

- B/c that person realizes that Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:24 – “You cannot love God & money” – is an unchanging truth.

- B/c that person recognizes that even their ability to make money is a gift from God – Deuteronomy 8:18 – “You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is HE who gives you power to get wealth…”

- B/c that person realizes that greed is the same thing as idolatry, & God hates idolatry – Ephesians 5:5 – “You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.” (NLT)

Money was one of Jesus’ most frequent teaching topics. Things like:

- Don’t be overwhelmed w/ worry about material things.

- Grow your faith in God to provide for every need.

- Be thankful for how He has provided in the past.

- Use God’s wisdom in managing your finances.

- Give generously to take care of needy people.

Since it was a big deal to Jesus, it ought to be a big deal to us. So, let’s talk about it.

EXPLANATION – 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

2 Cor. 8-9 deal w/ giving. Paul was challenging them to give to a specific offering for the poor believers in Jerusalem. And in the process of doing that, he taught them some core principles about giving in the life of a Christ-follower.

Interesting that he’s not just talking to a bunch of wealthy people who have a lot of money to give to the church & to other needs.

- 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

- Macedonians were poor. Secular history confirms that they lost all their wealth when they were conquered by the Romans. Look at the word used to describe them: “severe test of affliction” – “extreme poverty”

- And yet, they didn’t have to be asked to give. They gave willingly (“of their own accord” – v. 3) & even BEGGED for the privilege of giving (v. 4).

- They didn’t have MUCH to give, but they really WANTED to give. Saw it as a privilege, not an burden or obligation.

- You know why they were so generous & were so excited about giving? B/c “they gave themselves FIRST to the Lord” (v. 5). That’s where it all starts.

Paul comes out of that teaching & moves to helping the Corinthian believers understand how THEY can live a life of generosity, too. He wanted them to be “hilarious” givers! Where did I get that from? Come on & I will show you!

APPLICATION – Be a hilarious giver & see God work abundantly through you.

Mrs. Jo Richardson – “You had me at the sermon title! Can’t wait for the rest of the story!” So here it is:

Some might be thinking, “Yeah, if you saw my checking account balance, you’d definitely say it’s hilarious for me to give!” Might be true, but that’s not what I’m talking about.

v. 7 – “God loves a cheerful giver” – Gk word for “cheerful” – hilaros – Literally means happy, without grudging, HILARIOUS! We, as Christ-followers, are supposed to be HILARIOUS givers! Here’s how hilarious givers give to the Lord & His Church:

HILARIOUS GIVERS GIVE:

SUBSTANTIALLY – v. 6 – “sows bountifully” – “The point is this:” – “Pay attention! This is important!”

Pretty clear analogy here that a lot of you can relate to as farmers. You want a big harvest? Then sow a lot of seeds – “sow bountifully.”

- Material blessings – When you trust God & give bountifully to Him, you can be sure that He is going to bless you & take care of you. I’ve never met a person who has said, “Man! I wish I hadn’t given so much to the Lord!” But I have met a bunch of people who have said, “Wow! When I started trusting God & giving the way the Bible says to do it, He blessed me in some incredible ways!”