Don't Quit- How God Meets Your Needs Series

Series: Action [#114]

DON’T QUIT- HOW GOD MEETS YOUR NEEDS

2 Corinthians 9:1-15

Introduction:

Paul continues to talk about giving in this chapter.

2 Corinthians 9:1-5

Today, we are going to look at a principle that can help you- Help you save money and get out of debt- Increase your joy and love for Christ- Help you build your faith.

Philippians 4:19

God has promised to meet all your needs; but sometimes I’m not so sure. Sometimes I wonder, "Why is this verse not working for me? I’m living for the Lord- So, what do I have to do to make this happen?

2 Corinthians 9:6

In your need…

1. Plant a seed.

Right now, our country is having a food shortage. If you know me, I’m skeptical; but there is a solution to this- Plant more seeds. The Department of Agriculture is asking farmers to plant 2 crops instead of 1- Makes sense. This is the principle of sowing and reaping and it applies to every area of your life- Your time, talents, money, etc… You reap what you sow. The world’s philosophy of increasing what they have is to beg, borrow, or steal. If that doesn’t work, get a 2nd or 3rd job. God’s way is for you to plant the seeds and He will take care of the rest.

2 Corinthians 9:7-11

In your need…

2. Give with the right attitude.

I want to remind you of what I said last week, God does not care about the amount of money you give; He cares about your attitude when you give. Paul gives us examples of how to give.

Give…

* Deliberately.

Paul says to “give what you have decided in your heart to give”. This should be a planned, deliberate decision that you make based on prayer.

Give…

* Eagerly.

Paul says to not be reluctant in your giving. Do not give out of guilt placed on you by a Pastor, or friend, or a family member; and do not give grudgingly.

Give…

* Voluntarily.

Paul says to not give under compulsion. Do not let people pressure you into giving. As I said last week, “If you feel like you have to give, don’t give.” Bel Aire is not going to pressure you into doing anything that you do not want to do. It is your choice.

Give…

* Cheerfully.

“God loves a cheerful giver.” Do not forget the source of all that you have- God; and look at His promise- “You will be enriched in every way”. No one has ever given more than God and He gives cheerfully. Giving in a cheerful way will bring joy to your life.

2 Corinthians 9:12-15

In your need…

3. Expect God to fulfill His promises.

I want us to go back to verse 8 for just a moment.

2 Corinthians 9:8

You should circle the word all in this verse. God will bless you in all things at all times, having all that you need. If you are wondering if I am changing my mind from what I said last week, I have not. I told you last week that just because you give does not mean that you are going to get physically rich; but God will bless you.

Giving freely is a part of the Christian life. Your giving is a testimony to your trust or lack of trust in God. Thank God for how He uses people to give to different ministries and needs. God should always get the glory, not us.

Conclusion:

God will meet all of your needs. You are to be prayerful in your giving of your time, money, etc…; but you also need to be trusting. If God tells you to do more or give more than you have, trust that He knows what He is doing.