Sermon Central
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Patterns And Motivations For Giving
Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 31, 2014 (message contributor)
Summary: How can we not be generous when Christ gave His very Self? We give thanks to God for His indescribable gift.
2 Corinthians 8:1-12.
By the grace (charis = gift) of God, the Macedonian church had been particularly forward in giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-4).
Paul challenged the Corinthians to demonstrate their love by also sharing in this grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7-8).
The pattern of Christ's giving (of Himself) is the paradigm for our (financial) giving (2 Corinthians 8:9).
We are not necessarily called to give beyond our means (2 Corinthians 8:12).
2 Corinthians 9:6-15.
Sow bountifully and you will reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6);
give willingly and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7).
God will go on providing (2 Corinthians 9:8),
so that we might keep on doing good works (2 Corinthians 9:9-10).
This causes many to give thanks to God (2 Corinthians 9:11-12),
to whom we give thanks for His indescribable gift (2 Corinthians 9:15).
