God’s Take on Giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-11)
What is Giving? The definitions are vast, but I really like this one: “to put into the possession of another for his or her use.” Notice, this is not limited to money. (i.e.): To give love to another, we will reach into our own “love” bank and deposit it into another’s “love” back [for their use].
OUTLINE OF 2 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 9 IN A NUTSHELL (n)
Think of the outline found in 2 Corinthians Chapter 9 as an entire unity (like the body as a whole). A complete unit. But today we have purposely selected just one part to focus upon!
Your Giving Will Provoke Others (vs. 1-5)
Your Giving Will Bless You (vs. 6-11) (Our Devotion Text)
Your Giving Will Meet Needs (vs. 9-12)
Your Giving Will Unite God’s People (vs. 14-15)
GOD’S TAKE ON GIVING (vs. 6-11) (n)
GOD’S THREE PRINCPLES OF GIVING (n)
1) God’s Principle of Increase: We Will Reap in the Proportion to Our Giving (v. 6). (n)
- Notice this is contrary to what the worldly mindset teaches (full barns: man VS reservoir barns: God). But let’s look at this.
2 Corinthians 9:6: But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly [big shovel-little shovel]; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Galatians 6:7: (n) “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” [again, this is not just money; but also, a giving of self, time, love, mercy forgiveness…
- When the farmer sows seed, how much will he reap?... According to how much he plants!
- When an investor invests, how much dividend will he receive? How much he invests!
Application: (n) When you labor in the Lord; how much fruit will you harvest? How much are you planting? (Also look at Luke 6:38: Jesus said: Give, and it shall be given unto you . . . For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again)
God’s Example: How did God give to you and I? According to Romans 8:32- Unsparingly!
Romans 8:32: He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
2) God’s Principle of Intent: We Will Reap in Accordance With Our True Motivations (vs.7) (n)
I like how Warren Weirsbe in His “Be Series Commentaries” puts it: “We must not be “sad givers” who give grudgingly, or “mad givers” who give because we have to (“of necessity”); but we should be “glad givers” who cheerfully share what we have because we have experienced the grace of God” (Weirsbe, 2 Corinthians 9:7)
2 Corinthians 9:7: (n) Every man according as he purposeth [to bring forward from one’s stores] in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity [ie: taxes]: for God loveth a cheerful [Eng. Hilarious… happily] giver. . .
Matthew 6:21: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also
- Realize, when we give, we become part of God’s plan… so we should give happily!
Application: When you give unto the Lord; just how much of the giving is from the storehouse of your heart?
3) God’s Principle of Distribution: Involves Immediacy and Duration (v. 8-11). (n)
Let’s look at verses: 8 and 10
Verse 8: (n) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: BBE Translation: And God is able to give you all grace in full measure; so that ever having enough of all things, you may be full of every good work:
AND
Verse 10: (n) And he who gives seed for putting into the field and bread for food, will take care of the growth of your seed, at the same time increasing the fruits of your righteousness. BBE Translation: And God is able to give you all grace in full measure; so that ever having enough of all things, you may be full of every good work:
Application: (n) When you give, do you truly believe that God will bless your efforts both today and tomorrow? Do you believe, God can/will take care of you? (Phil. 4:19: my God shall supply all your need).
SUMMARIZATION:
God’s Take on Giving
(1) Give and it will be Given; Withold and it will be withheld! (Proportion)
(2) Give for the Right Reasons (Intent)
(3) God’s Storehouse is Inexhaustible (Distribution)
CONCLUSION
Paul’s premise (in our text) is that people who have experienced grace should willingly and gladly practice it
FINAL THOUGHT: “Someone once said: "Give according to your [Fill in the blank], lest God makes your [Fill in the Blank] according to your giving." Ref: (Source: Michael P. Green. (2000). 1500 illustrations for biblical preaching (163). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books. From a sermon by Matthew Kratz, The Grace of Giving, 6/11/2011)
REFERENCES
Wiersbe, Warren. Be Series. Be Encouraged (2 Corinthians). Your Giving Will Bless You (9:6-11). The Principle of Increase: We Reap in Measure as We Sow (v. 6) 2 Corinthians 9:6. Olive Tree Edition. n.d.
