FBC "Abounding in this Grace also !!" II Cor. 8: 2-7,11 10/30/05
Intro.
I. Formula for successful giving. II Cor. 8:1-2
A. Giving is extending God’s grace. V 1
(2 Corinthians 8:1) Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
Wed. evening I gave the challenge on are you fat based on (Proverbs 11:25) The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. I used the illustration of the Sea of Galilee in contrast to the Dead Sea. (borrowed from sermon on Sermon Central)
B. Giving is inspiring. V2
(2 Corinthians 8:2) How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
Affliction + Joy + Poverty = Liberality
Notice the wording – great trial – abundance – deep = abounded riches
They were in facing a difficult circumstances.
They were rejoicing in the LORD.
They were under some hard economic pressure.
They stretched their giving to the extreme.
Not the lower limit but the highest limit.
Not the least the most.
II. Features of successful giving. V 3-7
A. Dynamic ability. V3
1. as they were able.
(2 Corinthians 8:3) For to their power, I bear record, yea,
2. above what they were able.
and beyond their power; Power – root word of dynamite.
3. activated personally.
The Trinity is involved in our giving.
a. Driven by Spirit.
This was self generated. ‘they were willing of themselves’
I believe the Holy Spirit moved the heart to provide the gift.
b. Dedicated to Lord. .
(2 Corinthians 8:5) And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord,
This talks about commitment. This means total involvement.
c. Directed by God.
He moved the heart in the provision.
and unto us by the will of God.
B. Determined ability. II Cor. 8:4
1. Prayerfully considered.
(2 Corinthians 8:4) Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift,
2. Personal involvement in giving
and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
Realized the object of the gift of giving by grace.
3. Performed as promised. V10-12
a. Planned to give. 10
(2 Corinthians 8:10-12) And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
b. Practiced giving. V11-12
Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
.
III. Focus of successful giving. V 6-8
A. Finish the giving.
(2 Corinthians 8:6) Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
‘ JUST DO IT’
B. Fruitfulness of giving.
(2 Corinthians 8:7) Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
C. Facts of giving.
(2 Corinthians 8:8) I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
It reveals the heart condition and genuineness of your love.
Conclusion: (2 Corinthians 8:13-15) For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
Giving helps to meet the needs of others. Both in local ministry and on the mission field. The conclusion is that at the end giving genuinely and graciously we will hear the words “ Well Done Thou Good and Faithful Servant” You did what you could with what I have given you.
The blessing of giving is God saying ‘ Thank You’
Read song by Ray Boltz “Thank You”
Lyrics: Thank You Ray Boltz
Dreamed I went to heaven
And you were there with me
We walked upon the streets of Gold
Beside the Crystal Sea.
We heard the angels singing,
and someone called your name
we turned and saw this young man,
and he was smiling as he came.
And he said "Friend you may not know me now,
and then he said but wait. You used to teach my sunday school, I was only eight. Every week you would say a prayer before the class would start. And one day when you said that prayer I asked Jesus in my heart."
CHORUS:
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am a life that was changed.
Thank you for giving to the Lord.
I am so glad you gave.
Then another man stood before you
He said remember the time
a Missionary came to your church
His pictures made you cry
You didn’t have much money
but you gave it anyway
Jesus took the gift you gave
and thats why I’m here today.
CHORUS
One by one they came
Far as the eye could see
Each life somehow touched by your generocity
Little things that you had done
The sacrifices made
Noticed on the earth, in Heaven now proclaimed
And I know up in heaven
your not supposed to cry
but I am almost sure
there were tears in your eyes
As Jesus took your hand
and you stood before the Lord
He said "My child look around you
for great is your reward."
