TITLE – What’s up with Giving? TEXT – 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
John MacArthur – How people view money is an effective barometer of their spirituality. Money is neither good nor bad in itself; corrupt people can put it to evil uses, while good people can put it to righteous uses. Though it is morally neutral, what people do with their money reflects their internal morality. In the words of Jesus, ‘Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’”
The Heart that Gives…
1 – IS AMAZED BY GRACE – V.1
2 – IS NOT HINDERED BY DIFFICULTIES – V.2a
3 – IS FILLED WITH JOY & OVERFLOWING – V.2b
4 – IS EARNESTLY SACRIFICIAL – V.3-4
5 – IS AMAZED BY GRACE – V.9
Fred Craddock – The offering for the saints in Judea was for Paul a definite implication of the Incarnation. It is no surprise that the discussion of the one should bring to mind the other. The offering, in fact, provided an occasion for teaching the meaning of Christology, and Christology informed and elicited the offering.”
What we need to know about giving that glorifies God & advances His purposes:
Where to start? Everything belongs to God – Psalm 24:1
Psalm 24:1 , "The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein...”
1 Corinthians 4:7 - "What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?"
1 Corinthians 16:1-2a– “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”
1 Corinthians 16:2b– “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”
How to give? Through the local Church – 1 Corinthians 16:2c 1 Corinthians 16:2c– “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”
How much to give? Amazed by grace, you decide- 1 Corinthians 16:2d 1 Corinthians 16:2d– “Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.”