We continue in our study on Grace driven giving.

I felt the need to address this matter because as a church, we need to think biblically on the matter of giving, especially as we navigate the time when the finances of the church has not been that healthy.

God provides for His church through His people, and His people need to view giving from a Christ like perspective.

 

Historical Background

You may recall that the Gospel had spread from Jerusalem church mainly Jewish to many Gentile cities.

Paul addressed a church at Corinth that he had planted on his 2nd missionary journey.

This was a church tainted with

• immorality and divisions
• false apostles seeking to attack Paul’s character.

Paul sent various letters and delegates like Timothy and Titus to deal with the matters.

Titus reported that the Corinthians had repented, and Paul wrote 2 Corinthians expressing his relief over their repentance, defending his apostleship and encouraging them to resume preparing to give for the collection for the poor at Jerusalem.

We discover the transforming power of the gospel.
The Unsaved Jews and the Gentiles hated each other.

But when the Lord through the gospel changed their hearts, the Gentile churches, (previous enemies) now driven by God’s grace became partners in grace driven generous giving for the needs of the suffering Jewish believers in Jerusalem.

Paul used the example of the Macedonian churches, who were poor, persecuted and suffering yet gave sacrificially as an example and encouragement to the church at Corinth to give, and it serves as an encouragement to you and me this morning to embrace the same mindset and heart attitude in our giving to the Lord for His work

9 Principles for Gracious Abundant Giving That Unveils the Grace of the Gospel:

Last week in Part 1

1. Gracious abundant giving comes from God – vs 1
2. Gracious abundant giving happens despite trials – vs 2
3. Gracious abundant giving flows from abundant joy – vs 2
4. Gracious abundant giving is unhindered by poverty – vs 2
5. Gracious abundant giving comes from proportionate giving and sacrificial giving – vs 3

Now in Part 2

6. Gracious abundant giving comes from the desire for participation in ministry – vs 4
7. Gracious abundant giving comes from worshiping God and submitting to the elders – vs 5-6
8. Gracious abundant giving grows you in God’s grace – vs 7
9. Gracious abundant giving proves genuine love – vs 8-9