B/R: 2 COR. 8:1-7
1 Now I want to tell you what God in his grace has done for the churches in Macedonia.
2 Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, they have mixed their wonderful joy with their deep poverty, and the result has been an overflow of giving to others.
3 They gave not only what they could afford but far more; and I can testify that they did it because they wanted to and not because of nagging on my part.
4 They begged us to take the money so they could share in the joy of helping the Christians in Jerusalem.
5 Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord and to us, for whatever directions God might give to them through us.
6 They were so enthusiastic about it that we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to visit you and encourage you to complete your share in this ministry of giving.
7 You people there are leaders in so many ways--you have so much faith, so many good preachers, so much learning, so much enthusiasm, so much love for us. Now I want you to be leaders also in the spirit of cheerful giving.
Memory verse:
“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:38
INTRODUCTION
Giving is a command from God that goes with a reward. Jesus exemplifies the essence of “giving by sowing your own life” – your own interests John 12:24-26. This pathway of yielding up all to Him often calls us to give when we ourselves may be in need 2 Cor. 8:1-4 giving up our own needs is God way of clearing the avenues for heaven’s abounding towards His purposes for ministry and service that He wants to send info the earth through us.
STUDY POINT
- Giving is a general principles for all but God has a standard and priority for His children, for God to recognize and accept your gifts you must follow His ways.
- The first thing is you must give him yourself, explain this according to 2 Cor. 8:5
- For God to accept you, your offering and your service Jesus calls for:
- Willingness to die for Him
- Willingness to follow Him
- Willingness to serve Him explain this according to John 12:24-26
- If God cannot accept you as a person neither will he accept your offering. Discuss Gen. 4:3-5 in line with the above statement why did God reject Cain offering?
- Are you sure you and your offering can be accepted by God? How do you know?
- Before God can accept our offering what should we give Him first? Prov. 23:26
- Why should we give Him our heart and our eyes first Ezekiel 36:25-27 explain them verse by verse
- According to Rom. 12:1 what other thing should we give to God and why? 1 Cor. 6:19-20
- How do you response to God’s request in Prov. 23:26; Rom. 12:1
- Can you remember the time, date and the day you were opening your heart for Jesus to come in? Rev. 3:20 is Jesus still living in your heart? Rev. 3:16; 2 Cor. 13:5
Why should we give? Although many people are not aware that giving is sowing.
- Giving is for your benefit Matthew 6:19-21
- When you give, you are sowing a seed for yourself in harvest you will receive more than you have soon Luke 6:38
- Take note that the measure you use God will use the same to measure it back to you Luke 6:38
- Whom should we give? We should give God, man, the church etc.
- To God in addition to what I have mention in Ia – f above
(A We should give God our services Matt. 6:24
(B) We should give money for the work of God and material things for the building and for evangelism Exodus 35:4
- We should give to our pastors 1 Cor. 9:13-4; Matt. 10:10; Luke 10:7; Gal. 6:6-10; 1 Tim. 5:18
- We should give to men, the poor and the needy Prov. 19:17; 2 Cor. 8:14; 9:12; Gal. 2:10
(A) How should we give? 2 Cor. 9:6-10; 2 Cor. 8:3,12; Matt. 6:1-4
(B) Why should we give? It is a command from God Luke 6:38
(C) We are God’s stewards 1 Cor. 4:1-2,7 ; John 3:27; Prov. 28:27
