2 Corinthians 9 : 6 - 15

.. to offer something to someone, or to provide someone with something

.. to give your money, time, or best efforts, especially in a way that seems generous

Cambridge Dictionary … Giving?

3

6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;     their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NIV)

4

11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NIV)

(1) “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. ..‘In tithes and offerings.’” Mal. 3:8

(2) “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, ... Test me in this, “says the Lord Almighty,” and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing ...” Mal. 3:10

(3) “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

(4) “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 2 Cor. 9:6

(5) “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor. 9:7

(6) … etc

1. You’ve Heard it Said and it is True that ..

I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. (vs 6 – 7, MSG)

2. Abuses and Manipulations

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9)

3. Sow Generously to Reap Generously

Generous Giving …. The Cross

Generous Giving …. Mothers

“I want you to have all the time you need to make this offering in your own way. I don’t want anything forced or hurried at the last minute.… I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give.”(2 Corinthians 9:5-6, MSG)

4. Apply Energy to Think .. Heart’s Decision

5. Giving to Meet the Needs12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.(2 Corinthians 9, NIV)

6. Generosity of Believers as Church

The generosity of a group of believers in a church produces a:• Stepping stone to

collective goals• Testimony and

encouragement to others • Bond between groups of

believers • Genuinely “Jesus-looking”

group of people

13

7. So what ….??

• Sow in time with God each day to be filled with His love

• Grace Canberra needs $1000/wk

• God wants to meet this need through all of us either committing to give, or increasing by $20/wk: electronically

• Tithe 10% a starting guide, increase

• You’ll receive Letters in the mail