GRACE AND GIVING
(Seven Words of Worship – Part 3)
2 Corinthians 8-9
Of all of the many aspects of grace that impact our worship, possibly the most challenging and yet practical is the relationship between grace and giving. This relationship is particularly significant to the life of our church family at this time. How do grace and giving relate in your life? Are you a “grace giver”?
1. GRACE AND GIVING ARE INSEPARABLE.
· Grace is the SOURCE of our giving.
“And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.” 2 Corinthians 8:1
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9
· Giving REVEALS our experience of grace.
“But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.” 2 Corinthians 8:7-8
2. GRACE AND GIVING ARE INDISPENSABLE.
· For the WORK of God’s kingdom.
“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men 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 9:12-13
· For our EXPERIENCE of joy.
“Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” 2 Corinthians 8:2
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
· For our RELATIONSHIP with God.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
