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Grace of Giving (2 Corinthians 8:7, 2 Corinthians 9:6-12)
James Colgan, March 18, 2012Part of the Grace of Giving series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
Grace empowers us to give generously. There is no minimum or maximum amount to give in the New Covenant, but we are instructed to give generously to reap generously, and to give joyfully.
Paul describes our money as a seed. With seeds we use some of them for food, and some of them we sow so that we can reap a harvest later and have more seed.
God is ultimately the one who brings increase in our lives - when we follow his New Covenant principles on giving, we demonstrate that God can trust us that the resources he provides us will be used not only to meet our own needs, but to advance His kingdom.
When we are in relationship with Jesus, we are able to allow him to instruct us on our giving. We no longer need to law to dictate us an amount, as generosity becomes a part of who we are. As God blesses us, our generosity is able to continue to increase.
| Earlier: | Same day: | Later: |
|---|---|---|
| « Prophetic & Encouraging Words - March 11, 2012 | None | Prophetic Words over the Church - March 25, 2012 » |
2 Corinthians 8:7
7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. (ESV)
2 Corinthians 9:6-12
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”
10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. (ESV)
