Text: 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Periodically, it is good for us to evaluate what we do in our service to God to make sure we are doing what we should do, with the right attitude, to be best of our abilities. In this lesson, we will look at one aspect of our service to God – our giving on the first day of the week.
We Should Give Bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6)
- Give in abundance – related to liberality (v. 13); but more than just a large amount (cf. Mark 12:41-44); we give of our blessings to multiply blessings (sowing and reaping)
- If we sow bountifully, we will reap bountifully – this is not the “health and wealth” gospel; instead, the more we give, the more work can be done (cf. Galatians 6:6-7)
We Should Give Purposefully (2 Corinthians 9:7)
- It is our choice as to what we will give – no amount is specified in the NT; unlike the tithe in the OT (Deuteronomy 14:22; Leviticus 27:30, 32)
- In this way, our giving is more akin to the freewill offering (Deuteronomy 23:21-23) – not that we can choose not to give; each one is to do this (1 Corinthians 16:2); do so as we have purposed
We Should Give Cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7)
- Not grudgingly or under compulsion – while it is a requirement (1 Corinthians 16:2), we should not do this only because we are told to give
- We need to recognize the great privilege it is to take part in the collection (2 Corinthians 8:4) – when we give, we are joining in fellowship with others (2 Corinthians 8:4) and are joint workers with the truth (3 John 8)
We Should Give Gratefully (2 Corinthians 9:8)
- We give with the understanding that God richly blesses us – every good thing is from Him (James 1:17); we should be thankful for what He provides (Ephesians 5:20)
- If we understand that He “richly supplies us with all things to enjoy,” we can be “rich in good works” (1 Timothy 6:17-18) – giving is one of these good works (1 Corinthians 16:2)
We Should Give Sacrificially (2 Corinthians 8:9)
- Paul cited the example of Jesus – left heaven, took the form of a servant, died on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8); we are to follow His example
- Remember other examples of sacrificial giving – the Macedonians (2 Corinthians 8:1-5), David (2 Samuel 24:24), and the poor widow (Mark 12:41-44)
We Should Give Lovingly (2 Corinthians 8:24)
- Paul encouraged these brethren to give to prove their love – love is to be part of all that we do (1 Corinthians 16:14)
- Remember the purpose of giving is to fund the work of the church (evangelism, edification, benevolence) – every one of these works is rooted in love (for the lost, for our brethren, for the needy)
We Should Give Consistently (1 Corinthians 16:2)
- To be done “on the first day of every week” – some believe that we should wait to give until there is a need; yet Paul specifically said we are not to do that
- As we give consistently, we are constantly reminded of God’s blessings and our responsibility in His work
Conclusion
- The goal of this lesson is not necessarily to cause the congregation’s contribution to increase – the goal is to provoke each one of us to consider how we are giving
- Are we giving bountifully, purposefully, cheerfully, gratefully, sacrificially, lovingly, and consistently?
- We can’t judge one another on this – we need to examine ourselves
