My Money | Give

Scripture

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NIV)

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. 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. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 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. 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. 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. 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. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Main Idea

Because God gave, give like God gave.

Going Deeper

Questions from this weeks Sermon

1. What insight, principle or observation from this week’s message did you find to be most helpful, eye opening or troubling? Please explain.

2. In thinking about money in 3 main categories (Live - Save – Give) Why might the order of these categories matter? When you get money, in which order does it get used up?

3. When you think of giving or maybe even tithing, what comes to your mind, how do you view it in your life mentally, and practically?

4.Read 2 Corinthians 9:6. According to this passage, how were the early Christians called to give? Do you think this was a specific rule only for them, or a general rule for believers even today, why?

5. Do you see yourself generous, or tight financially? What would it take for you to grow in generosity?

6. Read 2 Corinthians 9:7a. Paul asks believers to give intentionally. Do you have a plan in your giving, if so what is it? If not, why not? What will you do this week to put a plan in place? If you just starting out, start small (maybe 2% of your income), and then put a plan in place to grow it.

7. Read 2 Corinthians 9:7b. What attitude should we give with? Why is it possible for Christians to give with joy (think gospelJ)?

8. Read 9:6 again. How could this verse point to the idea that if we give God will bless us financially? Read verse 8-15. How does Paul define the way in which God blesses us (hint: He doesn’t talk at all about financial blessing)?

9. Alvin said: Because God gave…give like God gave. Generously, Intentionally, Cheerfully. How has God given in those three ways? In which of the 3 do you need to grow most? What will you do this week to initiate that change and growth? Which barriers or excuses do you need to overcome to accomplish that growth/change?

Summary

Give Generously: Because God gave generously.

Give intentionally: As God gave intentionally. Be intentional, make a plan.

Give Cheerfully: Hebrews tells us that Jesus, for the joy set before him endured the cross. He gave cheerfully with joy knowing who his Father is. Know who your Father God is, and for the joy before you, give cheerfully.

Because God gave, give like God gave.