2 Corinthians 9:6-14 | Doug Banister
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This Sunday's sermon is a little bit different than normal, In addition to expounding the text, I also answer the question: what is the impact of a gift of All Souls? I'm very thankful for all God is doing through and around us. I hope you can listen to this sermon and be encouraged.
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The believers in Jerusalem were in extreme poverty. Paul raises money for them across the pages of the New Testament. The church in Syria responds with a collection. The churches in Macedonia beg for an opportunity to give. The Corinthians had inquired about the project. He briefly responds in 1 Corinthians 16:
- Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper…And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-3
Apparently, the Corinthians were slow to respond to Paul’s request to give because he urges them to give again in 2 Corinthians 8-9, which is essentially an ancient fund-raising letter. In these chapters, Paul talks about giving from an abundance mentality. The heart of the instruction is found in 9:6-11.
Paul begins his teaching on giving by citing a proverb in verse 6. What do you think this means? What do you think it doesn't mean?
Paul describes what should happen in our hearts when we give in verse 7. (The literal translation is "purpose in our hearts". What should happen in our heart when we give? What sorts of attitudes show us we have a healthy approach towards giving? What sorts of attitudes suggest we don't have a healthy approach towards giving?
There are 5,200 non-profits in the 25 counties of East Tennessee. All of them ask for money. How do we decide where and what and how much to give?
What are possible reasons why we might lack joy in our giving?
One reason could be we are not giving to people and causes that we believe in. We don't see the impact of our gift. But there may be other reasons why we lack joy. How does a scarcity mentality affect our joy in giving?
How is your joy in giving?
Paul says that when we practice generosity we will "reap bountifully". This is a principle taught in both testaments.
Several other proverbs teach a similar principle:
- Sometimes you can become rich by being generous or poor by being greedy.
- Proverbs 11:24 - Generosity will be rewarded: Give a cup of water, and you will receive a cup of water in return.
- Proverbs 11:25
Jesus echoes the same principle in Luke 6:38:
- If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.
What is the nature of the blessing we receive when we are generous? How have you experienced this?
Verses 8 - 11 describe some of the blessings we experience when we are generous. What are they? How have you experienced these?
Check in. Where are you tonight after wrestling with this text?
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