Scripture References:
- 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
- Mark 12:41-44
- Matthew 6:24
- 1 Timothy 6:10, 17-19
Intro:
- Paul's letter to the Corinthian church after reconciliation.
- The awkwardness of comparison: Paul's use of the Macedonian church as a model.
- Comparison can be helpful in showing a standard of health.
Key Points:
- Macedonian Generosity:
- Generosity is not about the amount; it's an opportunity.
- Gospel math: extreme poverty + joy = wealth of generosity.
- Sacrificial giving: giving when it hurts.
- Giving is an investment in God's kingdom.
- Giving themselves first to the Lord.
- Jesus on Giving:
- Jesus' observation of the treasury: He sees the heart.
- The widow's offering: amount vs. trust.
- Money reveals our heart and affection.
- Jesus' teaching on money: not evil, but a tool.
- Corinthian Challenge:
- Wallet is the last thing to get saved.
- Called to be more than generous: faithful, wise, prayerful.
- Finish what you started: planful giving.
- Gospel as motivation: God's giving precedes our giving.
- Riches to rags to riches: Jesus' example.
- Money and Affection:
- Jesus doesn't share the stage with money.
- Satan's tactic: causing us to love anything but Jesus.
- Money as a functional savior.
- Where your treasure is, there your heart will be.
Conclusion:
- God gave first: a motivation for giving.
- Money is a tool to build the kingdom you believe in.
- Giving is not a command, but an invitation.
- The danger of the love of money.
- True life is found in letting go.
Call to Action:
- Self-examination: How are we doing with money?
- Reflection on "first love" and what draws our affection.
- Prayer for a heart of generosity.
- Consider giving as an act of worship.
- Surrender finances to God's control.
*Summaries and transcripts are generated using AI.
Please notify us if you find any errors.
Activity