2 Corinthians 9:6-15

God’s Generosity Leads to Joyful Giving

I. Paul wants them to remember the principle of sowing and reaping (v.6)

2 Corinthians 9:6 NASB95

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

This principle holds true in both the natural and the spiritual spheres:

The size of a harvest corresponds to the scope of the sowing (Proverbs 11:24)

Proverbs 11:24 NASB95

There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want.

Galatians 6:9–10 NASB95

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

Sowing and reaping in the present context refer to the contribution the Corinthians are to make and the results of that contribution respectively. The bountiful ‘reaping’ Paul hopes to see as a result of their bountiful ‘sowing’ is described in verses 9–14.1

1 Colin G. Kruse, 2 Corinthians: An Introduction and Commentary, ed. Eckhard J. Schnabel, Second edition., vol. 8, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Nottingham, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 2015), 216.

“Charity is in a real sense an investment, not a casting away of money; it is not fruitless, but bears fruit in the measure in which it is sown”

1 James Denney, “The Second Epistle to the Corinthians,” in The Expositor’s Bible: Luke to Galatians, ed. W. Robertson Nicoll, vol. 5, Expositor’s Bible (Hartford, CT: S.S. Scranton Co., 1903), 785.

The Corinthians by making a monetary gift will sow the ‘seed’, God will increase the effect of that righteous deed so that it produces a rich harvest of unity, love and thanksgiving (cf. vv. 12–14).1

1 Colin G. Kruse, 2 Corinthians: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 8, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1987), 162.

II. Giving is always an issue of the heart (v.7)

2 Corinthians 9:7 NET 2nd ed.

Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.

Paul stresses that it must be a voluntary gift, not one made simply because he is applying pressure.1

1 Colin G. Kruse, 2 Corinthians: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 8, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1987), 160.

How we give - with a sincere (not reluctant), willingly (not under compulsion), and joyfully (cheerful giver)

How much we give - as he has purposed/ decided in his heart.

What is the basis of his decision?

The answer is - THE GENEROSITY OF GOD - GOD LOVES GENEROSITY (v.7)

The amount you decide to give reflects your heart’s gratitude of the grace of God in your life. (Eph. 3:20)

Ephesians 3:20 NASB95

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,

financial matters always concerns the heart, and only a heart changed by God - not a budget, not having bigger salary, not winning a lottery - will make us generous and happy.

As with all life, giving is less about our budgets and more about our hearts - Paul David Tripp.

III. God will enriched the generous giver to become more generous (vv.8-11)

2 Corinthians 9:8 NASB95

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;

If you want to be generous like God, God will not withhold from us the power to do it! This is what verse 8 is telling us!

GOD is ABLE to bless you abundantly, God is able to make his grace overflow to you!

The Corinthians were blessed with sufficiency (they gave first to the Macendonians) and so they should contribute abundantly.

2 Corinthians 9:10–11 NASB95

Now 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; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.

A. God will meet your spiritual and materials needs as you faithfully give.

B. Whatever you give for God’s Work, God will replenish (sufficient) so you will increase in good works.

The amount you decide to give to God must be so that you OVERFLOW in GOOD DEEDS (daghan ba ni matabangan o mabuhatan ug kaayohan?)

This is the purpose of God’s blessings!

The cheerful giver who desires to help more shall receive the overflowing grace of God because it gives joy to God!

Proverbs 22:9 NASB95

He who is generous will be blessed, For he gives some of his food to the poor.

IV. Meeting the church’s need is an evidence of your faith and love for Jesus (v.13)

2 Corinthians 9:13 NET 2nd ed.

Through the evidence of this service they will glorify God because of your obedience to your confession in the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your sharing with them and with everyone.

1 Timothy 6:17–18 NASB95

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

1 Timothy 6:19 NASB95

storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.

V. Your generosity in giving produces praise and thanksgiving to God (vv.12-15)

2 Corinthians 9:12–13 NASB95

For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all,

Spiritual harvest:

Praise and thanksgiving to God (vv.12, 13,15)

2 Corinthians 9:15 NASB95

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Spiritual harvest:

Praise and thanksgiving to God (vv.12, 13,15)

2 Corinthians 9:14 NASB95

while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.

Intercessory prayer from the Jerusalem church (v.14)