s20100124m_How To Excel At Grace

When God’s Grace affects Change In Me

2 Corinthians 8:1-9

8Last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 9For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1 Corinthians 15:8-10

1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 2 Corinthians 8:1-2

I Am Changed By Grace  . . . . .

1.      When I [Choose To give] On My Own

3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own. 2 Corinthians 8:3

2.      When I [consider my Giving] A Privilege.

The Macedonian Churches urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 2 Corinthians 8:4

3.      When I [Consciously Give] Myself First

5And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. 2 Corinthians 8:5

4.      When I [Connect My Giving] With Spiritual Growth.

6So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:6-7

I Should Let God’s Grace Change Me……

8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

2 Corinthians 8:8-9

[so i might become rich]

Key: Choose to give/Consider my giving/Consciously give/Connect my giving/So I might become rich