Living Generously by Grace

[Announce text] Please look with me in Scripture at 2 Corinthians 8:1-15.

[Scripture introduction] Apostle Paul writes to the church of Corinth and clarifies that when Titus comes to collect their offering as they promised. Knowing this, Paul will encourage this wealth congregation to be generous and to give according to their means.

[Reannounce and read text] Read with me these words of encouragement Paul gives for this church to live generously by grace in 2 Corinthians 8:1-15.

[Prayer for illumination] Heavenly Father, thank you for the riches of your Son, and the application of the Spirit into our hearts. May we be like you in every way, for your glory. Amen.

[Introduction] Professing Christians in the United States give only 2.5 percent of their $2.5 trillion income to churches and charitable causes. Only 9 percent tithe. This is not much higher than non-Christians, who give between 1 and 2 percent of their income. Within the group of US Christians, “evangelicals” give about 3 to 4 percent of their household income.2 Only 27.5 percent of evangelicals tithe, according to Christian Smith—or 12 percent, according to Barna Group. Only the very poor and the rich break this pattern, in general giving more than 5 percent of their income to charitable causes.

Something is clearly missing for so why so many followers of Jesus give so little. What is that - grace!

[FCF] How can God’s grace generate a more generous heart?

[Scripture bond] In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul will give the prime explanation grace motivates us through love to give like God.

[Proposition] God’s grace kindles love and generosity in us.

[Main point 1] God’s grace inspires us to give beyond our means.

[Explanation] Grace of God that has been given (v.2). Grace enabled the churches of Macedonia to give regardless of their financial security. Their offerings were larger than expected. The grace of God brought them closer to God and then for the Lord’s will be done (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

[Illustration] In ancient Jerusalem, a humble widow, with little to her name, approached the temple treasury. Despite her poverty, she sacrificially gave two small coins known as mites. Jesus, observing, commended her, saying, "She out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on" (Mark 12:44, ESV).

The widow's act challenges us to reflect on our giving. Are we giving only from surplus, or are we willing to give beyond our means, trusting God's provision? Her story teaches that it's not about the amount but the sacrificial heart behind it. When we give with a heart willing to go beyond our means, we echo the profound love and generosity of our Heavenly Father.

[Application] The grace of God inspires us to sell, give, and bless others. Imagine you paying for lunch for a young family, not only them, but two, three, or four and more. God’s grace tells us to go all in! Without grace there is nothing to give. Which takes us to the gospel story.

[Main Point 2] God’s grace made us rich through Christ’s poverty.

[Explanation] Paul gives a reason for their giving generously. He describes the grace of Christ—he was rich (in divinity) but became poor (in the incarnation) in order that the church in Corinth might become rich. Paul’s logic is simple; if Christians have received kindness from Christ, they ought to give kindness (see 1 John 3:17).

[Illustration] Jesus offers everything at the cross. His sacrifice is our reward. He spiritual blessed us, so we can materially bless one another.

[Application] It is this riches that we inherit the kingdom of God. Where sinners become saints and the poor become rich. This grace motivates us to love those inside these walls for one another and care for God’s mission. What if your riches meant you were rich towards God? What kind of faith look like? It would be humble love that gave to anyone in the church who had need. Jesus saw our poverty and gave us riches. Such as helping your brother air up his tires. Funding children to go to christian camp, giving more for the building funds to create a new facility to do life transformational ministry. This is why God made us rich so we can do good works for his kingdom.

Which takes us to the final accomplishment of God’s grace.

[Main Point 3] God’s grace compels us to excel in generosity until our love for one another is complete.

[Explanation] Paul desired the church to excel in the spiritual ministry of generosity. He wanted the church to excel in giving so the Jerusalem church would have their needs covered. God grace leads us to excel in this act of grace.

[Illustration] What does it look like to excel in generosity. The giving ladder illustration. Excelling in anything requires practice and consistency.

Each step of grace enables us to excel in this act of grace for God. We must know where we are at before we can go higher. Each one of us is learning to grow and go higher than before. To give according to what they have.

First time givers (Giving is for our good)

Sporadic givers (Growing in generosity)

Sparing givers (Rip to reap)

Tither (Test the Lord and believe he will provide the necessities)

Extravagant givers (Give because God is the greatest giver) Knows no limit

[Application] Chose to embrace the grace of God and take the next step in your generosity for the purpose of loving others and God.

[Conclusion] Imagine, if everyone in this church gave more than 2.4 percent of their income toward God’s kingdom? We could fund more missions, reach more people, and equip more disciples for Jesus.

Let’s be generous, for it more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).