“The Attitude of Giving”

ANNOUNCEMENTS:Conference at Calvary Chapel Tracy October 19

**Sign ups end October 3, no exceptions

2 Corinthians 9

Introduction: Last week we looked at Paul encouraged the Corinthians to fulfill their promises

(V8) I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others

Remember love requires action

(V11) Paul encourages the Corinthians to keep their word and complete their giving to the Jerusalem Christians

1. (V1) Ministering to the Saints

Concerning the ministering to the saints: The specific ministering Paul has in mind is the financial support of the Jerusalem saints. Paul will be in Corinth to pick up this collection for the Jerusalem saints, which he wrote of in 2 Corinthians 8 and in other previous passages (such as 1 Corinthians 16:1-4).

The ancient Greek word translated ministering (diakonia) is the same word translated relief in Acts 11:29.

Their giving was to relieve some suffering, due to lack of money

2. (V6) He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly

a) The farmer sowing seed illustration

b) People twist this scripture to mean something it does not

prosperity gospel

We can’t give something with the intent of manipulating God to give us more

Ananias & Sapphira

c) God does bless our giving

Deuteronomy 15:10 “You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand.

One of the reasons I believe God has blessed me is because I honor Him with my time, money, and possessions

3. (V7) Give as you purpose in your heart, not grudgingly

a) Do not give grudgingly

Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”