More Than We Sow

2 Corinthians 9:6–15 NIV84

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Introduction: God's economy operates on supernatural principles of multiplication. When we sow in faith, God promises returns that exceed our investment.

1. The Promise of Abundance

A. God's Multiplication System

2 Corinthians 9:6 “6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

Sparingly = Sparingly. Bountifully = Bountifully

B. The Heart for a great Harvest

2 Corinthians 9:7 “7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

God loves a cheerful giver

C. God brings the increase

1 Corinthians 3:6 “6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.”

Luke 6:38 “38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.””

Pressed down, shaken together, running over

2. The Power of God's Grace

A. All Grace Abounds

2 Corinthians 9:8 “8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

God's ability to make all grace abound

B. More than enough in All Things

Philippians 4:19 “19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

God meeting every need according to His riches

C. Abundance for Every Good Work

Ephesians 3:20 “20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,”

God doing exceedingly abundantly above

3. The Principle of Kingdom Increase

A. One buried seed produces many

John 12:24 “24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

B. The power of compound growth

Mark 4:20 “20 Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown.””

C. The unchanging Harvest Cycle

Genesis 8:22 “22 “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.””

Seedtime and harvest shall not cease

4. The Purpose of Prosperity

A. Enriched for Generosity

2 Corinthians 9:11 “11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

Being enriched in everything for all liberality

B. Others will praise God

2 Corinthians 9:12–13 “12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.”

Producing thanksgiving and glory to God

C. The ripple effect of sowing

Exodus 20:6 “6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”

Creating a ripple effect of grace and prayer

Conclusion: When we sow generously and faithfully, God's multiplication principle kicks in. He doesn't just give us back what we sowed – He multiplies it beyond our imagination. This truth should challenge us to be more generous, more faithful, and more expectant of God's supernatural provision.

Challenge: This week, identify one area where God is calling you to sow generously. Step out in faith, expecting God's multiplication principle to work in your life.