Riches to Rags

Introduction:

· Paul’s Theology of Christmas: In this “Giving Season” another song on generosity

· Secularism has tried, but failed, to promote generosity – Christians are far more giving

LET’S SEE HOW THE INCARNATION – THE BIRTH OF JESUS – GIVES US REASON TO BE GENEROUS: IT’S A PRIVILEGE; HOW IT’S A MARK OF MATURITY, AND THE MOTIVE.

I) Generosity is A Privilege (vv. 1-5)

A. Generosity is Not Rooted in Circumstances

i. The Poor Churches that Gave Abundantly: The Background

1. A famine in Jerusalem precipitated the need for Titus to take a collection

2. Sibling Rivalry? “Macedonian churches” gave a lot (vs. 1)

ii. In Spite of poverty & Adversity, Generosity overflowed (vs. 2)

1. We view generosity as an overflow of resources, and good circumstances

2. Paul flips the script: Adversity & Poverty à source of generosity

B. Generosity is A Privileged Partnership in the Gospel

i. Generosity was viewed as a privileged partnership: (vv. 3-4)

1. Many people Give, but for wrong reasons:

a. Guilt

b. Reward

c. Pride

2. Giving : a heart-response to God’s grace, that viewed giving as a privilege

ii. Generosity was not limited to financial giving, but included other means too

1. Giving involved financial contributions, but also serving Paul et al

2. APPLICATION: College student, just out of college; fixed income; You can still give abundantly!

IN VERSE 6, PAUL BEGINS TO TIGHTEN THE SCREWS ON THE CORINTHIANS.

II) Generosity is a Mark of Spiritual Maturity

A. Generosity is a Way of Demonstrating the Faith We Profess

i. The Corinthians bragged…but would they back it up with generosity?

1. The Corinthians bragged about their spiritual maturity (see vs. 7a)

2. But, would they excel in the grace of giving? (vs. 7b)

ii. Generosity “proves” our maturity

1. Paul turns the screws, urging them to put their money where their mouth is

2. APPLICATION: One of the ways we can tell the Spirit is working in our lives s that we are generous

B. Generosity in Practice (see 9:6-8)

i. Generosity should be intentional (2 Corinthians 9:7)

2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

1. We sometimes treat generosity as though it is an afterthought

2. Paul instructs us to prayerfully “decide in our hearts” what to give

ii. Generosity should be cheerful

1. We can sometimes be legalistic in giving: Tithing?

2. APPLICATION: How much can I give and be cheerful about it?

WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES THIS ALL OS CHALLENGING FOR US?

III) Generosity is Empowered by the Greatest Gift-Giver

A. Reasons not to Be Generous

i. Some of us neglect giving because money is an idol

1. ILLUSTRATION: Like Scrooge, money becomes our idol

2. APPLICATION: thus the line between prudence and stinginess…

3. BUT: Fear changes Ebenezer Scrooge! Is that the best reason?

B. God’s Gracious Gift Empowers us for Generosity (vs. 9)

i. In Christ, the person of greatest wealth takes an infinite step down into poverty

1. Jesus the agent of creation steps into his creation: Manger; straw; fields

2. Jesus, the creator and ruler of all things gives it all away to become poor

3. EXAMPLE: he was born into poverty, raised n poverty, died in poverty

ii. In Christ, we receive the infinite wealth (Eph. 1:3)

Ephesians 1:3 ESV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

1. What wealth do we gain? Not material wealth, but “the riches of God”

2. APPLICATION;

Transition:

Conclusion

asd