2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15 (Giving)

Introduction

Friends, I wonder… when is the last time you thought about how much money you give away?

Maybe you’re coming to the end of the year, and you’re thinking about how you can maximize your tax deductions, and that’s got you thinking about “charitable contributions” … but that’s not really what I’m talking about.

I’m asking… when have you thought deeply about how much you ought to set aside in your budget for giving? And when have you considered the biblical principles that generate a priority list for where you plan to send the money you give away?

Have you ever talked with a Christian friend, with a fellow church member, or with a pastor about how you budget your money?

Is that something you’ve even considered?

The chances are pretty good that many of us think (or at least we act like we do)… many of us probably think that our money and our budget are separate from our spiritual health and growth. But the fact is, how we think about money has a great deal to do with how we think about God, about sin, about our purposes in life, and about our spiritual growth. Not only does money touch our thinking in these areas, it’s also deeply connected to our actions.

And the Bible has quite a bit to say about where we give, why we give, and how much we might give.

Some of you will remember that we had to reduce our church budget for 2025. Our projected revenue (based on 2024 giving) is about 10% less than where we were projecting at this time last year.

But that’s not the reason I’m preaching on giving today.

I believe that God will continue to provide for this church as long as He sees fit, and I also believe that we (those of us who are church members) will continue giving as the Lord makes us able and willing.

This sermon is not an attempt to increase giving… I’m not trying to squeeze anything out of you.

Instead, I am using the occasion at the end of the year – a time when many of us are naturally evaluating our time and our experiences and our expenses over the last year – I’m using this occasion to provide some pastoral instruction on an important part of our Christian lives… our money and the practice of regularly giving some of it away.

Money and giving are very practical matters… and yet there can be much confusion and many false assumptions… so, my aim is to simply clear the air a bit… so that we all might be able to think more biblically about our money and about our giving.

There’s much I won’t say today… but Lord willing, what I do say will be helpful… at least to help us move further in the right direction.

Let’s turn our attention to some practical instructions in the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the church of Corinth. The portions we’ll read today contain Paul’s request to those church members in Corinth… he wanted them to give away some of their money for the benefit of another church in Jerusalem.

As we read this together, listen and look for “why” Paul tells them to give… think about “how” he tells them to give… and consider the object (or the “to whom”) of their Christian giving.

Let’s see what we might learn from this passage (and from the rest of the Bible more broadly) about Christian giving.

Scripture Reading

2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15 (ESV)

8:1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

10 And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.

13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. 15 As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.”

9:1 Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, 2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.

3 But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. 4 Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident.

5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, 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 having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.

15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

Main Idea:

God intends for Christians to give cheerfully and generously, primarily to and through their local church, for their own spiritual health and for the support of the Christian mission.

Sermon

1. Four Common Reasons People Don’t Give

1. Sometimes people don’t think much about their money/budget.

a. Many people don’t budget their money at all.

i. They simply spend what they have until it’s gone.

ii. They get paid, and they spend it again.

b. Friends, if you don’t spend your money on purpose, then you’ll spend it on accident… and you’ll likely have very little to show for accidental spending.

i. When is the last time you did not spend money on a thing (even though you had it in your bank account) because you had already designated that money to go toward something else (like benevolence, savings, charity, starting a business, or long-term investment)?

ii. Friends, the only way we will ever be able to make such necessary and practical decisions is if we budget our money and spend it on purpose.

2. Sometimes people feel like their giving would be insignificant.

a. Some people feel like they have so little to give that their gift wouldn’t be big enough to actually make a difference.

b. Brothers and sisters, let me say two things to this:

i. First, small contributions add up over time and when they are combined with others.

1. We can do far more together than any one of us could do on our own.

ii. Second, our regular giving (as Christians and church members) is not just about what good we can do to maintain our church’s ministry or to make some provision for others.

1. When we give a regular portion of our own income and resources away (with a cheerful heart of gratitude), it makes us just a bit less susceptible to the greed and envy and covetousness that so easily plagues those who are servants of money.

2. Every time we give something of value away, we are reminded that what Jesus said is true, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

3. Sometimes people feel that they don’t make enough money to give.

a. Some people feel their needs outweigh their desire or their responsibilityto give.

i. I want to be quick to say (and clear when I say it) that if we’re having trouble paying our bills, then we should absolutely not give any money away.

1. We are obligated to pay our bills, support our own families, and organize our own finances before we start trying to give any money away.

ii. However, it is also true that Americans today are quite prone to think of luxuriesas “needs.”

1. According to one source, Christians in America gave an average of 2.5% of their income in 2024.[i]

a. During the Great Depression (100 years ago), Christians in America gave an average of 3.3% of their income.

b. While their resources were much less than ours, Christians in the 1930s did not believe the modern American lie that luxuries are “needs.”

4. Sometimes people have been burned by a church in the past (or they don’t trust their church now).

a. Maybe this has happened to you.

i. Maybe you’ve attended a church that seemed never to stop asking for money.

ii. Maybe you’ve belonged to a church where financial corruption was uncovered at some point.

b. Friends, churches are not immune from financial sin, including carelessness and even fraud.

i. But each church should be evaluated on the basis of its own reliability (or lack thereof).

c. And, friends, if you believe that the leaders of your church are untrustworthy with money, then you should not trust them with the care of your soul.

i. The Scripture says that “an overseer [i.e., pastor or elder], as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined (Titus 1:7-8).

5. Summary

a. There are all sorts of reasons people might not give to or through a local church, and some reasons are good.

b. Often, however, people just don’t give because they haven’t thought enough about it or prioritized it in such a way so as to make it an important feature of their church membership.

c. As I will argue today, I believe God intends for Christians to give, but only for good reasons… not bad ones.

2. Five Bad Reasons People Might Give

1. Some people give out of begrudging obligation.

a. Sometimes people feel like they just have to give (for one reason or another).

i. Friend, if you resent the fact that you’re giving in the church offering, then please don’t give.

ii. Let’s talk about what “gospel” you believe, your priorities, and your love for Christ… and then we might talk about what and why you might give.

2. Some people give in order to earn God’s favor/blessing/grace.

a. Some people give out of a legalistic sense of works-based-righteousness – “If I give enough, then God will be happy with me… God will bless me…”

i. Brothers and sisters, your financial gifts do not buy your way into God’s favor.

ii. God’s love has been shown for us in the person and work of Jesus Christ (while we were still sinners and hostile to everything God stands for), and there’s nothing we did or can do to earn God’s love… or to add to it.

iii. If you want to talk about what it means to be saved by grace, through simple faith in Jesus Christ, then let’s get together after the service.

3. Some people believe the prosperity-gospel (or they give-to-get).

a. Prosperity preachers tell people: “Sow your seed of faith [i.e., send me your money], and God will send you a harvest!”

i. Friends, in my view, this is the worst kind of swindler.

1. Prosperity preachers and churches often prey on gullible people who have the least money to spend.

2. What’s worse, they use God’s name in order to gain credibility, and they ship the most scandalous words and actions with a “holy” sticker on the box.

ii. Friends, the prosperity gospel is a lie from the devil.

1. I hate it, and you should too.

2. It is notgospel, and it certainly does not create prosperity for those who buy into it.

4. Some people give as an act of self-promotion.

a. Sometimes people give because they want others to know they give, and oftenthey also want others to know how much.

i. Think of a giant check at a press conference.

b. This is the kind of giving Jesus rebuked in Matthew 6.

i. Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward” (Matt. 6:1-2).

5. Some people give to buy leadership or influence in the church.

a. Some people feel like their gifts to the church will give them the right to directthe church in some way (or even to make demands).

b. But, brothers and sisters, what kind of pastor would be manipulated by this kind of giving?

i. Is that the kind of pastor you would want?

c. And what kind of church would we be if our decisions were all made by whoever had the deepest pockets?

i. Is that the kind of church you would want?

6. Summary

a. Friends, we should not neglect to give because of our irresponsibility or our ignorance… but we also should not give on the basis of some unbiblicalor even sinful rationale.

b. So, what does the Bible say about Christian giving?

i. How much should I give?

ii. How often should I give?

iii. Why should I give?

3. Six Biblical Principles for Christian Giving

I’m going to explain my main point: “God intends for Christians to give cheerfully and generously, primarily to and through their local church, for their own spiritual health and for the support of the Christian mission in the world.” And I’m going to draw principles from our main passage (2 Cor. 8-9), as well as some other places in the Bible.

1. Principle: Giving is good for everyone.

a. If you’re a Christian, then you should give (more on this in a bit).

b. But if you’re not a Christian, then I’d like you to think about a couple of things for a moment.

i. First, please don’t think God needs your money.

1. This church will survive without any help from you.

2. Your money won’t earn any spiritual points.

3. And you certainly can’t buy your way into church membership or leadership.

ii. Second, if you’re not a Christian, you’re still welcome to give your money to a local church.

1. The Bible encourages generosity as a societal virtue.

a. “Many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts” (Prov. 19:6).

2. And a healthy local church is a great place to send your charitable donations.

a. Whether you believe everything we do or not, surely you can understand that it’s better to have a church meeting on this stretch of highway 259 than to not have one.

b. And in America, you can still get a tax deduction for contributing to our general fund!

c. Giving is good for everyone (whether you’re a Christian or not), but Christians are to be especially generous with what they have.

2. Principle: Cheerful and generous giving is profoundly Christian.

a. In our main Scripture text, there are many examples of this:

i. The “churches of Macedonia” are presented as model givers.

1. They gave from an “abundance of joy,” and even in their poverty they “overflowed in a wealth of generosity” (8:2).

2. Paul said that these Christians gave “beyond their means,” even “begging… earnestly for the favor of taking part” in giving to help meet the needs of fellow Christians (8:3-4).

ii. The Apostle Paul’s instructions are also revealing.

1. When Paul talked about the church of Corinth setting aside their contributions, he said that “each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly [or “grudgingly”] or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (9:7).

2. Paul seems to say that the very reason God supplied the Corinthian church members with an abundance of money and resources was so that they would “be generous in every way” (9:10-11).

b. It is in the Christian DNA to give cheerfully and generously.

i. Christians have received generously from Christ, and so they are prone to want to share generously with others.

ii. Christians know that everything they have is a gift from the Lord, and so they are inclined to be re-gifters (i.e., to see themselves as stewards of God’s stuff, and not hoarders of their own stuff).

3. Principle: When Christians have the ability, they ought to give.

a. Notice, I’m saying this morning that “Christians ought to give…”

i. This has the weight of a moral imperative.

1. There are some exceptions to this rule (as I’ve mentioned earlier), but on the whole, Christians ought to be giving away (as part of their everyday living) a portion of their time, treasure, and talent.

b. Let me make my case:

i. First, Christians ought to give out of gratitude for all God has given us.

1. See in our text today (2 Cor. 8:9), Jesus “was rich, yet for [our] sake… became poor, so that [we] by his poverty might become rich.”

2. And the Scripture says elsewhere that God “did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all” (Rom. 8:32); indeed, God “graciously gives us all [good] things” (Rom. 8:32).

ii. Second, Christians ought to give because we know that all we have ultimately comes from God; we understand that we are merely stewards of what God has given us.

1. See 2 Cor. 9:10 – the Scripture says that God “supplies seed to the sower and bread for food.”

2. The Scripture says elsewhere, “there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist” (1 Cor. 8:6).

3. The Apostle Peter teaches Christians to think this way when he says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve on another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Pet. 4:10).

a. Of course, all of this is talking about more than money (our time, our talents, our opportunities, etc.), but, surely, we can see that money is one kind of gift from God that we must steward and not merely spend on our wants and luxuries.

iii. Third, Christians ought to give because God commands it.

1. I’ll say more about the specific obligations in a moment, but let me summarize them here:

a. The Scripture commands Christians to give…

i. to fellow church members in need.

ii. to other Christians in need.

iii. to support those who serve and lead them in the ministry of the word.

iv. and to aide in the advancement of the gospel through starting new churches and maintaining existing ones.

c. Brothers and sisters, when we have the ability, we ought to give.

4. Principle: Our spiritual health and growth depend on our giving.

a. Our spiritual health and growth are directly tied to our dependence upon and gratitude toward God.

i. We must believe and think and live as though we depend utterly upon God; and, knowing this, we will express the gratitude we were created for (Rom. 1:21).

ii. Jesus taught us, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also… No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matt. 6:19–24).

1. Mark Dever said, “When I sign that offering check, it’s a little declaration of independence from my money.”

b. Brothers and sisters, when we give at least some of our money away, we are exercising an authority over our money that helps us to grow up as stewards in God’s service, not slaves serving money.

5. Principle: The Christian mission necessitates our practical support.

a. In God’s wisdom He has invited Christians to participate in His provision for Christian mission in the world, and the Christian mission is the Great Commission – Make Disciples.

i. Jesus commissioned His disciples, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, [by] (1) baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [and by] (2) teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18–20).

1. This is primarily done in and through the local church, but more on this in a sec…

2. But the Christian mission includes missionary efforts (i.e., crossing geographicaland language barriers with the gospel).

a. Paul wrote to the church members in Philippi, saying, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you… because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now… it was kind of you to share in my trouble… no church entered partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only… Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again” (Phil. 1:5, 4:14-16).

b. Brothers and sisters, if we want to see the gospel spread where there are not presently any Christians living, then (very practically) Christians from somewhere else are going to have to pay their own way into those areas.

i. May God help us to participate as we are able in this eternally rewarding mission.

6. Principle: The local church is central to Christian living (and that includes our giving).

a. Our own Christian conversion and growth, and the broader Christian mission is experienced (biblically speaking) in the context of the local church.

i. How are sinners converted?

1. Church members and pastors evangelize and invite them in.

ii. How do new Christians grow into mature ones?

1. Church members and pastors all play their part in teaching, praying, correcting, and encouraging.

iii. How are new pastors and missionaries raised up and sent out?

1. Church members and pastors invest in raising up qualified models of Christian living and teaching, and then they all send out their best to serve far beyond their own fence line.

b. The only biblical commands for Christian giving are to and through the local church.

i. Did you know that the only explicit commands we have in the New Testament about what Christians must financially support are aimed at…

1. (1) helping church members in need

2. and (2) paying pastors?

ii. Helping church members in need:

1. In our main passage, Paul is exhorting one church to raise funds for the benefit of another, but this is still an extension of helping church members in need.

a. As the one church enjoys “abundance at the present time,” they are able to “supply the need” of the other (8:14).

2. The very earliest Christians give us an example, though maybe not a prescription.

a. “They were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all [in the church], as any had need” (Acts 2:45).

b. And “there was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need” (Acts 4:34-35).

3. Romans 12 says clearly: “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality” (Rom. 12:13).

4. Friends, the local church is like an extended family.

a. We know and love one another, and one way we practically care for one another is by learning about needs and looking for ways to meet them.

iii. Paying pastors:

1. The Bible says, “Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches” (Gal. 6:6).

2. And again, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching [i.e., those elders/pastors who make their living from preaching and teaching]” (1 Tim. 5:17).

3. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, saying, “If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you?” (1 Cor. 9:11).

a. Brothers and sisters, I count it a fantastic joy to be able to preach and teach and pastor as my full-time vocational job.

b. And all of you benefit from the amount of time and energy I’m able to give to the job (learning, studying, preparing sermons and lessons, and helping others grow in their ability to do all of this too).

c. God can certainly use any willing and faithful preacher/teacher, but those who are able to give more time to the role are normally going to be better skilled and more productive at it (just like any other work or job).

c. Once again, the principle here is that our giving (as Christians and church members) ought to center on our local church.

i. That’s not to say we should never give to anything or anyone else, but it is to say that we ought to prioritize our giving here… if we want to see this church continue and grow.

With all of these principles and general rules, it might be hard to know exactly what to do or how to make a change (if you think you should). So, let’s finish our time with some really practical applications.

4. Four Practical Applications

1. Confess “money sins” as sin.

a. May God help us to stop making excuses for the sinful ways we spend and use our money.

b. If we’re being stingy with our resources, then let’s confess that as sin (not merely a mistake or a justifiable frugality).

i. Brothers and sisters, it’s not a sin to save our money… but it might be… if we are only building bigger barns to store our wealth and turning a blind eye to financial obligations and opportunities around us… where we might extend God’s glory (and not our own).

c. If we’ve been careless with our money, then let’s confess that as sin (it’s not ok that we don’t budget our money, and it is sinful to be careless with it).

i. Brothers and sisters, it’s not a sin to be poor… but sinful and foolish spending might be the cause of a whole lot of shortages in our bank accounts.

ii. And if that’s where we are, then the way out is the same here as with all sin… We must confess it as sin, and we must repent (or turn away from it)… and we may need the help of other Christians as we begin to make new habits while we kill the old ones.

d. If we tend to use our money selfishly, then let’s confess that as sin.

i. Friend, it’s not a sin to spend money on ourselves… but it might be.

ii. This is the sort of conversation we want to have with good Christian friends as we consider how we might live our whole lives (including spending our money) to the glory and enjoyment of God.

2. Create, live within, and prayerfully evaluate a budget.

a. Create a budget.

i. If you’ve never done this before, then ask around.

ii. Start simple and start where you are… just write down (or type in) all the expenses you have right now along with your current income.

iii. See where your money is going, and then aim to prioritize the more important expenses over the less important ones.

b. Once you’ve created a prioritized budget, live inside of it!

i. Emergencies come up, but an impulse buy is not an emergency.

c. Thoughtfully evaluate and pray about your budget.

i. Ask God to help you live within your means.

ii. Ask God to help you earn more money.

iii. Ask God to help you spend your money more wisely.

iv. Ask God to help you have the ability and the desire to give more of your money away… to the glory of Christ and the extension of gospel ministry in this fallen and dying world.

3. As part of your budget, aim for specific giving goals.

a. Give regularly.

i. One New Testament example was to give every time the church gathered (1 Cor. 16:1-2)… But you might simply give each time you have income, or each time you sit down to write checks to pay bills.

b. Plan or budget your giving.

i. Whatever amount you believe is best for you and your family, after giving it thought and prayer (and it might be good to discuss it with a Christian brother or sister), make that amount a line item in your personal or family budget.

c. Revisit your giving amount as necessary, and plan accordingly.

i. Aim to give progressively over time

1. Your giving should usually increase as you get older (though there are some exceptions), both because of your increased income and also because of your maturing desire to give.

ii. Aim to increase your giving as your finances increase.

iii. You might also aim to increase the percentage of your giving as a way of growing your affection for what God values over what this world values.

4. Treat spending/using money like it’s one feature of our discipleship.

a. Money is not an isolated and unspiritual aspect of our lives.

i. In fact, money can sometimes be a spiritual rival to God Himself in the fight for our affections.

b. Money, budgeting, and giving are all part of our overall Christian discipleship, which means these are all part of our participation and growth as church members.

i. May God help us to be increasingly willing to have incredibly practical conversations (about money and a host of other sensitive subjects) with our fellow church members… and may God grant us much growth and benefit from them.

God intends for Christians to give cheerfully and generously, primarily to and through their local church, for their own spiritual health and for the support of the Christian mission in the world.

Endnotes

[i] See https://nonprofitssource.com/online-giving-statistics/church-giving/.