Giving: The Act of Partnership

Intro:

Ephesians 5:1–2 NLT

1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

He urges the Corinthians to emulate this spirit of giving, which demonstrates the grace of God in their lives.

Application: This message challenges us to evaluate our own willingness to support missionaries and the work of the Gospel. Through sacrificial giving, we can participate in God's mission and experience the joy that comes from supporting those called to spread His word.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that true generosity comes from recognizing God's grace and responding with willing hearts. It emphasizes that our giving should be an act of worship, reflecting our commitment to God's mission and love for others.

How this passage could point to Christ: This theme aligns with the central tenet of biblical teaching that Jesus Christ, through His own sacrifice, is the ultimate example of generosity. Just as Christ poured out His life for us, we are encouraged to pour out our resources for the kingdom’s work, thus demonstrating the heart of Christ in our actions.

Big Idea: Generosity is not just a duty; it is a joyful expression of grace that supports God's mission and ministers to others, bringing us closer to the heart of Christ.

Recommended Study: Consider using Logos to explore the historical context of the Macedonian churches in 2 Corinthians 8. Look for commentaries that discuss Paul's rhetorical style and his method of encouraging giving through examples. Additionally, examine the Greek terms for 'grace' and 'generosity' in the passage to unlock deeper meanings that could enrich your preaching.

1. Embracing the Macedonian Model of Joyful Giving

2 Corinthians 8:1-2

Paul uses the example of the Macedonian believers’ remarkably generous response to the collection appeal motivate the Corinthian believers to carry out what they had previously shown themselves ready to do

The remarkable evidence of God’s grace in the churches of Macedonia was shown by the fact that their generosity was exercised in adverse circumstances.

Second, and equally remarkable, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity

Matthew 10:8 NLT

8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!

The Macedonian Christians knew the joy of being the recipients of God’s free grace, and in that joy they gave freely.

Because of their own situation, what they gave was probably quite a small amount, but measured against their extreme poverty it represented rich generosity

Mark 12:41–44 NLT

41 Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. 42 Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. 43 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. 44 For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”

The apostle regarded the liberality of the Macedonians as the result of God’s grace in their lives. God is generous and where his grace is experienced in people’s lives, the evidence will be similar love and generosity

our circumstances do not dictate our ability to give

; rather, generous giving is rooted in joy that comes from divine grace. Reflecting on Christ, their joy in giving mirrors Jesus' joy in sacrificing for us. Challenge listeners to see beyond their own limitations, allowing God's grace to inspire their generously joyful participation in His mission.

2. Cultivating a Willing Heart

2 Corinthians 8:3-5

Perhaps explore the depth of the Macedonians' commitment. They gave according to their means, and even beyond, of their own accord. This was an act of worship, submitting first to the Lord and then to God's servants. In Christological terms, this reflects Jesus' complete submission to the Father. Encourage your audience to consider how they can submit to God's call and give with willing hearts, trusting God's provision and guidance as seen in Christ's example.

3. Excelling in the Grace of Giving

2 Corinthians 8:6-7

You might conclude by examining Paul's urging of the Corinthians to excel in this grace of giving. This is not just a duty but a joyful expression of grace that aligns with their spiritual growth in faith and love. As they grow in Christlikeness, with Jesus being the epitome of all grace, giving becomes an integral part of their faith journey. Invite listeners to evaluate how they can grow in the grace of giving, thus supporting God's mission and embodying Christ's generous heart.