The Grace of Giving (4)

“Provision for the Masses”

Introduction:

Text: 2 Corinthians 8:13–24; 9:1–15 (KJV)

“For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want...” — 2 Corinthians 8:13–14

The Christian life is not merely about receiving blessings—it’s about being a channel of blessing to others.

Grace giving is not based on rules, percentages, or compulsion.

It is giving that flows from the heart—motivated by love, grounded in faith, and aimed at glorifying God.

Key Principle: Just as we are saved by grace through faith, we are to give by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8–9; 2 Cor. 8:7).

I. The Provision in the Giving

(2 Corinthians 8:13–15)

Paul is not commanding the Corinthians to impoverish themselves to enrich others.

He is calling them to be balanced

—to equity in generosity.

The word "equality" here implies fairness, not forced communism.

A. Grace Giving Is Proportional

Give as God hath prospered you (1 Cor. 16:2).

Giving is not equal in amount but equal in sacrifice.

to some God propers with a lot financialy and others he prospers with spiritual blessing.

Paul says 2 Corinthians 8:13 “For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:”

We should not be scraping the bottom of the barrel to eat but neither should a missionary.

A. Grace Giving Is Proportional

B. Grace Giving Reflects God’s Provision

Who does the equalizing?

God does.

Paul references the manna in Exodus 16: everyone had enough—no more, no less.

Hoarding leads to corruption; sharing leads to provision and praise.

The lesson is clear: gather what you need, share what you can, and don’t try to hoard God’s blessings.

God will see to it that you will not be in need if you trust Him and obey His Word.

The Bible Exposition Commentary (Chapter Seven: The Grace of Giving—Part 1 (2 Corinthians 8))

Paul did not lay down any mathematical formula, because grace giving is not limited by a tithe (10 percent).

Grace giving is systematic, but it is not legalistic.

It is not satisfied with only the minimum, whatever that minimum might be.

Since it is God who does the “balancing of the books,” we cannot accuse Paul of teaching some form of communism.

2 Corinthians 8:13 is a direct statement against forced communism.

The so-called “communism” of the early church (Acts 2:44–47; 4:32–37) has no relationship to the communistic political and economic systems that are promoted today.

The early Christians (like many Christians today) voluntarily shared what they had, but did not force people to participate.

The entire program was temporary; and the fact that Paul had to take up a special collection to relieve their needs is proof that the program was never meant to be imitated by later generations of Christians.

Communisim of the Bible means give all equally so that none are without, Communisim of politics means give all to the goverment so all can be equally dependent.

Are you using your resources to meet needs in your local church and mission field? ]

Grace giving asks not, “What do I have to give?” but “What can I joyfully give?”

II. The Protection for Giving

(2 Corinthians 8:16–24)

Paul shows that while grace giving is spiritual, it must also be accountable and transparent.

Paul lays out for us some key qualities for those giving, taking up the money and receiving the money.

Even though Paul is describing the one that assisted in the gathering of the offering which anyone who handles God’s finances should have, I believe those giving should also posess these qualities.

A. God Given Desire to Serve (vv. 16–17)

Titus had a willing heart and was chosen to help—not drafted.

Grace giving is not a command.

Giving should be done out of a desire/ a willing heart not out of obligation

Those that gather the gifts should have the same quality

spiritually minded

spiritually motivated

A good heart is more valuable than a sharp calculator.

A. God Given Desire to Serve (vv. 16–17)

B. Evangelistic Passion (v. 18)

A fellow laborer, possibly an evangelist, helped in handling the offering.

Giving and soul-winning go hand in hand.

If you are not eternally minded, you will be of no earthly good.

If you dont see souls in need of Christ, you will never give so that they can

A. God Given Desire to Serve (vv. 16–17)

B. Evangelistic Passion (v. 18)

C. Godward Motivation (v. 19)

The offering was administered to glorify God.

Is that your reason for giving?

Is that the reason why the missionaries are doing what they are doing?

A. God Given Desire to Serve (vv. 16–17)

B. Evangelistic Passion (v. 18)

C. Godward Motivation (v. 19)

D. Reputation for Integrity (vv. 20–22)

Paul took care not just to be right before God, but also before men.

“Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” (v. 21)

We take the money that is given around here very seriously.

Let me explain how things are done:

When we take the money to the office after the service, there are three men if attendance allows that count it.

Before the money has been recorded, it has been counted three times

it is placed in a safe

and when the day is over

(explain the rest)

A. God Given Desire to Serve (vv. 16–17)

B. Evangelistic Passion (v. 18)

C. Godward Motivation (v. 19)

D. Reputation for Integrity (vv. 20–22)

E. Unity and Cooperation (vv. 23–24)

Titus was a partner and fellowhelper—not a lone ranger.

Churches sent representatives, reflecting unity in purpose.

Giving to missions is not for a select few, it is for all that are saved by grace through faith.

(Explain IFB missions, how they operate and how the money is distributed)

Stewardship is a cooperative responsibility under pastoral leadership and church authority.

III. The Provocation of Giving

(2 Corinthians 9:1–5)

“...your zeal hath provoked very many.” (v. 2)

A. Giving Inspires Others

The Corinthians’ initial zeal had stirred up the Macedonians.

Your generosity may spark a wave of gospel-centered giving in others.

Don’t underestimate the impact of your obedience.

A. Giving Inspires Others

B. Giving Should not be delayed

They had promised a year ago but delayed.

Grace giving follows through. Promises are good—performance is better

cf. Ecclesiastes 5:4–5 “When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.”

A. Giving Inspires Others

B. Giving Should not be delayed

C. Giving Should Be Predetermined

Paul didn’t want a rushed or reluctant offering.

The word notice carries with it a sense of notifing of an aggreement i.e promise

He wanted them to give based on a promise that they make

Plan your giving.

Budget for ministry.

Teach your family to make giving a regular part of financial stewardship.

IV. The Prosperity of Giving

(2 Corinthians 9:6–11)

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly...” (v. 6)

A. There will be an Increase (v. 6)

Giving is sowing. You reap what you sow—in proportion and in kind.

A. There will be an Increase (v. 6)

B. There must be the right Intention (v. 7)

God wants cheerful givers—not sad, mad, or pressured ones.

“God loveth a cheerful giver.”

Application: Ask yourself: Do I give grudgingly, fearfully, or joyfully?

A. There will be an Increase (v. 6)

B. There must be the right Intention (v. 7)

C. There are Immediate Blessings (vv. 8–11)

“That ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” (v. 8)

God supplies all grace for every good work.

vs.9 is a quote from Psalm 112:9.

(v.9) Not wealth, but sufficiency and spiritual abundance.

(v.10) Grace giving makes you less dependent on others and more dependent on Christ.

(v.11) It reshapes your heart and reorders your priorities.

V. The Purpose of Giving

(2 Corinthians 9:12–13)

“...is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God.” (v. 12)

A. Giving Meets Practical Needs

Real ministry requires real resources.

The offering helped impoverished saints in Judea.

A. Giving Meets Practical Needs

B. Giving Glorifies God

God—not the giver—gets the glory when needs are met by His grace.

“They glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ...” (v. 13)

A. Giving Meets Practical Needs

B. Giving Glorifies God

C. Giving Confirms Your Testimony

Obedience in giving demonstrates the sincerity of our faith.

Application: If our gospel is real, our giving will reflect it. Faith that saves is faith that gives.’

VI. The Power Behind the Giving

(2 Corinthians 9:14–15)

“Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” (v. 15)

All Christian giving begins with God’s giving. God gave the ultimate Gift—His Son, Jesus Christ.

The Gospel Is the Foundation of All Giving

Jesus became poor so that we might be made rich (2 Cor. 8:9).

We give because He first gave.

The Gospel Is the Focus of All Giving

Every dollar given in grace giving furthers gospel proclamation, church growth, missions, and mercy.

Application: Never forget: grace giving isn’t just about funds—it’s about faithfulness.

It’s about surrendering what you have because of who He is.

Conclusion:

Grace giving is not:

A debt to be paid

A duty to be dreaded

A donation to be flaunted

It is:

A delight to be experianced

A discipline to be developed

A display of grace to glorify God

Final Appeal: Have you discovered the joy of grace giving?

giving from a heart full of Christ?

Not hoarding, but helping?

Not out of guilt, but out of gratitude?

Let us give:

Willingly (2 Cor. 8:12)

Cheerfully (2 Cor. 9:7)

Faithfully (1 Cor. 4:2)

Sacrificially (2 Sam. 24:24)

For His glory (2 Cor. 9:13)

(Luke 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”

You cannot outgive God.