Title: The Grace of “Giving by Faith”

Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1–9

Introduction

Hook: Grabbing AttentionTell a story of radical generosity. For example, a missionary story—Adoniram Judson’s supporters selling heirlooms to fund his work—or a modern testimony of a family giving sacrificially for missions. Something that captures the “joy in sacrifice” paradox.

Context: Setting the StagePaul is raising funds for the poor believers in Jerusalem. He uses the Macedonian churches as an example of extraordinary generosity despite extreme poverty.

Main Idea: Because of God’s grace, we give sacrificially and joyfully to advance the gospel.

Step 1: Anchor in the Main Idea: Everything we’re about to see flows from this one truth: generosity is the overflow of grace.

Step 2: Ask a Question (Interrogative) What does grace-filled giving look like in the life of God’s people?

Step 3: Transition into the First Point Paul gives us four powerful descriptions of how God’s grace transforms our giving.

Body

1. Grace-Filled Giving Flows from Joy, Not Wealth (vv. 1–2)

Explanation: The Macedonians, though in “extreme poverty,” gave with “abundant joy.”

Argumentation: Generosity doesn’t begin with our bank account but with God’s grace at work in our hearts.

Illustration: Contrast worldly logic (“when I have more, I’ll give more”) with kingdom logic (joy in Christ fuels giving even when resources are slim).

Application: Don’t wait for better financial circumstances—generosity is rooted in joy, not surplus.

Transition: Not only did they give joyfully in poverty…

2. Grace-Filled Giving Goes Beyond Our Ability (vv. 3–4)

Explanation: They gave “according to their means… and beyond their means.”

Argumentation: This is the essence of faith giving—trusting God to provide as we step out in generosity.

Illustration: Missionary support history—ordinary Christians funding extraordinary mission by giving what they didn’t think they could spare.

Application: Giving by faith stretches us. It’s saying, “Lord, I’ll trust You to supply what I cannot.”

Transition: But this kind of giving only makes sense when you start at the right place…

3. Grace-Filled Giving Begins With Ourselves (v. 5)

Explanation: Before giving money, they “gave themselves first to the Lord.”

Argumentation: God isn’t after our wallets; He’s after our hearts. Giving is worship.

Illustration: Imagine stepping into the offering plate yourself. That’s the picture Paul paints.

Application: The question isn’t first “How much should I give?” but “Have I fully given myself to Christ?”

Transition: Ultimately, Paul shows us the greatest example of this grace of giving…

4. Grace-Filled Giving Reflects the Gospel (vv. 6–9)

Explanation: Paul points to Christ: “Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor.”

Argumentation: The greatest act of giving is Jesus exchanging heaven’s riches for our salvation. That’s the model and the motivation.

Illustration: Compare the riches of heaven with the poverty of Bethlehem and Calvary. He gave it all for us.

Application: Every act of sacrificial giving echoes the gospel story. When we give, we preach Christ with our wallets.

Conclusion

Practical Application: A Clear Call to ActionChallenge ABC to pray and ask, “Lord, what would You have me give for ‘Giving by Faith 2026’?” Encourage them not to look only at their budget, but to trust God’s provision.

Illustration or Quote: A Memorable EndingJohn Stott: “Grace does not suppress giving, it inspires it.” Or use Wesley’s, “Do all the good you can…”

Visualization: Casting a VisionPaint a picture: Imagine the missionaries sent, the churches planted, the Bibles translated, the unreached reached—because we stepped out in faith, together, at ABC.

Closing Line (in your voice):“Christ gave Himself for us—so let’s give ourselves, and our resources, for Him.”