Cheerful Giver

Introduction:

I was seating in my car with my wife thinking about what sermon I should do next, the Lord bought to my attention about being more of a giver. She said what about being more of a cheerful giver than just giving!

Giving- To make a present or something, or to behave generously and unselfishly

What examples can we point out in our lives when we either behave generously and unselfishly?

Synopsis

Body/Interpretation

God has provided various means by which believers may grow spiritually.

What areas in your life do you want grow?

Body/Interpretation

Point #1

The scripture i’m presenting today, teaches us in order for us to grow we must lay down what we have and give it all to God. For example, just like as a farmer must put down and sow his seeds to reap a nice harvest!

Body/Interpretation Who: Apostle Paul and the Corinthian Church

Who: Apostle Paul

What: He is warning the believers not to be stingy with their resources, but instead give bountiful. In another words generously!

Why: Through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Read

2 Corinthians 9:6–15 NIV

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Point #2

Cheerful giving begins from your heart, and continues in your head!

Synopsis

God has provided various means by which believers may grow spiritually.

God supplies the resources for spiritual growth

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(NIV) — 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

(NIV) — 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

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(NIV) — 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given.

(NIV) — 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

(NIV) — 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

(NIV) — 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

(NIV) — 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

(NIV) — 18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

(NIV) — 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

(NIV) — 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

(NIV) — 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

(NIV) — 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

(NIV) — 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

(NIV) — 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”

(NIV) — 24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—

God’s people must make efforts to grow spiritually

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(NIV) — 12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,

(NIV) — 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.

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(NIV) — 19 I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.

(NIV) — 1 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

(NIV) — 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

(NIV) — 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

(NIV) — 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

(NIV) — 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

(NIV) — 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.

(NIV) — 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

(NIV) — 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

(NIV) — 14 So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

(NIV) — 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

(NIV) — 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,

Specific means of spiritual growth

Death to self-interest

(NIV) — 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

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(NIV) — 24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

(NIV) — 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—

(NIV) — 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.

(NIV) — 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

(NIV) — 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

(NIV) — 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices

(NIV) — 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

(NIV) — 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.

The Scriptures

(NIV) — 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

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(NIV) — 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

(NIV) — 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

(NIV) — 9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

(NIV) — 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

(NIV) — 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

(NIV) — 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

(NIV) — 2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

(NIV) — 14 I write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Prayer

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(NIV) — 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

(NIV) — 2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

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(NIV) — 11 Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

(NIV) — 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

(NIV) — 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

(NIV) — 24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

(NIV) — 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

(NIV) — 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

(NIV) — 17 pray continually,

(NIV) — 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Focusing on Jesus Christ

(NIV) — 1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.

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(NIV) — 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

(NIV) — 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

(NIV) — 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,

(NIV) — 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

(NIV) — 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

(NIV) — 21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.

(NIV) — 6 Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

The role of the Holy Spirit in spiritual growth

(NIV) — 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,

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(NIV) — 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

(NIV) — 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

(NIV) — 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Christian leadership

(NIV) — 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

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(NIV) — 16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

(NIV) — 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

(NIV) — 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,

(NIV) — 17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.

(NIV) — 7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

(NIV) — 17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

(NIV) — 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Faith in God

(NIV) — 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

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(NIV) — 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

(NIV) — 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

Suffering and testing

(NIV) — 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope.

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(NIV) — 10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

(NIV) — 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.

(NIV) — 9 This third I will put into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, ‘They are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’ ”

(NIV) — 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

(NIV) — 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

(NIV) — 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Perseverance

(NIV) — 1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

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(NIV) — 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

(NIV) — 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

Cultivating wholesome thinking

(NIV) — 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

God will bring the spiritual growth of believers to completion

(NIV) — 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.

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(NIV) — 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26 to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

(NIV) — 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

(NIV) — 24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

(NIV) — 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.