It Is in Giving That We Receive

Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Remember this: Whoever ... sows generously will also reap generously.    2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)

I. God in my Wallet

   A.    It all comes from God

       1.    James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

       2.    Even our abilities and opportunities to earn our wages, and all they purchase come from him.

       3.    God is in your wallet.

           a.    Either the God with the little “g” or God with the big “G”.

           b.    If God isn’t the God of your wallet, He’s not your only God — and we can serve only one.

   B.    I Belong to God

       1.    God made me.

       2.    1Cor.6:20: you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

       3.    If what I am is His, what I have is His too.

       4.    If I give as He asked, and I belong to Him, He will take care of me (vv.8-11)

II.    Can Your Money do This?

   A.    Scattering the Blessing seeds Reaping the Blessing Harvest

       1.    True of every aspect of life — why not of the financial aspect of our life?

       2.    Greed; is it still a sin?

       3.    Each should give what his/her heart says

           a.    Not reluctantly, or under compulsion — i.e. not just what other folks say you should give.

           b.    Adoniram Judson: Faith Missions.

   B.    Meeting the needs of God’s People too!

       1.    A monetary gift, well given, can change lives!

       2.    “Setting people free for ministry”

III.   Put it to the Test!

   A.    Brother can you spare a Dime?

       1.    One guideline for how much to give is the O.T. guideline 10%: 10¢ on a dollar.

       2.    My parents’ story.

       3.    Make it the 1st 10%, (then you won’t miss it).

   B.    God’s Challenge (Malachi 3:10)

...Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it...”

       1.    That’s quite a challenge!

       2.    I know we’re not suppose to put God to the test, but here is one place in the Bible where God asks us to do just that!

   C.    Take Him Up On It!

       1.    Try it for 90 days. See what happens!

           a.    Be warned, though, the enemy will be sure to throw some unexpected expense your way.

           b.    Stay true, though, and watch God bless you and take care of you anyway. He promises that He will!

           c.    Maybe you’re not ready to make the jump to 10%. That’s OK. After all, the Bible calls us to give what our heart tells us, and not under compulsion. How about increasing your giving to get just 1% closer to 10%.

           d.    Maybe you feel 10% is too low a mark. Give what God puts on your heart to give.

The Bottom Line:

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