The Power of the Dime

2 Corinthians 8:1–12 NIV84

1 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. 6 So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 10 And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

1. The practice of giving tithe/offering

The churches of Macedonia included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea

In spite of their trials these churches still gave

There is power in the dime

1 Corinthians 16:1–2 NIV84

1 Now about the collection for God’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

1 Corinthians 16:2 NIV84

2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

Don’t make excuses not to give

There is power in the dime

2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV84

7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

God loves cheerful givers

The gift should be free will and sacrificial

Giving is an expression of love

2. Stop on a dime

The ability to stop quickly

The dime is the smallest coin in U.S. currency

Whatever is happening can stop on a dime

Your trials can stop on a dime

Malachi 3:10 NIV84

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.

God will throw the floodgates open for you

3. Life changes on a dime

2 Chronicles 31:9–10 NIV84

9 Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps; 10 and Azariah the chief priest, from the family of Zadok, answered, “Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over.”

2 Chronicles 31:9 NIV84

9 Hezekiah asked the priests and Levites about the heaps;

2 chron 31:

There is a correlation in one’s willingness to give and the blessing from God

You can give yourself out of financial struggles

You will never out give God

You can change the direction of your family on the dime

Paul mentions how these churches pleaded (begged) for the opportunity to give

These churches were going through trials but they understood the way to change is the dime

4. Turn on a dime

2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV84

14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Humble ourselves

We have sinned

We have disobeyed

Pray

Not just during meals

Pray without ceasing

Pray about every decision

Seek God’s face

Those who seek find

Be active

No weekend warriors (reserves)

Turn

Stop the wrong you were doing

Start something new

God will hear

God will forgive

God will heal

5. Time excel in everything

Have you excelled in faith

Has your speech improved (speaking faith)

Has your knowledge increased

Do you understand your trials

Do you know who to run to when trouble arrives

Are you more honest

Are you loving the people of God more

How’s your giving

The power of the dime