GOSPEL-CENTERED STEWARDSHIP OF GOD'S MONEY

WHAT IS GOSPEL CENTERED GIVING

· Sacrificial giving – according to the grace you received (2 cor 9:7)

· It is THANKS-giving (see witney quote)

o Not gruding or necessity sake

2 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

2 Thessalonians 3:10–11 ESV

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.

2 Thessalonians 3:11–15 ESV

For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

2 Thessalonians 3:10–12 ESV

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

2 Thessalonians 3:9 ESV

It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.

I. GOSPEL-CENTERED GIVING IS PROOF OF SAVING GRACE

A great example of this is found in turn with me

2 Corinthians 8:1 ESV

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia,

2 Corinthians 8:2 ESV

for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

2 Corinthians 8:3 ESV

For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,

2 Corinthians 8:4 ESV

begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—

2 cor 8 1 1 Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the

2 cor 8 1 2

2 Corinthians 8:5 ESV

and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

churches of Macedonia,

2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.

Matthew 6:21 ESV

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord,

4 begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints,

5 and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.

II. GOSPEL – CENTERED GIVING IS PLANNED GIVING

2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

not spur of the moment (God deserves more intentionality)

not superficial (Grace is sacrificial - give to God in the quality in which he gave to you)

NOT RELUCTANTLY (GRUDGINGLY): Pain in the body; regret and or sadness

NOT UNDER COMPULSION: to be forced, obligated, or pressured

WHY: THE LORD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER

III. GOSPEL-CENTERED GIVING IS THE PATH TO GOD SUPPLYING YOUR EVERY NEED

Philippians 4:19 ESV

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

CONTEXT - 8

Philippians 4:14 ESV

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

Philippians 4:15 ESV

And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.

Philippians 4:4 ESV

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Philippians 4:16 ESV

Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.

Philippians 4:17 ESV

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

Philippians 4:18 ESV

I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

According to 2 cor 9:8

2 Corinthians 9:8 ESV

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

our need is not always financial: sometime we need help to simply live godly and this need –this blessing- is connected to a heart that gives sacrifically

our need is not always financial: sometime we need help to simply live godly and this need –this blessing- is connected to a heart that gives sacrifically

· We do not give because we have not learned to be content with what we have (11)

· We do not give because we have not learned the secret: Jesus is Enough (12-13)

· We do not give because we have not learned that only in giving can we activate the promise of heaven’s supply (19)