Excelling in Giving
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction:
Introduction:
JOKE: A man won 3 million dollars on the lottery and decided to donate a quarter of it to the church. He now has two million, nine hundred and ninety nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety nine dollars and seventy five cents remaining.
GIVING MONTH 2020:
The Cost of Giving — Does your relationship with God that drives you to sacrifice?
Finding Joy in Giving — Is your giving the kind of giving that God loves? Is it done cheerfully and willingly in worship?
Excelling in Giving — Are you growing in the grace of giving?
BACKGROUND:
One of the ways in which Paul ministered during his 3rd missionary journey was in the collection of a special “relief offering” for the poor believers in Judea.
In , the Holy Spirit signified to the church that there would be a famine throughout the known world
In light of that reality, the disciples determined to send relief to the Jewish Christians, who were already suffering persecution
tells us that Barnabas and Saul were the ones who received and delivered that relief money.
Here in 2 Corinthians, Paul uses the example of the poor believers in Macedonia to stir the Corinthian church to action in their giving.
Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul directs them to excel in their giving. To pursue greater heights in that area of Christianity, just as they pursued knowledge, and gifts, and love.
The Corinthian church was a rich church, it was a gifted church. It was a growing church, but it was not a giving church — and because of that, they were lacking in an area of the grace of God. The grace of giving.
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
2 corinthians 8 1-
Apparently, the Corinthians had been in favor of contributing, and even pledged to do so, but had not followed through on that promise
Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Paul directs them to excel in their giving. To pursue greater heights in that area of Christianity, just as they pursued knowledge, and gifts, and love.
The Corinthian church was a rich church, it was a gifted church. It was a growing church, but it was not a giving church — and because of that, they were lacking in an area of the grace of God. The grace of giving.
This morning, as we continue to ask God to stir our hearts with reference to our own giving, let’s consider this challenge a personal one:
7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
Interrogative: You may be a Christian that excels in every area spiritually. You may have a rich devotional life, you may attend every church service and function faithfully, you may be separated from the ways of the world, you may be living the sanctified life, you may be a prayer warrior, perhaps you are even a deacon, or a Sunday school teacher — all of those things are wonderful and good.
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
But for the next little while, allow the Holy Spirit to answer you this question in your heart — even if you abound in every area spiritually, are you abounding in this grace also? Are you abounding or excelling in your regular act of giving?
Excelling in Giving
Excelling in Giving
Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
The Abounding Christian
The Abounding Christian
ABOUND = be outstanding, be prominent, excel
β. be outstanding, be prominent, excel
1 Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 805). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Paul lists several areas in which these Christians excelled already:
Faith — we all want to have great faith
Utterance — they were good speakers, they had the right message — maybe they fulfilled the exhortation in
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Knowledge — they excelled in their comprehension, they grasped concepts remarkably well
Diligence — “extraordinary commitment to civic and religious responsibilities” (BDAG), earnestness, willingness, and zeal.
Love to us — they held Paul in high esteem, they honored him, they had a warm regard and affection for him
Statement — They were gifted in many areas and excelled in many ways — Paul did not give a short list, but a full list of admirable traits — yet they were lacking in a key area — the area of Christian generosity in giving
Proposition — It reminds me of the passage in 1 Corinthians, chapter 13 — which is a passage about love. See, in this passage, Paul lists a number of traits that we could consider “spiritual markers” and reveals how missing the grace of Love spoils all of these things
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Cont. — What I find interesting is here in , the script is flipped, now they have the love, but the giving — the generosity is absent.
APPLICATION — What I love about this passage is that it reveals the tremendous fallacy of self-evaluation
We love to make lists for ourselves and others
We are faithful
We are diligent
We respect the pastor and the leadership
We understand spiritual things
We communicate spiritual things to others, we are a consistent witness
Add all of these things together and we should be a better-than-average Christian
We should be top of the Lord’s list
The problem is, Christianity is not a list, it’s a way of life. A Christian is not just pious, he’s a picture of Christ — and if a picture is underdeveloped in any area, we don’t look at that and say, “Well, it’s better than most pictures,” or “at least it’s not out of focus in this spot,” no! We call it a poor picture!
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
We understood that verse before we got saved, but many times, after salvation, we act as if it all works differently now. We make a religion out of it:
For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
APPLICATION — It’s good to abound in these areas. It’s good to show signs and characteristics and milestones in your spiritual growth, but refuse to allow yourself to get to the point where you are content with the victories to date to the point that you forget that you still need new victories every morning!
Remember the attitude of the Psalmist —
Search me, O God, and know my heart:
Try me, and know my thoughts:
(The Abounding Christian)
The Advancing Christian
The Advancing Christian
Abound here = progress more and more , 10.1
Statement — the sentiment is all throughout the scriptures, we are to be advancing in our walk with the Lord. We are to be growing, we are to be transforming, as Paul told the Thessalonians, “we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more”
but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
Statement — and it is biblical and right for me to stand here and press you to consider before God whether or not you are advancing, growing in grace, in the area of your financial support of the local church!
Statement — and it is biblical and right for me to stand here and press you to consider before God whether or not you are advancing, growing in grace, in the area of your financial support of the local church!
Whether a disciple of Christ shall make a practice of giving or not is no more an open question than whether he shall pray or not. The rule of holy living is never selfishness, but always self-forgetfulness. This was the mind that was in Christ Jesus, and this must be the disposition of those who follow him.
Paul — had not already attained, but pressed toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God
Book of Hebrews — lay aside every weight and sin and look to Jesus as we run the race
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Statement — Christians are not supposed to reach a plateau and then retire! Christianity is about being constantly and continually transformed into the image of Christ! Ever advancing toward the likeness of our Saviour!
ILLUSTRATION — A group of tourists visiting a picturesque village walked by an old man sitting beside a fence. In a rather patronizing way, one tourist asked him, “Were any great men born in this village?” The old man replied, “Nope, only babies.”
A group of tourists visiting a picturesque village walked by an old man sitting beside a fence. In a rather patronizing way, one tourist asked him, “Were any great men born in this village?” The old man replied, “Nope, only babies.”
Every person who is a born-again believer starts life as a baby in Christ. Whether the new convert is six or sixty, that person is still a new Christian and needs to grow in the Lord. A baby Christian who has been saved for forty years is a tragedy. God intends for us to grow and mature daily!
(Abounding Christian)
(Advancing Christian)
The Assisted Christian
The Assisted Christian
Quote — “Grace is a disposition of the Holy Spirit.” (Paul Chappell)
disposition = qualities of mind and character.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Statement — The grace of God is not something you can drum up in your own life. It is not something you can checklist your way into, or act or dress or talk a certain way to obtain. God’s grace is found by pursuing God’s face. It’s a natural product of a personal relationship with the Lord. Are you abiding in Him? Is Christ living through you? Is He that fountain within you that is continually springing up and out of your life? Is He the driving force behind all that you do?
Any of us can check off a list, but only those with a heart for God can live a life of grace.
APPLICATION — Giving is not something you do to check off your list, to satisfy your conscience, to make you feel better about yourself. Giving is an act of God’s grace in your life, done through God’s power, and according to God’s provision.
We can be continually excelling in giving if we are willing to be growing in grace.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
So what about the grace of Giving?
(Excelling in Giving)
Evidence in Giving.
Evidence in Giving.
I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
Passionate Love
Passionate Love
FORWARDNESS:
earnest commitment in discharge of an obligation or experience of a relationship, eagerness, earnestness, diligence, willingness, zeal1
1 Arndt, W., Danker, F. W., & Bauer, W. (2000). A Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament and other early Christian literature (3rd ed., p. 939). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
They Macedonian Church was passionate in their love, and that was evidenced by their giving
They gave beyond expectation
They gave beyond their limitations
They gave beyond imagination
Their giving proved their love
(Passionate Love)
Proven Love
Proven Love
Interrogative — What does your giving say about your love for Christ and the church?
Christ loved the church so much that He gave Himself for it. Why is it that we are so hesitant to give to the cause Christ gave everything for?
Quote — Jesus Christ is always the preeminent example for the believer to follow, whether in service, suffering, or sacrifice. Like Jesus Christ, the Macedonian Christians gave themselves to God and to others (). If we give ourselves to God, we will have little problem giving our substance to God. If we give ourselves to God, we will also give of ourselves for others. It is impossible to love God and ignore the needs of your neighbor. Jesus Christ gave Himself for us (; ). Should we not give ourselves to Him? He died so that we might not live for ourselves, but for Him and for others.
Jesus Christ is always the preeminent example for the believer to follow, whether in service, suffering, or sacrifice. Like Jesus Christ, the Macedonian Christians gave themselves to God and to others (). If we give ourselves to God, we will have little problem giving our substance to God. If we give ourselves to God, we will also give of ourselves for others. It is impossible to love God and ignore the needs of your neighbor. Jesus Christ gave Himself for us (; ). Should we not give ourselves to Him? He died so that we might not live for ourselves, but for Him and for others
Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, pp. 655–656). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
Quote — “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.”—Amy Carmichael
(Passionate Love)
(Proven Love)
Persuaded Love
Persuaded Love
Statement — Paul was not writing them out of commandment. He wanted to reach them at their conscience. He wanted them to willingly and happily participate in grace giving.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
(Excelling in Giving)
(Evidence in Giving)
Example of Giving
Example of Giving
9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
Results of Grace
Results of Grace
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Results of Grace)
Requirements of Grace
Requirements of Grace
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
(Results of Grace)
(Requirements of Grace)
Reasons for Grace
Reasons for Grace
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(Results of Grace)
(Requirements of Grace)
(Reasons for Grace)
Recipients of Grace
Recipients of Grace
9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
ARE YOU SURE YOU ARE A RECIPIENT OF GOD’S GRACE?
Quote — “All too often we regard stewardship simply as a matter of our giving to God, but this aspect is secondary. Before we can give, we must possess, and before we possess we must receive. Therefore, stewardship is, in the first place, receiving God’s good and bounteous gifts. And once received, those gifts are not to be used solely for our own good. They must also be used for the benefit of others, and ultimately for the glory of God the giver. The steward needs an open hand to receive from God and then an active hand to give to God and to others.”—Murray J. Harris
Conclusion:
Conclusion:
Are you abounding in the grace of giving? Are you excelling and advancing in your regular act of giving? Or is it an area in which God is leading you to grow?
What evidence does your giving supply about your love for Christ? Giving is an act of love. Can you prove your love through your giving?
Follow the ultimate example of giving — Jesus Christ, God’s Son. He gave everything for us. What is He calling you to give? He’s worthy of every sacrifice, and not only that, but He gives the grace that sacrifice requires.
INVITATION
