Faith and Compassion

Introduction

Text

2 Corinthians 9:13–14 ESV

13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.

What happens when people encounter your submission to God?

They will glorify God and pray for you.

Faith in the Gospel of Christ.

2 Corinthians 9:10 ESV

10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.

Harvest of righteousness (your transformed life due to the power of the Gospel of Christ).

1 Peter 2:9 ESV

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

You become a proclaimer of the Gospel to the world.

Compassion for people.

2 Corinthians 9:11–12 ESV

11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

Generosity in you produces thanksgiving to God (not just in you but those you impact through your life.

John 13:34–35 ESV

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Love is not an option—but an indicator that your relationship with God exists.

God’s grace in you.

2 Corinthians 9:13–15 ESV

13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

When people experience God’s grace in you, you cause them to glorify God, you motivate them to pray for you, and cause them to give thanks to God (vs. 11)

1 Corinthians 15:10 ESV

10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.

Through God’s grace in you—you work hard to fulfill God’s redemptive plan

Conclusion

For the believer:

Renew your appreciation of the Gospel.

As God has compassion on you, you show compassion to others.

Live you life through the reality of God’s grace.

For the seeker:

Are you seeking purpose and hope.

Purpose and hope can only come through the Gospel: the good news that Jesus is the giver of purpose and hope.

You can experience NEW LIFE through Christ by trusting in Him!