2/10/2024 0 Comments Giving Principles*The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon titled Giving Principles. Giving PrinciplesThe topic of giving sometimes makes people uncomfortable, but the first thing you should know today is that God wants to give to you. He wants to give you hope and life. Our Scripture passage for today is 2 Corinthians 9. For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints; for I know your willingness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them. But I have sent the brothers, in order that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you will be prepared; otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to mention you—would be put to shame by this confidence. So I considered it necessary to urge the brothers that they go on ahead to you and arrange in advance your previously promised generous gift, that the same would be ready as a generous gift, and not as one grudgingly given due to greediness. In the life of the believer, giving is a step of discipleship just like church attendance, Bible Study, and serving our communities. We give out of a changed heart. Biblical giving contradicts the enemy's selfish desires. Satan tells us to keep everything for ourselves. God tells us to give freely. I'm reminded of a song lyric I heard many years ago. I don't recall the entire song, but two lines of it has stuck with me for over 35 years. Freely, freely you have received. When we give, we are sowing seeds.Giving to others is an investment in the eternity of others. When we give, we are sowing seeds. In our focal passage, 2 Corinthians 9, Paul was writing to farmers. Farmers understood the value of sowing seeds. When a farmer buys and sows seeds, he doesn't count the cost of the seeds as a loss. He knows they are an investment in which he will reap a plentiful harvest. In the same way, when we give to others, we are sowing seeds that will result in advancing the Gospel message which will result in the saving of lost souls. We reap what we sow. Let's give and pray for a plentiful harvesting of lost souls. If we give with the hope of receiving more for ourselves, we will end up in Spiritual famine. When God gives more, it is not for ourselves, but for others - for the growing of His Kingdom. The harvest is for Kingdom work, not a new truck. When we give, we need a plan.Let's ask ourselves two questions: 1. What have I already decided in my heart to give? 2. What have I already decided in my heart to do? When we give, attitude is everything.Attitude matters. We must not give reluctantly. God loves a cheerful give. We should give out of conviction, not manipulation. When we give, God is our source.God is able and He takes care of His believers. He will meet every need, not every greed. He will meet our needs so we can meet the needs of others. When we give, it results in worship.Our giving is meeting someone else's praying. When we give, we profess the gospel. This defies worldly logic. Jesus was the greatest giver. We should give because He gives to us. Let's ask ourselves two more questions: 1. What step of obedience do I need to take today? Give? Give more? Be baptized? Join a church? 2. What is my next step? PIN ME! You may also like:
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AuthorWelcome to Abundant Family Living. I'm Tina. I write about faith and family and I offer products I think you will love. Learn more about me here. I hope you'll join me here often and I invite you to visit my other websites as well: Archives
February 2024
CategoriesAll Giving Living Out God's Truth Spiritual Warfare The Resurrection Welcome |