The Grace of Giving What does Christian giving

The Grace of Giving What does Christian giving look like? . . . …and why is it so important in this world? But since you excel in everything — in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you — see that you also excel in this grace of giving. - the apostle Paul – 2 Corinthians 8: 7

The story begins: Acts 11: 27 -30 “During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius. ) The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. ” A gift to the Judean churches from the believers in Antioch

1 Corinthians 16 [1] Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God's people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. [2] On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don't wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. [3] When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. [4] And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me. Other churches begin to give

Private giving – Opportunities throughout each week to show the grace of Christ to others, outside of “church giving. ” the parable of the good Samaritan caring for his country’s enemy, a Jew

Giving to public offerings – A regular opportunity to give thanks to God and help the advance of God’s kingdom by giving to churches and organizations. the widow who gave her last coins into the temple offering

Principles of giving emerge… as seen in Paul’s 2 nd letter to the Corinthians Chapter 8 [1] And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. [2] In the midst of a very 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 Lord's people. The Macedonian “severe trial and extreme poverty” [5] And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

one Wallamo woman’s gift of love for the gospel The gospel miracle among the Wallamo people in Ethiopia

So what is “the grace of giving? ”

2 Cor. 8 [9] For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. John 1 [16] And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. ESV [16] From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. NLT

Back to 2 Corinthians… Paul urges the Corinthians to finish the collection [6] So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. [7] But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

Paul’s instruction continues in 2 Corinthians 9 Principles and Promises to help us in Christian Giving [6] Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously…. [8] And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9 [7] Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give… As we “decide in our hearts” about our giving, here a few things to consider: None of us can hold onto anything we acquire: *Job 1 “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. Trying to find meaning by accumulating things in this world is futile: Ecclesiastes 1: 2 "Everything is meaningless, " says the Teacher, "completely meaningless!" We are stewards of our money, proving ourselves faithful or unfaithful to God: Luke 16: 11 ”So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches? ”

2 Corinthians 9 [7] Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give… not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

10] Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food… …[He] will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. [11] You will be enriched in every way so that you can be Why is Christian generous on every occasion, giving so and through us your important in this generosity will result in world? thanksgiving to God.

The enormous impact of Christian giving around the world for 2, 000 years: *helping those who give themselves to preaching/teaching the word each week in the ministry of churches, to serve God’s people and to reach the lost. *sending of Christian servants around the world who carry the gospel of grace *Ministries of mercy around the world: orphanages, hospitals, refugee ministries, Christian schools and universities, books and electronic media, etc, etc… “You are the light of the world, ” Jesus told his disciples.

Final word The apostle Paul experienced the grace of giving himself. Here are his last words to the elders in Ephesus: Acts 20 [33] "I have never coveted anyone's silver or gold or fine clothes. [34] You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. [35] And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive. ’ ”