Topic: Great Generosity
Today’s thought deals with a very private matter that most people do not want their pastor to address: financial giving. If most people do not like pastors to talk about money, especially giving generously, why bring up the subject?
I bring it up because God brought it up and Paul challenged the Corinthian church to be a giving church. It is a spiritual area in which all believers need reminder. The thought comes from Second Corinthians 8 & 9. My focus will be on Chapter 8, verses 1-7.
In this passage, Paul was writing to the church in Corinth, sharing about how the church in Macedonia learned to give. The church in Macedonia had discovered some basic principles for giving that the church in Corinth needed to hear.
Five give characteristics those who give generously:
1: Give from poverty (v. 2). We have this idea that you have to be wealthy in order to give. “If I had more money” or “if I made just this much more, then I could give.” John Rockefeller, a millionaire, once said, “I never would have been able to give from my millions if I had not tithed off of my first job which paid $1.50 a week.” Giving isn’t based on how much you make. It’s based on what you have left after you give. Even in their poverty, the Macedonian believers were generous.
2: Give beyond the ability to give (v. 3). Now, how is this possible? If I have a certain amount I think I can give, based on my bills, needs and wants, how can I give beyond my own ability? We have trouble because giving tests our faith. When we are about to give, we only look at what we already have. The church in Macedonia looked beyond that and were able to give as much as God actually wanted them to give. They were generous beyond what even seemed possible.
3: Giving is a privilege to help others in need (v. 4). Paul asked each church to assist the believers in Jerusalem because Jerusalem was suffering from a severe famine. The church in Macedonia begged to give even though they were a financially poor church.
4. Give yourself first to God (v. 5). The church in Macedonia had their priorities in order. Before we give anything and before we carry out any ministry, hold a Bible study, or start a worship service, our hearts must be in the right place. Before you give anything, God wants you to give yourself. When our hearts are right, giving is easy.
5. Give bountifully (v 7). Paul encouraged the church in Corinth to step out in faith with finances, just like in other areas of ministry. Tithing is just the beginning point of giving, not the end.
May New Life abundantly give our tithes and offerings.
See you Sunday!
Dr. Scott Kallem