Biblical Thoughts on Giving

2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 9:6-8

• Joy is the Appropriate Response to Biblical Giving
  
  • • 2 Corinthians 8:2   They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 
    • 2 Corinthians 9:2   For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving. 
    • 2 Corinthians 9:7   You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. 
• Generosity is Key in Biblical Giving
  • • 2 Corinthians 8:2   They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 
    • 2 Corinthians 9:6   Remember this - a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 
• Lordship is Supreme in Biblical Giving
  • • 2 Corinthians 8:5   They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 
    • 2 Corinthians 9:13   As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.
• The Blessings of Biblical Giving From God
  • • 2 Corinthians 9:8   And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.     
    • 2 Corinthians 9:10   For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 
• The Blessings of Biblical Giving From People
  • • 2 Corinthians 9:12-14   So two good things will result from this ministry of giving - the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.