SOME BASICS OF GIVING (2)
May 6, 2001 AM
Sermon Outline
2 Cor 8:1-5
INTRO: Last Lords day talked a bit about some of the basics of giving. The text I have read sets forth the most basic of all the basics. In v.5 we are told that the Macedonian Christians gave greatly because they first gave their own selves to the Lord. There it is - the basic of basics. From that key to liberal giving, however, there are other points to consider - some of which we noted last Lords day. I want to complete my thoughts on this important subject this morning. Consider:
I. THE NECESSITY OF GIVING
A. 1 Cor 16:1 .. as I have given order ...
B. The word for order may as well be command
C. The necessity grows out of need - and the need is to be met by the giving of the saints
D. Note Acts 4:34-37 a wonderful example
E. Our giving is commanded - it is one of the God-given ways needs of edification, evangelism and benevolence are met
II. THE SPIRITUAL DIMENSION OF GIVING
A. 2 Cor 9:12 ... administration of this service ...
B. Service - the word of a priests function at the altar
C. Giving is so much moer than a convenience, a mechanical act, a commandment
D. In our giving is worship - assigned to the assembly on the Lords day - 1 Cor 16:2
E. While my giving meets needs, it is to the Lord! - note, too, that giving brings glory to God - 2 Cor 9:13
III. THE PRINCIPLE AT WORK IN GIVING
A. 2 Cor 9:8-11 ...having all sufficiency ... abound ...
B. Giving does not stop giving ... but increases in its fruit
C. God has supplied us bountifully ... so that we can abound to every good work
D. Look carefully at v.8 - God is able ...
E. Our giving cheerfully, willingly has an incredible promise attached!
IV. THE REWARD OF GIVING
A. 2 Cor 9:6 ... he which soweth bountifully ...
B. This verse is a statement of fact!
C. It comes from an agricultural fact about planting seed ... bountiful harvests do not come from planting few seeds
D. When we think how much to give, this very plain verse should be on our minds
E. Note: promise is not necessarily of reaping more money ... but certainly of abundant blessings (and I have always believed that spiritual giving will bring to me the ability to give more)
V. THE JOY OF GIVING
A. Acts 20:35 ...remember the words of the Lord ...
B. Note, too, 1 Jno 3:17,18 or Mt 6:1-4
C. The joy of giving comes only when self is not seeking some reward, some meriting, some favor
D. Lk 6:33-35 here is the point!
E. The joy of giving to the Lord (or others) comes from love for Him ... and the serendipity comes in the benefit to others
VI. THE PERMANENCE OF GIVING
A. 2 cor 9:9 ... his righteous remaineth ...
B. Our giving is permanent through its benefits toward others
C. Our giving is permanent in its becoming a heavenly investment - Mt 6:20,21 - 1 Tim 6:18,19
CLOSE: May I suggest the need fro self-examination. As we need to examine other aspects of our discipleship, certainly we need to carefully, fairly examine this one, too. If there needs to be change, improvement, follow through. Youll be glad you did!
Cecil A. Hutson
06 May 2001