By Rev. Michael Mwangi
Senior Pastor, Fedha Church KAG
Introduction
2 Corinthian 8- The Church of Macedonia
God is a giver in his nature.
He is the source and giver of all good things to all his creation. It is his nature.
James 1:17- Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
He not only gives the best but also gives generously in line with his nature of love. God is love 1 John 4:8.
- Love always and naturally gives
- You can never love without giving though you can give without loving.
- The difference is that one comes from the heart while the other comes from the hands.
- God's love Gives generously of the very best
John 3:16- For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Bottom line
2 Cor 8:8 Giving always tests the sincerity of our love. It demonstrates our love. You can always tell how one loves by how much he gives. We have no problem giving to the one we love, if anything it is our joy and pleasure.
As God's children, we must have his nature of giving from the heart prompted by love.
5 principles that address 5 areas
1. Grace: ( ability) The heart of giving
Giving requires grace and this is why many believers struggle to give faithfully even when they know the truth. When you have the grace, you can give beyond your ability as it happened with the Macedonian. It is not you giving but God giving through you.
Grace is divine enablement. Giving requires we allow God to rule our hearts and his spirit reign so that He enables us to be givers by nature. Grace gives us supernatural ability such that we develop an eagerness to give. Naturally, we are good at withholding.
V1-4 the Macedonian church had been given the grace to give. Though they were the poorest and struggling, they volunteered or begged for the opportunity to give. They were more eager to give and did so surpassing everybody's expectations. That is grace in giving. Grace turns giving into an opportunity and privilege instead of a hard responsibility.
It enables us to give not from the wealth of our hearts rather than from our pockets. It is the heart of giving
2.Willingness: (Quality) The mind of Giving
Willingness comes from a mind that is made up. A mind that is certain and settled on just one way about it.
Willingness says am ready. My mind is set. It is never about the quantity but it is the quality of Giving. It is not about how much you have but how much are you ready to give.
V3 they gave entry on their own. They were not requested but they requested to give. When you are willing, you always give the best irrespective of how much or little you have. Willingness is the motivation to give. That's why it results in a quality gift that is always acceptable before God.
2 Corinthians 8:12
[12] For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
When you are willing you give accordingly or as expected
Willingness result in faithful giving
3.Generosity (quantity): The measure of Giving
Giving without measure or reservation. It results in quantities beyond expectations or measures beyond ordinary.
Corinthians 8:2
[2] In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
Generosity results in sacrificial giving. You give beyond expectations and your ability.
2 Corinthians 8:3
[3] For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,
2 Corinthians 9:6
[6] Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
2 Corinthians 9:11
[11]You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
You can never be poor because of being generous. The more you give, the more you get so as to be more generous. As you give, you have more to give the next time.
Proverbs 11:24-25
24] One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly but comes to poverty.
[25]A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
You never grow by withholding you grow by giving out.
Giving is an opportunity and means by which we increase and grow
4.Cheerfully. (Altitude): The spirit of Giving
It is giving with a smile. It says I am more than happy to do this. It is only possible when you have the right attitude towards giving.
2 Corinthians 8:2
[2] In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
2 Corinthians 9:6
The Macedonian church was overflowing with joy, they had the right attitude towards giving. You would have thought they were the ones receiving. Yet they were in the middle of great trials and poverty. This should have been a reason to complain or grumble at the mention of giving.
[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.
5. Sowing. (Nature): The result of giving
Giving is sowing in nature and always results in a harvest.
2 Corinthians 9:6
[6] Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Luke 6:38
[38] Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
As you give you simply determine what to expect. Saw wisely the harvest is coming.
Conclusion
Giving is the highest grace in salvation for believers.
You can tell where somebody is with God by looking at their Giving. Abraham giving his son.
Gen 22:12
2 Corinthians 8:7
[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.
As you give God ensure you never lack.
2 Corinthians 9:8,11
When we grow in Giving we grow in all goodness.
[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.
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