Grace Overflows in Our Generosity (2 Corinthians 9:5-15)

Grace Overflows in Our Generosity

(2 Corinthians 9:5-15)

God’s approach:

1. Work hard to serve God, our families, and society.
2. Give back to the Lord and His church first.
3. Wisely plan your spending.

Tithe

First fruits

1. God’s grace overflows to us.
   God is able (9:8): He can provide for us.
   God is gracious (9:7-8): He loves to bless us.
   God is faithful (9:9): He is committed to us.
   God is the owner.
   God is not the taker of our stuff.
   God is the giver.
   God calls us to be His stewards. We manage His resources.
   – As we give, we circulate God’s resources to God’s causes. Pastor Rob
   

2. God’s grace changes us, generating our generosity.
   

   How not to give….
   – grudgingly (9:5) 
   – sparingly (9:6)
   – reluctantly (9:7)
   – under compulsion (9:7)
   

   How to give….
   – generously (9:5,6)
   – cheerfully (9:7)
   

3. God’s grace overflows through us.
   God graciously blesses us to be a blessing (Gen 12).
   God’s grace abounds so that we abound in generosity (9:8).
   The overflowing grace of God to them overflows from them to Paul Barnett
   God’s grace gives us the seed, multiplies it, and gives a harvest (9:9-10).
   
   
   
   We are blessed (9:8-11).
   Others are blessed (9:12).
   Life together is displayed (9:12-13).
   The church advances (9:12-13).
   God is glorified (9:11-13).
   
   
   Those receiving these gifts will glorify God when they see the practical outworking of the gospel in the generosity of the Corinthians. African theologian Issiaka Coulibaly

   Practical tips

   1. Don’t be overwhelmed.

   2. Learn how to manage God’s money. 
   3. Live within your means. 
   4. Rethink your habits and lifestyle
   5. Consider every significant purchase before God. 
   6. Remember that it all belongs to God. 
   7. If you aren’t giving, start somewhere. 
   8. If you aren’t giving your first and your best, then work toward that. 
   9. If you are giving, then set goals and work toward an exciting percentage.