Giving

Why should we give?

It will awaken gratitude in those to whom you give

It will awaken generosity in others (2 Cor. 9:1-5)
Zeal for giving is contagious. Haven’t you ever gotten caught-up in it?
It stimulates them to pray for you (2 Cor. 9:14)
It glorifies God
Same motive as last week - to increase thankfulness to God (2 Cor. 9:11 & 12)
God gives to us in the same manner as we ourselves give (2 Cor. 9:6)

What should we give?

Our Best (Gen. 4: 3-5, Cain vs Abel, Giving first fruits, choice portions)
Everything
What is wealth?
A gift from God
A tool (Matt. 25:14-30, Parable of the talents)
A snare (Matt. 19:16-30, Luke 12: 13-34) (Desire for or attachment to)

How should we give?

From the Heart (2 Cor. 9:7, Acts 5:1-11, Ananias & Sapphira, Giving for the sake of appearance,
Luke 18:9-14, Pharisee & Tax Collector, Is a tithe enough?)
Cheerfully (2 Cor. 9: 7)
Freely (Matt. 10: 8-9).
Liberally (James 1:5)
Without Reproaching (James 1:5)
Sacrificially (Mark 12:42-44, Luke 21:2-4 (Widow’s Mite), Korea-Ox Story)

How should we not give?

Grudgingly (2 Cor. 9:5)

Reluctantly (2 Cor. 9:7)
Under Compulsion (2 Cor. 9:7)

To whom should we give?

To the one asking (Matt. 5:42)

To the undeserving
From last week - God’s grace = undeserved kindness
Peter Miller - Michael Whitman Story (Prov. 25:21)

Isn’t the real challenge here to live our lives as if we actually believed God’s promises?