PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GHANA

EBENEZER CONGREGATION, PEDU

BIBLE STUDY: GENEROUS GIVING
[II Corinthians 8:1-4]

MEMORY VERSE: For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even
beyond their ability. Entirely on their own [II Corinthians 8:3]

Giving has become a sore spot for many Christians. Every day we are bombarded with
appeals for money-from television and radio evangelists, from missionaries, from Para
church organizations, from relief agencies, and from our own churches. Sometimes we feel
like shouting, "Enough is enough!". Paul uses two pairs of words in verse two that are very
essential in giving. Their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. They gave in spite
of their poverty. This is much like the widow who gave her two tiny copper coins all she
had. But it wasnt an emotional televangelist who manipulated these impoverished believers
into giving; the Holy Spirit was working within them. Notice the phrases used to describe the
work of God in their hearts about giving. They gave even beyond their ability entirely on
their own urgently pleadedpleaded with us for the privilege.

Sua eyi gu wo tirim

Na midi won adanse se wode won ankasa pe mae senea wobetumi ne nea eboro won
ahooden so po. 2 Korintofo 8:3

Omma abeye akristofo pii no apirakuru.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSIONS

1. Why was Paul writing about giving at all? What was he collecting the money for?
2. How much am I supposed to give?
3. What are some of the practical ways we can give?
4. What should be the disposition/attitude of the anointed Christian about giving?

SUMMARY

The order is significant. Giving is just a meaningless duty or a guilt trip until we first give
ourselves to God. When we give ourselves to God, it means that we begin to care about the
same things God cares about. If believers will give from biblical motives, in line with biblical
principles and priorities, God will bless us with His results. May God help us to give, even
beyond our strength.