March 16, 2025
RIGHT WAY LIVING: GAME-CHANGING GENEROSITY
March 16, 2025
Pastor Jonathan Falwell
Do you consider yourself to be a generous person? Have you ever considered giving might be a ‘gift’ from God? You probably know people who are the first to volunteer when asked in a group setting who would be willing to serve, go, pay, or whatever. Others sit there and try to mentally go through their commitments, and the moment passes by. Others may think for a second but decide no, things are too tight right now, either schedule or money. But God offers rich benefits to those who give generously throughout their lives, like the widow who gave all of her resources: two mites. Do you realize this would be 1/8 of a penny in today’s money? He gives blessings of joy, happiness that comes from seeing others benefit from your giving, serving, sharing, talents, and more. God wants to use you and all that you are to further His kingdom.
Focal Passages: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, 9:6-15.
The Grace of Generosity: 8:1-7.
- Read 2 Cor. 8:1-2. Paul seems to be sharing some exciting news here. What was it? What did the word ‘grace’ mean here? What six words were used, bearing witness of God’s gift to them? What words were opposite in meaning?
- Read verse 3-5. In what manner did they give? What else did they do? What were their own circumstances like? Prior to giving their gifts, what had they done?
- In vs. 6, Can you tell what Paul is gently saying? (Read vv. 10-11. Had the Corinthians tried to get an offering generated, but eventually dropped the idea? Is this what Paul is trying to get them to see?)
- Read vs. 7. What are all the things Paul praises the Corinthians for? What is the last phrase, ‘see that you abound in this grace also’ referring to?
- How are you abounding in the gifts you give to others?
The example of Christ: 8:8-15
- Read verses 8-9. What does Paul mean that he is ‘testing the sincerity of their love’? How does he liken Christ’s gift of Himself to them?
- 10-11 were covered above. Read verses 12-15. What is the first thing the Lord looks for in any believer? Why does He not use someone who doesn’t want to be used? If you truly would give a great gift if you had it, do you give of your small gift whenever the opportunity presents itself? Read Mark 12:42-44.
- What is Paul trying to get across by the example of the children of Israel in the wilderness? Why would there have been different amounts of manna gathered? When it was all put together, was there enough for everyone?
The abundance of God’s grace: 9:6-11
- Read vv. 6-8 Can someone give an example of someone sowing sparingly or bountifully? Why is God giving us the choice? What does it mean if you ‘begrudge’ what you’ve given? What is giving out of ‘necessity’?
- What is the wonderful characteristic of God in verse 7? Compare it to Malachi 3:8-12. What is God promising Israel? Why is Israel called the ‘Breadbasket of the World’?
- Read verses 9-11. What all is promised in this passage?
The benefit of gratitude: 9:12-15
- Read vv. 12-15. When you give, what happens?
- Why will your giving point people to Christ?
TAKE AWAYS:
Be genuinely excited about giving opportunities.
Never be ashamed at the size of your gift… they are all significant.
Use every giving opportunity to point people to Christ, not to yourself.
Close: As we look today at the statements made about giving—of your money, your time, your talents, or whatever you can part with—you would have a very long list of the potential life-changing (game changing!) ways giving impacts: it will impact the giver, the receiver, others who see and may be convicted, how Christ looks at your giving, and on and on. Give even when times are most difficult; be a giver that makes a difference; giving shows the essence of our faith, and more. Giving shows our trust in God. And grace—which a follower of Christ must give—needs to be an integral part of your life, for without it you will not be generous. Think about your opportunities to give something this week.
By Sandy Day
March 16, 2025