Giving

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?