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Grace giving, part 2

April 24, 2016 Speaker: Gary

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6–15

Grace giving, part 2
2 Corinthian 9:6-15
Because of God’s abundant grace to us, we should give generously

1) The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully, 9:6.
What do the word pictures of sowing and reaping mean in terms of giving? How does God measure sparing and bountiful giving? (see 8:12)

2) Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver, 9:7.
What does this verse say about what it means to give generously? What does God want most from us in our giving? What are some ways we decide in our hearts what to give? What is tithing? Since tithing is neither explicitly required nor abolished in the New Testament, should Christians tithe? How might tithing help in planning how to give?

3) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work, 9:8.
How does this verse explain why we can give generously? Do we believe this verse?

4) As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever, 9:9. Quotes Psalm 112:9.

5) He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness, 9:10.
How does this verse encourage us to give generously? What does it mean to say that God will increase the harvest of our righteousness? (See 1 Tim. 6:18-19, for example).

6) You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God, 9:11-12.
And how do verses 11-12 motivate us to give generously?

7) By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 9:13.
What does this verse say is the relationship between our giving and our confession of the gospel?

8) While they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you, 9:14.
How does God’s grace working through our giving impact our relationships with other Christians?

9) Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! 9:15.
What is God’s inexpressible, indescribable gift? Why does Paul conclude this way?