Striking It Rich!

2 Corinthians 8-9

September 11, 2005
Speaker: Randal Myers

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Striking in Rich by Giving

Generous Giving in Poverty & Trial

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. - 2 Corinthians 8:1-2

It sounds like they are the ones who need to be given to but that's not what happened. In their own need, they struck it rich, rich in Generosity.

Five Facets of Rich Generosity

Rich Generosity looks beyond self

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. - 2 Corinthians 8:2

The Christians in Macedonia weren't wealthy...in fact the text says they existed in extreme poverty...but they gave with joy when they found a real need.

...they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. - 2 Corinthians 8:4

Rich Generosity gives self to God first

And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. - 2 Corinthians 8:5

When Jesus enters the picture in their lives the perspective changes, their nature has changed, they now look for ways to serve people knowing that serving people is serving their new Lord.

Rich Generosity recognizes the principle of Excellence

But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving. - 2 Corinthians 8:7

Rich Generosity glorifies God

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. - 2 Corinthians 9:12

Rich Generosity produces Rich Generosity

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. - 2CO 9:6-8

Conclusion

What kind of crop would a farmer have if he ate his seed?

To reap a harvest you must plant the seed.

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God . 2 Corinthians 9:10-11

Will you consume your seed or sow it?

Would you like to study this topic further?

Detailed lesson outlines, audio tapes, and compact discs of this lesson are available free of charge from the Highlands church of Christ.

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