Special (7) Giving (7) - The Joy of Giving - 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 - May 26, 2024

 Special (7) – Giving (7) – The Joy of Giving – 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 – May 26, 2024

Give generously and trust GOD with the outcome.

Our focus scripture is 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

Giving is a joy. Joy does not come from the amount we give but joy comes from the obedience of giving. JESUS was observing various people putting their money into the temple treasury. Some were giving large sums, but JESUS observed a poor widow giving and HE used it as a teaching moment for HIS disciples as we read in Mark 20:41-44:

In Mark 20: ⁴¹ Sitting across from the temple treasury, he (JESUS) watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. ⁴² Then a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. ⁴³ Summoning his disciples, he said to them, “Truly I tell you; this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. ⁴⁴ For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had —all she had to live on.”

Giving is all about our heart and our reflection of our love, trust and appreciation of GOD and JESUS. Since this poor widow gave from her poverty, what did that communicate? She trusted GOD to provide for her needs. Our needs go beyond material things because life brings various issues to us as we journey through life and GOD is in all things bringing about good.

In the words of evangelist Dr. Vance Havner, “we must practice in the dark, what we learn in the light.”

Most people and families are finding it hard to make ends meet in today’s world. Do we cut back or plow ahead? During tight times do we evaluate GOD or trust GOD? GOD uses tight times to teach us valuable lessons. We may be on the receiving end or the giving end.

We read in 1 Kings 17:1 ⁸ Then the word of the Lord came to him (Elijah): ⁹ Get up, go to Zarephath that belongs to Sidon and stay there. Look, I have commanded a woman who is a widow to provide for you there.” ¹⁰ So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering wood. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup and let me drink.” ¹¹ As she went to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread in your hand.”

¹² But she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I don’t have anything baked—only a handful of flour in the jar and a bit of oil in the jug. Just now, I am gathering a couple of sticks in order to go prepare it for myself and my son so we can eat it and die.”

¹³ Then Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid; go and do as you have said. But first make me a small loaf from it and bring it out to me. Afterward, you may make some for yourself and your son, ¹⁴ for this is what the Lord God of Israel says, ‘The flour jar will not become empty, and the oil jug will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the surface of the land.’”

¹⁵ So she proceeded to do according to the word of Elijah. Then the woman, Elijah, and her household ate for many days. ¹⁶ The flour jar did not become empty, and the oil jug did not run dry, according to the word of the Lord he had spoken through^[b] Elijah.

GOD sustains. But caution. Listen to GOD and do exactly as HE directs. DO NOT TEST GOD! BUT OBEY GOD!

I used to pray with a friend, and he would read the promises that GOD made in the Bible and claim it or them for an issue or issues for which we were praying. Still GOD in HIS wisdom and vantage point has veto power over what we ask or think. When HE does, we must trust.

GOD works in many different ways to get us through the tough times in our lives. We may have to ask HIM to open our eyes before we can see how HE provides for us during tough times.

I am reminded in 2 Kings 2: ⁸ Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, “I will set up my camp in such and such a place.”

⁹ The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there.” ¹⁰ So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places.

¹¹ This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, “Tell me! Which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?”

^{12 “}None of us, my lord the king,”,” said one of his officers, “but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom.”

¹³ “Go, find out where he is,” the king ordered, “so I can send men and capture him.” The report came back: “He is in Dothan.” ¹⁴ Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city.

¹⁵ When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.

¹⁶ “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”

¹⁷ And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

As Spirit-born Children of GOD, GOD watches over us until it is our time to go to our eternal Home to be forever with GOD and JESUS.

So, in the meantime what do we do? We trust and obey because there is no other way to be happy in JESUS but, to trust and obey. These are words many sing during worship services. Trust is key and vital as we walk with JESUS. Trust is built as Christians walk with JESUS and led by the Holy Spirit.

As Spirit-born people through faith in JESUS, we need to keep in our minds the “how much more statements” in GOD’S Word such as recorded in Matthew 7: ⁷ “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door^[a] will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. ⁹ Who among you, if his son (or daughter) asks him for bread, will give him a stone? ¹⁰ Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? ¹¹ If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him.

Since the PASSION OF JESUS, the resurrection of JESUS and Pentecost fifty days later, all who place their faith in JESUS have the Holy Spirit indwelling them. Pay attention when you are prompted by the Holy Spirit and trust HIS leadership and guidance.

I recall a time when my wife and I were driving back from vacation and had pulled off the Interstate to refuel. As we were reentering the interstate, we had to merge with several lanes back onto the interstate which was under construction. When all of a sudden there was chaos with sounds of crashing vehicles. We were in the middle of this chaos. I recall the driver of a large pickup truck looking down on us. I recall metal clashing and me praying, “LORD, what do I do?” And the voice of the LORD saying keep driving and I did. It seemed like we were going through a canopy of protection. To GOD be the Glory. This is shared to reveal the power of GOD, as we go through life. I am a sinner saved by GOD’S Grace, through faith in JESUS and HIS shed blood.

Our part is to trust and obey, as we journey through life. GOD’S part is to equip all who are Spirit-born with HIS Gifts to serve as HE directs.

Let’s read 2 Corinthains 9:6-9:

⁶ The point is this:^[b] The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

He distributed freely;
he gave to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.^[c]

 

We are GOD’S Children through the miracle of Spiritual birth and as such, GOD is our Heavenly FATHER and HIS Grace abounds toward us, and HE supplies for all our needs.

How much more!!!

Just ponder this: GOD’S redemptive plan for humankind. JESUS was in Heaven and willingly left HIS Home in Glory to come to earth to live a 100% human life. HE was subject to physical death. HE was tempted in ALL ways as humans are tempted, yet without sin. HE willingly gave HIS sinless life by shedding HIS blood to pay, in full, for the sin of all who place their faith and trust in JESUS. The key that unlocks the door to eternal life is for every person who places their faith in JESUS, believing that JESUS paid for their sins in full. Thus, we who place our faith in JESUS are redeemed by HIS shed blood for eternity and are eternally born via Spiritual conception into GOD’S Family, never to be Spiritually unborn. The indwelling Holy Spirit guarantees this fact. Each person is given one or more Spiritual Gift(s). NOW THAT IS WORTHY SHOUTING ABOUT!!!

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 9:10-11:

¹⁰ Now the one (GOD) who provides seed for the Sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹ You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 

GOD provides seed for the Sower and bread for food. GOD is not only our provider physically but as we serve, HE multiples our resources and increases our Spiritual relationship and knowledge of GOD and JESUS.

What is the result? We learn to trust GOD in all things and for all things. But keep in mind our loving and caring FATHER will NOT give us a serpent when we ask for a fish. No matter how badly we think we want or need something, how much more does our Heavenly FATHER know what we really need? Thank YOU, FATHER! We love YOU and know YOU love us. You are precious.

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 9:12-15:

¹² For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. ¹³ Because of the proof provided by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone. ¹⁴ And as they pray on your behalf, they will have deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. ¹⁵ Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

What is the ministry of this service? Let’s read verse ¹⁰ Now the one (GOD) who provides seed for the Sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹ You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 

Faith and generosity go together. Trusting GOD builds our faith. It is vital that we do not test GOD but trust GOD. We, as humans, often anticipate how GOD will take care of providing our needs. Most often HE surprises us. Trust and obey. There may be times when we may have to ask GOD to hold our hands as we journey with HIM.

To GOD BE THE GLORY!

Blessings!!!