The Power of Giving

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The Power of Giving

Building Blocks for God’s People – Part 4

Speaker: Pastor
Series:

The Surprising Power of Giving: Lessons from 2 Corinthians 9

Have you ever felt reluctant to give, worried about what you might be losing? What if I told you that giving actually has the power to enrich your life in ways you never imagined? Let’s explore this counterintuitive truth together.

In a recent sermon, we delved into 2 Corinthians 9, uncovering some profound insights about the nature of giving. As your pastor, I want to share these powerful lessons with you.

The Power of Willingness

One of the most striking things about this passage is how Paul emphasizes the importance of simply being willing to give. He writes, “I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia” (2 Corinthians 9:2). This willingness alone had a powerful effect:

  1. It motivated others: The Macedonian churches, inspired by the Corinthians’ example, gave generously even out of their poverty.
  2. It assured leaders: Paul was confident in the Corinthians’ commitment, which helped him plan and organize the collection.

But here’s the really exciting part: this willingness doesn’t come from our own effort. As we read in Philippians 2:13, “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” When we feel that desire to give, it’s actually God working in our hearts!

Giving as an Investment, Not a Loss

Now, let’s address a common misconception about giving. We often think of it as a loss – something we’re giving up. But Paul uses a powerful metaphor to change our perspective:

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6).

Think about a farmer sowing seeds. Does he mourn the loss of those seeds? Of course not! He sees them as an investment that will yield a harvest. In the same way, our giving is not a loss, but an investment in God’s kingdom that will yield returns beyond our imagination.

God’s Promise to Provide

Now, you might be thinking, “But Pastor, what if I give and then don’t have enough for myself?” Paul addresses this concern directly:

“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” (2 Corinthians 9:8).

God promises to provide not just what we need, but an abundance so that we can continue to give generously. He even says, “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” (2 Corinthians 9:10).

The Joy and Thanksgiving of Giving

Finally, Paul reveals the ultimate outcome of this cycle of giving:

“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

When we give as God leads us, it produces joy and thanksgiving – both in us and in those who receive. We get to participate in God’s work and experience His provision in tangible ways.

Putting It Into Practice

So, how can we apply these truths to our lives? Here are some practical steps:

  1. Pray for willingness: Ask God to work in your heart and give you a desire to give generously.
  2. Change your perspective: Start seeing your giving as an investment in God’s kingdom, not a loss.
  3. Trust God’s provision: When you feel led to give, step out in faith, trusting that God will provide for your needs.
  4. Give cheerfully: Remember, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Let your giving be an act of joy and worship.
  5. Look for the harvest: Pay attention to the ways God blesses you and others through your giving.

Remember, we can talk about giving all day, but until we actually experience it, we’ll never fully understand the blessings God has promised. So let’s step out in faith, give as God leads us, and watch in amazement as He works in and through our generosity.

We hope you enjoyed the sermon and would love to see you in person. Plan your visit to Community Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee today!

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