Faithful Giving
2 Corinthians 8:1-8 lays out 13 principles for Faithful Giving.
As we remember that we own nothing, but are simply stewards of all that God has blessed us with, we should strive to be faithful in how we steward all of the resources placed in our care.
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(There’s a simple list first, then a brief description of each item below)
1. THE MOTIVATION (v. 1)
2. IN AFFLICTION (v. 2a)
3. ABUNDANT JOY (v. 2b)
4. POVERTY (v. 2c)
5. RICH GENEROSITY (v. 2d)
6. PROPORTIONATE (v. 3a)
7. SACRIFICIAL (v. 3b)
8. VOLUNTARY (v. 3c)
9. A PRIVILEGE (v. 4)
10. GIVING IS WORSHIP (v. 5a)
11. SUBMISSION (vv. 5b-6)
12. COMPREHENSIVE (v. 7)
13. THE EVIDENCE (v. 8)
1. THE MOTIVATION (v. 1)
The more we understand God’s grace and our utter unworthiness, the deeper our motivation to serve Christ and faithfully give to Him will be. The gospel is the foundation for faithful stewardship. No desire to give to God is an indicator of no salvation because the gospel brings radical transformation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
2. IN AFFLICTION (v. 2a)
Affliction can certainly be distracting, but it must not deter us from faithful giving.
Circumstances don’t dictate devotion to Christ (James 1:2).
3. ABUNDANT JOY (v. 2b)
Abundance = overflowing. The idea is like a large pitcher filling up a small glass that just keeps on pouring and pouring. There’s an abundance of water. When we give, it leads to our own abundant, overflowing joy. God richly pours out His grace on us (Titus 3:6).
4. POVERTY (v. 2c)
The Macedonians were in deep poverty, but they fully believed that God would supply all their needs, and they gave even though they had almost nothing. Don’t wait until you have “enough” to start giving (Philippians 4:19).
5. RICH GENEROSITY (v. 2d)
Generosity affects the giver as well as the receiver. You will be personally enriched as you give to the Lord and His work. God’s grace is superabundant. Because of their generosity, the Macedonian Christians were spiritually rich (Romans 5:15).
6. PROPORTIONATE (v. 3a)
Giving should be according to your ability. You don’t ask a small child to help move a heavy piano. It’s beyond their ability. There is no fixed percentage of giving mandated in the New Testament. You give according to what you have, not what you don’t have (Luke 12:48).
7. SACRIFICIAL (v. 3b)
10%, while a good starting point, isn’t a rule. For some, it will be too much, for many, it’s not enough. Sacrificial means you need to notice. It doesn’t have to “hurt” (that could negate grace as the foundation and eliminate the joy), but you should notice. You should be giving up something. Your needs aren’t what compels you to give, but they’re not irrelevant (1 Chronicles 21:24).
8. VOLUNTARY (v. 3c)
There should be no external compulsion to give. Paul wan’t requiring the Macedonians to give. Verse 3 makes it crystal clear: they gave of their own accord. Even in the Old Testament, with the required Tithe (essentially taxes), there was still voluntary, or “freewill” giving to the Lord (Exodus 25:1-2).
9. A PRIVILEGE (v. 4)
We need to think of giving as a privilege. We have the great joy and “grace of sharing” by giving to the Lord’s work. It’s both a joy and a privilege. We don’t give out of obligation, guilt, or to “fill up a thermometer,” but because we love Christ (2 Corinthians 8:4)
10. GIVING IS WORSHIP (v. 5a)
Giving is an act of worship. Whether you give online, write a check, or drop cash in the offering on Sunday morning, giving to the Lord is worship. It’s a matter of the heart (Romans 12:1-2).
11. SUBMISSION (vv. 5b-6)
In all of this is also seen submission to church leadership. The Macedonians, held up here by Paul as wonderful examples of Faithful Giving, were also demonstrating a desire to be in submission to church leadership. When you submit to your elders, it’s profitable & beneficial for you (Hebrews 13:17).
12. COMPREHENSIVE (v. 7)
Giving is part of the comprehensive picture of pursuing sanctification. How encouraging that they’re abounding in everything and that Paul is encouraged by them. They’re comprehensively growing in their passionate pursuit of righteousness (earnestness), which includes giving (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
13. THE EVIDENCE (v. 8)
Love is ultimately the central thing in all of this. Your love for others is demonstrated by actions, not mere sentiment. A true agape/others-focused love prioritizes others above self. Giving is evidence of this kind of love, bringing these principles full circle. God’s grace is the foundation. Giving is a product/result/evidence of that grace in your heart (1 John 3:10, 18).
May we all grow comprehensively as we continually strive to be faithful stewards of all that God has placed in our care.
Grace & Peace
Pastor Rob