See That You Abound In This Grace Also

1
See That You Abound In This Grace Also

• Abound in giving as we would in every aspect of
  our lives. 2 Cor. 81-7

2
Introduction

• There are wonderful qualities about this
  congregation that parallels Pauls gracious
  complements to the Corinthian brethren. 2 Cor.
  87
• A good working knowledge of Gods word through
  faith.
• Wonderful hospitality exercised within the body.
• Genuine love displayed among brethren and toward
  those outside the Lords body.

3
Introduction

• In similar fashion, however, we need to abound in
  the grace of giving to the Lord for the work of
  His church.
• To do so you must look hard at your priorities in
  this life.
• You must also look selflessly beyond yourselves.

4
Introduction

• For this reason we shall look at the following
• What the gift of giving looks like.
• Challenge ourselves to abound the gracious act of
  giving.
• NOTE in the following lesson we will look at how
  money tests our love for God and the work of the
  Lord.

5
Abounding In our Giving Following the Macedonians

• In response to Gods grace, the Macedonians
  wanted to assist in the Judean brethrens needs
• They received spiritual blessings from the Judean
  (Jerusalem) brethren. Rom. 1526-27
• They, like the brethren from Rome, wanted to give
  what they could materially for the destitute
  brethren in Judea.

6
Abounding In our Giving Following the Macedonians

• Thus, the Macedonian Christians gave 2 Cor.
  81-3
• With pleasure they begged and plead to
  participate in the gift that would go to
  Jerusalem. v. 1, 4
• Joyfully, though in a time of great affliction
  and poverty. v. 2
• Beyond their ability. v. 3

7
Abounding In our Giving Following the Macedonians

• Summary of their giving 2 Cor. 85
• First, they gave to God. 1 Cor. 161-2 2 Cor.
  810-11
• Then, they gave to us (Paul and his missionary
  companions). 2 Cor. 117-9 (Phil. 415-18)

8
Abounding In our Giving Following the Macedonians

• Brethren, we are nothing like the Macedonian
  brethren in two main ways
• Materially they were in deep poverty while we
  live as richest people on the planet.
• Spiritually they gave liberally out of their
  poverty we havent given liberally, though we
  are rich.

9
Abounding in Giving Demands

• Looking hard at our priorities cp. Matt.
  619-24
• Compare the amount of material treasures stored
  up with the treasures in heaven. vss. 19-21
• The Macedonians priority giving out of their
  poverty.
• Many of us today a small fraction out of our
  wealth (the rest is used for our pleasures). cp.
  Mk. 1017-23
• Tests our hearts with our practice of where our
  monies are going to. vss. 22-24
• Show that giving is a priority of yours by giving
  bountifully. cp. Matt. 624 (2 Cor. 83) 2 Cor.
  96-15

10
Abounding in Giving Demands

• Looking selflessly beyond ourselves.
• In the area of evangelism.
• How much do we love to see lost souls saved?
• How much are we willing to support those who give
  themselves over to teach the lost?

11
Abounding in Giving Demands

• In the Day of Judgment(Matt. 2531ff)
• God wont ask what kind of car you drove, but how
  many people you drove who didnt have
  transportation.
• God wont ask the square footage of your house,
  but how many you welcomed into your home.
• God wont ask about the clothes your had in your
  closet, but how many your helped to clothe.
• God wont ask about what your highest salary was,
  but how many you helped with it.
• Adapted from Unknown

12
Abounding in Giving Demands

• Looking selflessly beyond ourselves.
• In the area of benevolence.
• How much do we love to see destitute brethren
  cared for?
• How much are we willing to give to see that they
  are cared for?

13
Abounding in Giving Demands

• Looking selflessly beyond ourselves.
• In the physically necessary items it takes for
  todays churches
• How quickly do we want to pay off the building
  mortgage so that the money can be greater spent
  on increasing the borders of the kingdom?
• How much are we willing to give to worship in a
  comfortable building during summer/winter?
• How much are we willing to give to see that the
  maintenance of the building is kept up?

14
Conclusion

• The Macedonians are truly a wonderful example of
  what it means to abound in giving.
• Brethren, may we follow in their gracious pattern
  of giving, especially since we have so much more
  that we could give financially for the cause of
  Christ.