The Joy of Giving

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The Joy of Giving
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•  Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the
  grace of God bestowed on the churches of
  Macedonia 2 that in a great trial of affliction
  the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty
  abounded in the riches of their liberality. 3 For
  I bear witness that according to their ability,
  yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely
  willing, 4 imploring us with much urgency that we
  would receive the gift and the fellowship of the
  ministering to the saints. 2 Cor 81-4 (NKJV)

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•  And not only as we had hoped, but they first
  gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by
  the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, that as he
  had begun, so he would also complete this grace
  in you as well. 7 But as you abound in
  everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in
  all diligence, and in your love for us--see that
  you abound in this grace also. 8 I speak not by
  commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of
  your love by the diligence of others. 2 Cor 85-8
  (NKJV)

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• For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
  that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He
  became poor, that you through His poverty might
  become rich. 10 And in this I give advice It is
  to your advantage not only to be doing what you
  began and were desiring to do a year ago 11 but
  now you also must complete the doing of it that
  as there was a readiness to desire it, so there
  also may be a completion out of what you have. 2
  Cor 89-11 (NKJV)

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• For if there is first a willing mind, it is
  accepted according to what one has, and not
  according to what he does not have. 13 For I do
  not mean that others should be eased and you
  burdened 14 but by an equality, that now at this
  time your abundance may supply their lack, that
  their abundance also may supply your lack--that
  there may be equality. 15 As it is written, "He
  who gathered much had nothing left over, and he
  who gathered little had no lack." 2 Cor 812-15
  (NKJV)

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• When we give, God promises to give back!
• Give, and it will be given to you good measure,
  pressed down, shaken together, and running over
  will be put into your bosom. For with the same
  measure that you use, it will be measured back to
  you." Luke 638 (NKJV)

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• Several reasons we need to be reminded of the joy
  of giving.
• A. To remain faithful to the whole teaching of
  the bible.
• B. Not everyone knows this truth yet.
• C. Act of worship
• D. Helps us fulfill the Great Commission

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• 1. A model of joyful generosity.
• A. The amazing testimony of the Macedonians.
• They were known for their generosity.

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• B. Outstanding attributes of these people.
• They gave out of great afflictions
• They gave out of deep poverty

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• They gave beyond their ability
• They gave willingly
• They viewed giving as a privilege
• They gave themselves to God

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• C. Four inspiring Attitudes they had.
• Giving is about priorities
• Giving is about willingness not wealth

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• Giving is not about obligation but opportunity
• Giving is not about legalism but Lordship

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• D. Gods Miraculous blessing on them.
• Look at Gods ability to bless us.
• The earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness,
  The world and those who dwell therein. Psalms
  241 (NKJV)

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• For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the
  cattle on a thousand hills. Psalms 5010 (NKJV)
• Wealth and riches will be in his house, And his
  righteousness endures forever. Psalms 1123
  (NKJV)

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• Jesus always had enough to accomplish what he
  needed to get done.
• When the day began to wear away, the twelve came
  and said to Him, "Send the multitude away, that
  they may go into the surrounding towns and
  country, and lodge and get provisions for we are
  in a deserted place here." 13 But He said to
  them, "You give them something to eat." And they
  said, "We have no more than five loaves and two
  fish, unless we go and buy food for all these
  people." 14 For there were about five thousand
  men. Then He said to His disciples, "Make them
  sit down in groups of fifty." Luke 912-14 (NKJV)

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• God is not running out of finances!
• If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat
  the good of the land Isaiah 119 (NKJV)

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• You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And
  praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has
  dealt wondrously with you And My people shall
  never be put to shame. 27 Then you shall know
  that I am in the midst of Israel I am the Lord
  your God And there is no other. Joel 226-27
  (NKJV)

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• May the Lord give you increase more and more, You
  and your children. Psalms 11514 (NKJV)
• Save now, I pray, O Lord O Lord, I pray, send
  now prosperity. Psalms 11825 (NKJV)

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• Jesus had financial supporters while on earth.
• Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went
  through every city and village, preaching and
  bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God.
  And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women
  who had been healed of evil spirits and
  infirmities--Mary called Magdalene, out of whom
  had come seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of
  Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many
  others who provided for Him from their substance.
  Luke 81-3 (NKJV)

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• Now you Philippians know also that in the
  beginning of the gospel, when I departed from
  Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning
  giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in
  Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my
  necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I
  seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Phil
  415-17 (NKJV)

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• 2. Four facts about joyful giving.
• A. Generous giving is a choice.
• B. Generous giving is cheerful

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• C. Generous giving builds confidence.
• D. Generous giving brings contentment.