Sunday Sermon

Giving that Feels Good Dave Shaner March 23, 2003

Introduction: Whenever you hear lessons on giving, many tend to tune out. Our objective is for each of us to be faithful to God.

Text: II Corinthians 8-9

Five Motives for Giving:

I. __________________ ("Have To" giving) - II Corinthians 9:7

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

II. __________________ ("Ought To" giving) - II Corinthians 8:7

But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

III. __________________ ("Want To" giving) - II Corinthians 8:13-15

Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."

IV. __________________ ("Can't Help It" giving) - II Corinthians 9:12-14

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

V. __________________ ("It's My Nature" giving) - II Corinthians 8:5

And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

A. II Corinthians 9:13 - Giving is a ____________ of the gospel.

Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

B. I Timothy 6:17-19 - Giving is an act of ____________.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

C. Philippians 4:18 - Giving is an ____________ to God.

I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Conclusion: Let's not settle for anything less than God's best motivations for our giving.

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