CHRISTIAN GIVING (2 CORINTHIANS 8:1-9:15)

2 CORINTHIANS 8:1-9:15

CHRISTIAN GIVING

Introduction: Giving is a very controversial topic in Kenyan churches. Many churches spend too much time and effort to make people give. Indeed many people have stopped going to church because of the pressure that some pastors or deacons have put on them to give money. This situation has caused churches in general have a bad name. A few churches have therefore reacted by having nothing completely to say about money or to look at money and church as strange bed fellows. I have never preached directly on giving in this church before. So why am I preaching about giving today? At the beginning of April, the church met and discussed what to do about the roof of our Marquee (Tent of Meeting) which is torn and need repair after three years of usage. Though we are very few in membership and the majority are unemployed, the members committed themselves to raise the funds however long it would take for the repair. It is preciously at this point of need to raise funds that so many churches have gone wrong in Kenya. As the pastor, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to bring Biblical teaching on this very confused but important issue. So what does the Bible teach on giving? Knowing the level of my congregation, I prepared the following outline for my preaching for the Lord’s Day 27^th May 2012.

1. What is Christian Giving?

Christian giving is “grace” (8:1, 6, 7, 9). Grace is a gift of God which we don’t deserve. God showed us grace by giving us His Son the Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Eph.2:8). From this we learn that true (Christian) giving does not come naturally; God gives it hence it is grace. 

2. Who should give?

All who have received God's grace should give. There are two kinds of graces: 

a) general: God's goodness to all mankind expressed in all good things we have around 

b) special: God's saving grace which is enjoyed by all who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. All that we have, we received freely therefore we must give freely (Mt.10:8). What Christians, like Macedonian churches (8:1) or Grace Baptist Church – Eldoret, have they received freely.

Therefore all Christians should give! “Each one” (9:7) would imply everyone. All who expect to reap (9:6, 7 cf. Prov.11:24, 25; 22:9). Thus none should think themselves exempted from giving!

3. Why  and When should I give?

Because God commands it! Because there are always those who are poor or needy among us (Deut.15:11; Mtt.26:11). Paul wrote to the Corinthians to raise funds for the Jerusalem church which was going through a period of famine and therefore suffering. Thus the Jerusalem church was very needy. There are preachers who erroneously teach that if you are saved, you should not be poor, sick or needy. This is plain falsehood which is against God's clear teaching and contrary to common experience. We give because of the poor and needy among us. It is our responsibility to find out areas of need and to readily seek to help.

4. How should I give?

Here are some great principles of giving: 

a) First give yourself to the Lord (8:5). Basically this would mean acknowledge that you and all that you possess belong to God! (cf. 1 Cor.6:19-20). This is a powerful influence!

b) Christ is our pattern (8:9). We learn that the Rich Christ became poor so that poor me can become rich! This is great love! Giving involves love. If you really love the Lord for what He has done for you, you will also love the people of God (who are poor and needy) and the things of God (offerings, mission work, tent etc)! Love will compel and control your giving!

c) We should give according to our ability and freely (8:2, 3), according to our means (8:11c, 12), eagerly or with zeal (9:2), generously and as promised (9:5-7).

5.      5. What will be the result of giving?

There are many results when Christians give Biblically. Some of these are:

a) Equality among God's people (8:13, 14), 

b) Encouragement to others to give (9:2),

c) God is thanked and glorified (9:11, 12, 15).

Application:

a) God has commanded us to look around and notice and care for those how are needy. He has given us the greatest gift, that of His only Son, with all the other blessings. So, God’s gift and Christ example is the motivation factor in giving. Will we not be moved to give generously, willingly and lovingly?  Surely we must!

b) Unsaved, consider God’s love in giving Christ; this is grace; this is good news. So what does this say to you? Don’t try to buy favour with God through giving money! First give yourself to Christ then when you belong to Him, you can serve Him with all you have.