The Truine God Who Gives
(2 Corinthians 8:8-9)
Introduction: The Scripture never treats giving as an awkward sidebar to the Christian life. It treats as a mark of discipleship, a reflection of God’s own character, and an act of gratitude for God’s abundant provision of grace. And for BCI, especially as we pursue our “Far Greater “vision, this is not simply about fulfilling a responsibility. It is about refusing to squander the opportunity God gives us to grow and to excel in this are: “But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.” (2 Corinthians 8:7)
Before we talk about what we give, we must first look at the God who gives. At the center of Scripture stands a “Triune God who gives” freely and abundantly.
Paul David Tripp – “The story of redemption is a story of God’s generosity.
R. Kent Hughes - “Heaven’s stewardship program.”
1. The Genesis of the Grace of Giving
God is our model and motivation
R. Kent Hughes - The Macedonians were not persuaded to give through gimmicks or fear. Instead, it was the divine example of generosity demonstrated by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that inspired grace in their giving. This is the ultimate motivation for giving, and there is none greater.
a. The Father Gave His Son
John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…”
Romans 8:32 — “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all…”
The story of redemption begins not with our giving, but with the Father’s. The Scripture reminds us that this giving is rooted in the eternal counsel of God, the covenant of redemption. Before the foundation of the world, the Father purposed to give His Son for the salvation of His people. The Father’s giving is not reluctant. It is not forced. It is not transactional. It is an overflowing expression of love demonstrated through the most extravagant gift imaginable.
We give because He first gave.
b. The Son Gave His Life
Mark 10:45 — “The Son of Man came… to give his life as a ransom for many.”
John 10:11 — “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Galatians 2:20 — “…the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
The Father gave His beloved Son, and the Son gave Himself. Jesus’ giving is sacrificial, substitutionary, and saving.
The Scripture emphasizes that Christ’s giving is penal substitution: He bore the wrath we deserved. He obeyed where Adam failed. He gave His life so that we might receive life.
Our giving, then, is shaped by the cross (cruciform generosity). We do not give to earn God’s favor; we give because Christ has already given Himself fully for us. We give because we belong to the One who gave everything.
c. The Spirit Gives Us New Life and Identity
John 3:5–6 — “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit…”
Romans 8:15–16 — “You have received the Spirit of adoption…”
Ephesians 1:13–14 — “You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit…”
If the Father gives the Son, and the Son gives His life, the Spirit gives us new life and identity. He regenerates us, unites us to Christ, and seals us as God’s own possession.
The Spirit’s giving is effectual. He does not merely offer new life; He creates it. He does not merely suggest a new identity; He confers it. This means our stewardship is not driven by guilt or pressure but by identity. We give because we are children of God. We give because the Spirit has made us new. We give because generosity is the fruit of a transformed heart.
2. Gospel-Driven Generosity
Giving that is:
Grounded in the grace of the Father
Inspired by the self-giving love of the Son
Vivified by the Spirit who made us new
Expression of our gratitude and obedience
2 Corinthians 9:8 – “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:11 – “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”