Gospel-Driven Generosity 1
2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Introduction: In his commentary on 2 Corinthians, Trent Casto asks, “What sets joyful, generous givers apart from the general population?” He answered, “GRACE!”
Background: Collection for the saints because of the famine.
The grace of God abundantly overflows with generosity.
The more we embrace God's grace, the more we will give to others.
“The grace of God must be owned as the root and fountain of all the good that is in us, or done by us, at any time–and it is great grace and favour from God and bestowed on us–if we are made useful to others, and are forward to any good work.” – Matthew Henry
Grace at work
Paul ended chapter 7 with this statement – “I have complete confidence in you.” (2 Cor. 7:16)
True repentance shows itself in our participation in the Lord’s work.
The churches of Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea)
The believers’ tests: “Severe affliction” and “extreme poverty.” The word “extreme” means “deeper than we can contemplate” (Casto). “Crushed by life” (Kent Hughes).
The believers’ triumph – How can we share and serve others during a severe test?
No gift is too small to make a difference.
Giving generously (sacrificially, eagerly, and wholeheartedly) flows out of love
Love for the Lord – “They gave themselves first to the Lord” (2 Cor. 8:5a). This is foundational and motivational.
Love for the believers – “…Then by the will of God to us” (2 Cor. 8:5b)
Chrysostom: “They did the begging, not Paul”
Ralph Martin: Normally, we think of the fundraiser as ‘begging’ the would-be donors. Here it is, donors, who could least afford it, who entreated Paul for the favor of having a part in this enterprise.”
They gave according to their means and beyond their means.
Henri Nouwen – “Every time I take a step in the direction of generosity, I know that I am moving from fear to love.”
Trent Casto: “Generosity is a reflection not of how much we have been given, but of how much we have given ourselves to the Lord.”
Now, excel in the act of grace
Kent Hughes: “There is no way to grow to spiritual maturity without committing your finances to the Lord. Jesus can have our money and not have our hearts, but he cannot have our hearts without our money.”
Jesus is our model and motivation – “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Cor. 8:9)
Conclusion and application:
Turn the desire into actions.
Proportionate giving
Reciprocal giving
“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 Cor. 9:8)