October 23rd, 2023
Let’s read & reflect on 2 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 8. This is the text Pastor Michael taught from yesterday. Any takeaways from the message?
A LITTLE BACKGROUND -
“Generosity empowered by gratitude” is a theme clearly developed in this chapter. The apostle Paul is writing to the 1st century church of believers in Corinth. He is encouraging them to practice generosity in the exercise of ‘grace giving.’ The church is to practice a culture of generosity with each member living with open hands to freely give to the needs that fulfill the Lord’s mission for the church.
ZOOM INTO:
In Vs. 1 – 6, what compelled the poor believers of Macedonia facing turbulent times to give so generously?
In Vs. 9, what is the compelling reason for believers today to become ‘giving first’ disciples?
Notice in Vs. 12, God is not expecting believers to give ‘equal gifts’ but with ‘equal sacrifice.’ Prayerfully consider giving 1/10 of your income to the Lord. The ‘tithe’ places all believers on equal standing of giving with the same heart to honor the Lord. According to Scripture, an offering is anything you give over and above the ‘tithe’ to the Lord.
RESPOND WITH YOUR HEART -
Write out a prayer expressing worship and wonder for the grace God has given to you in Christ.
Ask the Holy Spirit to increase your level of generosity –
A LITTLE BACKGROUND -
“Generosity empowered by gratitude” is a theme clearly developed in this chapter. The apostle Paul is writing to the 1st century church of believers in Corinth. He is encouraging them to practice generosity in the exercise of ‘grace giving.’ The church is to practice a culture of generosity with each member living with open hands to freely give to the needs that fulfill the Lord’s mission for the church.
ZOOM INTO:
In Vs. 1 – 6, what compelled the poor believers of Macedonia facing turbulent times to give so generously?
In Vs. 9, what is the compelling reason for believers today to become ‘giving first’ disciples?
Notice in Vs. 12, God is not expecting believers to give ‘equal gifts’ but with ‘equal sacrifice.’ Prayerfully consider giving 1/10 of your income to the Lord. The ‘tithe’ places all believers on equal standing of giving with the same heart to honor the Lord. According to Scripture, an offering is anything you give over and above the ‘tithe’ to the Lord.
RESPOND WITH YOUR HEART -
Write out a prayer expressing worship and wonder for the grace God has given to you in Christ.
Ask the Holy Spirit to increase your level of generosity –
- Possibly Increasing from ‘little giving’ to making a significant ‘gift.’?
- Possibly increasing from an occasional giver to becoming a regular contributor to the needs of the church?
- Possibly increasing from being a regular contributor to becoming a ‘tither’ who faithfully gives 1/10 of your income to the Lord on a regular basis?
- Possibly increasing from a tithe to significant generosity for the Lord’s kingdom?
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