MEMBERS OF THE BODY #6

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Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints.  2 Corinthians 9:1 ESV

Generous giving is about responding in worship to God’s GRACE.

2 For I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3 But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. 4 Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident.  2 Corinthians 9:2-4 ESV

Become ready to generously give by making four PREPARATIONS:

#1: Prepare to be WILLING.

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.  2 Corinthians 9:5 ESV

#2: Prepare to be SACRIFICIAL.

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6 ESV

#3: Prepare to be JOYFUL.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV

#4: Prepare to be CONSISTENT.

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 9:8 ESV

Our greatest example of a generous giver is GOD.

As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.  2 Corinthians 9:9-10 ESV

God MULTIPLIES His generous gift into our lives.

You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.  2 Corinthians 9:11 ESV

God multiplies His generous gift  through our lives into OTHERS.

For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.  2 Corinthians 9:12 ESV

Result: Others join us in GLORIFYING God for His generous gift.

By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ,  and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,  14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!   2 Corinthians 9:13–15 ESV

Generous giving is about responding in worship to God’s GRACE.

Invitation into HEALTHY, ACTIVE, membership in the Body of Christ at Big Valley Grace Community Church.