Begging to Give

Pastor John Marc Wiemann
2 Corinthians 8:1-9

Main point: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 provides three characteristics of the Macedonians’ generosity so that we will follow the same standards of Christian giving today.

I. The Motivation for Giving
Verses 1, 9

II. The Model of Giving
Verses 2-5

III. The Measure of Giving
Verses 6-8

Here are some books which may assist you in deeper study and application of the truths presented in today’s sermon. While the elders cannot endorse every concept presented in each book, we do believe these resources will be helpful in profitably thinking through today’s topic.

• Whose Money Is It Anyway? by John MacArthur
• Redeeming Money: How God Reveals and Reorients Our Hearts by Paul Tripp
• Managing God’s Money by Randy Alcorn

Questions for Spiritual Growth

Our Cornerstone mission is To Know Christ and Make Him Known. Community Groups help us to live out our mission as we discuss the Scripture passage from the sermon, how to apply it, and pray for one another.

1. Why must Christian giving begin with God’s grace?
   

2. Read 2 Corinthians 8:9. How is Jesus Christ the ultimate example of a generous giver? How does Christ’s poverty make us rich?
   

3. What is Paul’s motive for describing the Macedonians’ giving? How can other people’s example of giving be a good motivation for us to give?
   

4. What were the circumstances of the Macedonian churches that made their giving so remarkable to Paul? How does their example challenge you?
   

5. What would motivate someone to beg to give? How does the Macedonians’ attitude help us understand 2 Corinthians 9:7?
   

6. How was the Macedonians’ giving an act of worship? How did their devotion to God help them submit to their spiritual leaders?
   

7. In light of what you learned in 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, how does God want your beliefs and action to change? What are some practical steps you can take to pursue this change?