2 Corinthians 9:6-11, 15 (ESV)

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 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. 9 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. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. … 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

Intro: Who do you know that’s excited about giving? Do you wish you were?

GOD IS ABLE
How are the images of sowing and reaping tough for us to tie together?

DO WE TRUST HIM?
How does our response to opportunities to give often reflect unbelief?

THAT’S HILARIOUS
What does abounding grace mean? It means provision …

YOU CAN PRAY WITH US …
1 - Worship the LORD that “He 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.” Praise Him, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, that He claims us as His own children, and provides for us so abundantly.

2 - How have you lived doubting God’s ownership of you, His promises or His track record of care? Confess your pride and unbelief to Jesus, asking Him to forgive you and free you from the trap of self-interest.

3 - Give thanks to Jesus for loving you and working to save you, as no one else can. Thank Him for His work to take away all that is wrong with you by His death, and investing in you by the gift of His indwelling Spirit.

4 - Who do you know that is joyless and selfish? Pray for them, asking the Lord to help them in their heart to know that they “could be enriched in every way to be generous in every way”.

5 - Ask the Holy Spirit to bear in you the fruit of love and joy. Pray that the Holy Spirit would help you grow and excel in the grace of giving, by His transforming love.