And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. —2 Corinthians 8:1-7
The abundance of God’s grace leads to overflowing
“Now as you excel in everything — in faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us — excel also in this act of grace.” —2 Corinthians 8:7
“a severe trial brought about by affliction” —2 Corinthians 8:2
“they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints” —2 Corinthians 8:4
Generosity is motivated by
“We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia” —2 Corinthians 8:1
Generosity is accompanied by
“During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.” —2 Corinthians 8:2
“Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.” —2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Generosity comes through
“During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.” —2 Corinthians 8:2
Generosity accords with
“…they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us by God’s will.” —2 Corinthians 8:5
“My brothers and sisters, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. For if someone comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and a poor person dressed in filthy clothes also comes in, if you look with favor on the one wearing the fine clothes and say, “Sit here in a good place,” and yet you say to the poor person, “Stand over there,” or “Sit here on the floor by my footstool,” haven’t you made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” —James 2:1-4
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.” —2 Corinthians 8:9
“And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.” —2 Corinthians 9:8
For further study:
Scripture: Psalm 4:5; Mark 14:3-9; James 2-3
Resources: “Counterfeit Gods” by Tim Keller
Community Group Guide:
Can you share an example of generosity?
How does the grace of God motivate you to be generous?
In what ways is it difficult to trust God in order to be generous?
What can we do as a church to spur on generosity?
How do you see the relationship between commitment, generosity, and community?
To prepare for next week: Serving Together; 1 Corinthians 12