2:8 Generosity: Fanning the Financial Flame
2 Corinthians 8:10-24
November 28, 2021
Jay Haugh

Paul gave two examples of sacrificial giving.

The first example of sacrificial giving are the Macedonian churches.

Generosity // We joyfully give our resources to help advance the Gospel.

Surplus of joy + Rock-Bottom poverty = Extravagant generosity.

The second example of sacrificial giving is Jesus.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” —2 Corinthians 8:9

We’re generous because Jesus is generous.

• Three hindrances to God-honoring giving (2 Corinthians 8:10-15)
• Two principles to God-honoring receiving (2 Corinthians 8:16-24)

Some hindrances to generosity:

♦ Procrastination.

Procrastination is intentionally putting something off that should be done.

And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. —2 Corinthians 8:10

So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. —2 Corinthians 8:11

♦ Hesitation.

For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.

Do what you can, while you can. Don’t hesitate.

♦ Excuses.

For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. 2 Corinthians 8:13-14

Start looking at the needs of others and your ability and abundance to meet those needs.

Two principles on God-honoring receiving:

(1) Only qualified and responsible individuals should handle financial responsibilities.

When there’s a gap, we fill that gap.

You choose to fill the gap with trust. Or you choose to fill the gap with suspicion.

(2) Money matters should be administered openly and honestly.

We do these things to gain trust and to show we are trustworthy.

We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. —2 Corinthians 8:20-21

So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men. Let others see your love for Christ and his people. Make us proud! —2 Corinthians 8:24

A time to examine our hearts

• Are you procrastinating, hesitating or making excuses in your giving?
• Is your giving proportionate to your income?
• Do you have a giving strategy?

STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS

What are the hindrances to God-honoring giving?

Are you procrastinating, hesitating or making excuses when it comes to being generous? (Don’t just look through the lens of finances. Think of influence, time, and gifting).

Paul encouraged believers to start looking to meet the needs of others through your abundance and ability. Where did He get that idea? (See Deuteronomy 15).

Is your giving proportionate to your income? Or have your resources increased while your giving has stayed the same or diminished?

If someone else knew the level of my giving to God’s work, would I be a model to follow, or would I feel embarrassed?

Do I have a giving plan or do I do it impulsively (only when and where I want)?
If somebody were to ask me my giving strategy, would I have an answer?