Cheerful Giving

2 Corinthians 9:6-10

INTRO: The Christian faith is all about giving. It started with God giving His Son Jesus to us first. Then Jesus gave His life on the cross for us to save us. Then He tells us to do unto others what He has done for us. We all know what people say about giving to God’s work, but what does God’s word have to say. If we are wise we will listen to God’s word and not men. This church began because someone gave to get it started. Others have given to keep it going. Many have been saved because of Christian generosity. You and I were saved because someone gave so we could hear about Jesus and His salvation. We now have an opportunity to bless others through our Lottie Moon International Christmas offering. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive! (Acts 20:35)

I. Cheerful givers are enriched (supplied with riches, wealth, abundance) by God. (VS:6-10)

 1. You will be enriched in accordance with what you give. (V:6)

 2. You will be enriched with God's love and approval. (V:7)

You are just like God and His Son Jesus when you give. Think of all who have given to God’s church and His work in the past to give us what we have today. Think of those giving now. All who have a part in keeping God's work going are enriched with God's love and approval.

He loves a cheerful (joyful-jolly- merry) giver.

3. You will be enriched with an abundance of God's grace and sufficient supply toward you. (V:8) God's unmerited favor will abound toward you. You will have a sufficiency in all things and an abundance (plenty – overflow) to give to every good work. (Phil. 4:19)

4. You will be enriched with righteousness that will endure forever. (V:9)

This righteousness endures forever not only through the deeds done for the poor, but in the doer as he is being transformed into Christ likeness, which is God's will for us.

5. You will be enriched with God's resources and He will multiply the seed you have sown. (V:10)

 a. God will increase the fruits of your righteousness. Fruits of your righteousness include God's favor and blessings and the joy, welfare, and happiness your gift brings to others.

6. You will be enriched in everything. (V: 11) Cheerful giving satisfies your soul. God will meet all your needs and more so you will have enough to give liberally (generously) to God's work. 

II. Cheerful giving edifies (builds up) the church. (V:12) It supplies the needs of the saints. The needs of others will be met and they in turn will cause many joyful thanksgivings to God. 

III. Cheerful giving brings glory to God because of your generosity to them. (V: 13)   

  a. Cheerful giving will prove that you are obedient to the gospel of Jesus Christ; That your faith is real. Cheerful giving magnifies the Lord God thru your submission to Him and His will.

IV. Cheerful giving magnifies God thru the glorification of His exceeding grace. (V: 14) Those helped will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace of God in you. There’s a song entitled Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am a life that was changed.

V. Cheerful giving results in thanks to God for His indescribable gift of Jesus Christ. (V:15) God’s greatest gift is Jesus who brings us eternal salvation and spiritual riches, through His becoming poor. Such a gift is indescribable - “unable to recount or tell fully,” used only here in the NT). Those who have benefited from such a spiritual gift as salvation through Jesus Christ should not hesitate to benefit others with material gifts. It will bring thanks to God!

Conclusion: Christianity is all about giving because that is what Christ is all about. He set the example. Nothing good will ever happen apart from someone giving.   We have an opportunity thru our mission offering to help others hear the gospel and for us to be enriched by God, to edify or build up the church, supply the needs of others, and bring glory and thanks to God for His exceeding grace at work in us and His indescribable gift of Jesus Christ.

INVITATION: Jesus wants to give to you right now. He offers salvation for your soul and He also offers help for whatever circumstance or situation you might be in right now. Jesus can only give to you as you allow Him.