Cheerful Giving | Unfinished Week 5

Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 are the summary to his theology of giving. In his mind, giving is simply another aspect of grace. God provides for the needs of His people and blesses those who bless others. Biblical giving is grace-based in that it is to be done with a cheerful spirit. How much should we give? Bill Clark concludes our Unfinished series by reminding us that perhaps the answer is really another question - "How happy do we want to be? Cheerful Giving Unfinished | Week 5 March 4, 2018 | Bill Clark 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NIV) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! Sow Sparingly → Reap Sparingly Sow Generously → Reap Generously God loves a CHEERFUL GIVER Giving creates THANKSGIVING