Why We Give
Look for God's Giving:
1. formula
2. mindset
3. standard
2 Corinthians 8:1-2 NIV
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.
1. God's Giving Formula:
Severe Trial + Overflowing Joy + Extreme Poverty = Rich Generosity
2 Corinthians 8:3-7 NIV
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. God's Giving Mindset:
Giving above and beyond expectations is a privilege.
2 Corinthians 8:5 NIV
And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.
2 Corinthians 8:10-12 NIV
And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
3. God’s Standard For Giving:
A Willing Heart
Why We Give:
I. We give because it’s more blessed to give than to receive.
Acts 20:35 NIV
In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
Why We Give:
I. We give because it’s more blessed to give than to receive.
II. We give because we get to play a part in the greatest mission of all.
Matthew 16:18 NIV
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
1,500 pastors permanently leave the ministry each month in America.
4,000 new churches open each year in America.
7,000 churches close each year in America.
Why We Give:
I. We give because it’s more blessed to give than to receive.
II. We give because we get to play a part in the greatest mission of all.
III. We give to be an example to our children.
“When Christian men and women stop caring about God’s kingdom and mission and reduce our vision to personal well-being and wealth, the church is doomed. A man must live for more than himself and his stuff.”
- Jefferson Bethke and Jon Tyson, "Fighting Shadows"
Why We Give:
I. We give because it’s more blessed to give than to receive.
II. We give because we get to play a part in the greatest mission of all.
III. We give to be an example to our children.
IV. We give because it guides our hearts.
Matthew 6:21 NIV
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Why We Give:
I. We give because it’s more blessed to give than to receive.
II. We give because we get to play a part in the greatest mission of all.
III. We give to be an example to our children.
IV. We give because it guides our hearts.
V. We give because it's not ours to keep.
Genesis 2:15 NIV
The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
“I thought it was all for me.” - Craig Curtis (Your Pastor)
Why We Give:
I. We give because it’s more blessed to give than to receive.
II. We give because we get to play a part in the greatest mission of all.
III. We give to be an example to our children.
IV. We give because it guides our hearts.
V. We give because it's not ours to keep.
VI. We give because we want to hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."
Matthew 25:23 NIV
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’"
"My prayer is that when I die, all of hell rejoices that I am out of the fight!" - C.S. Lewis