SERMON TITLE: 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5, Kingdom Stewardship, Part 2
…The churches in Macedonia, such as Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, had overflowed in a wealth of generosity, even though they themselves were experiencing a severe test of affliction and extreme poverty. But these churches had begged Paul for the opportunity to give, because they had given themselves to the Lord, and to Paul, and were ready to contribute to any need. They valued the purposes of God above their own wants.
But the Corinthians, though full of boasting, still had not come through. Apparently, they felt like they were too financially constrained to give. However, Paul says they still possessed an “abundance.” And so, just as Paul said they were eager to excel in faith, love, godly speech, knowledge of the Lord, and eager pursuit of the Christian life, Paul commanded them to excel also in the grace of giving.
If you believe that living by faith, speaking truly and graciously, possessing genuine knowledge of God in Christ, eagerness in Christian living, and loving one another are important matters, which they are, then also, you must pursue the grace of giving generously. The Christian cannot relegate generous giving to the cellar of the Christian life.
