Grace Giving
II Corinthians 8:1-24
There are three levels of giving in the Christian life.
Tithing is the 10%. We don’t give the tithe, we bring the tithe
Giving is above the tithe. Tithing and giving are used to fund and run the local church
Grace Giving is sacrificial giving used to fund projects beyond the local church, mostly missions.
Physical Example vs. 1-6
Paul enlists the example of the Macedonian churches. They had deep poverty but gave beyond themselves nonetheless. Their secret was they first gave themselves to the Lord.
Divine Example vs. 7-9
The best example is always Jesus. Jesus left the glories of heaven and born in humble beginnings to make us spiritually rich.
Willing Example vs. 10-12
It all starts with a willingness of mind to be obedient to the Lord.
Principled Example vs. 11-15
This is not to be socialism were people are being lazy and all the work and pressure is placed on a few. This is dealing with local churches as a whole able to help other churches or missions projects as needed. Corinth was rich, but doing nothing with the excess much less giving of themselves.
Sent Example vs. 16-24
Titus was traveling with another man who was trusted by the church to carry the money to its destination. There is accountability. The grace giving isn’t made to make someone rich, it is used to help the projects God has throughout the world. Giving is always proof of love.