GRACE ABOUNDING FOR EVERY GOOD WORK 2 Cor 9:1-15

Sermon by Goh Say Hong: Snippet:

Giving is the litmus test of our living. As we give, we gain some measurement of the quality of our spiritual lives.

2 Cor 8:9 (Message Version) Definition of Grace : "You are familiar with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. Rich as he was, he gave it all away for us—in one stroke he became poor and we became rich. " (cf. v 15: the indescribable gift).

The dilemma: we want to be known as generous yet we do not always want to be generous.

The context: Paul was urging the Corinthians not to be outdone by their fellow believers at Macedonia who were newer in the faith. He praised one church to the other and spread the contagious enthusiasm of the believers at Macedonia.

Principles of Giving:

1. v6-8 We will harvest in proportion to our giving. Paul gives the analogy of planting seeds. Giving begins with individuals and no one is exempt from this practice of generosity, see v 7 "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give." It is a deliberate and thoughtful decision, not impulsive, only acting when it appeals to one's emotions. To be able to give bountifully and cheerfully is a reflection of the measure of God's likeness in us.
2. v 8 "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." This is a staggering promise for us and our family. This grace does not remove poverty (as in the case of the Macedonians), Cf. Eph 2:10 these works have been ordained by God for his glory and He will give grace for us to accomplish them. The question is whether God will have all the resources? Will you give generously from what you have to accomplish these works?
3. v10-11 There is a reciprocity that happens in giving: God will enrich you! "he will increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹ You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion." The grace he gives will go beyond dollars and cents: joy in the midst of storm, peace beyond understanding etc.

v12-15 Giving glorifies God because it awakens a wonderful response in the people to whom we give. From the personal obedience of each believer in Corinth, the entire community of believers will be encouraged and blessed. There will be many lifting up prayers of thanksgiving and praise to God, multiplying the glory that is due to God.

How balanced is your Christian life? How dedicated are you when it comes to giving as compared to your dedication to worship, to bible reading, evangelism etc.?

Many of us confine the grace of giving to the gift of money. But there is so much more that needs to be given. Our 125th anniversary project to help the bottom 10% in our society, we were able to raise the required funds within 2 months. But there were not many who were willing to give their time, their effort to bring the gifts to the families. We had but 1,600 befrienders. By the middle of the project, there were still many who could not benefit from the gifts. It is easy to provide the monetary means but it is more difficult ot offer oneself, one's time, energies.

John Wesley and the Poor

By Bishop Dr Robert Solomon JOHN WESLEY, THE FOUNDER OF METHODISM, had a big heart for the poor. He came from a family where his father was a relatively poor clergyman, and saw on at least one occasion how his father was marched off to the debtor’s prison for not being able to repay money to his lenders. Perhaps that left a big impression in his mind, and he did not want to be a clergyman like his father. But God had other plans for him. In Oxford University, where John studied, he became a Fellow and was paid a rather comfortable sum which he spent quite happily on things he needed or wanted, including a number of luxuries. But all this changed after a particular incident in his life.  “He had just finished paying for some pictures for his room when one of the chambermaids came to his door. It was a cold winter day, and he noticed that she had nothing to protect her except a thin linen gown. He reached into his pocket to give her some money to buy a coat but found he had too little left. Immediately the thought struck him that the Lord was not pleased with the way he had spent his money. He asked himself, Will thy Master say, ‘Well done, good and faithful steward’? Thou hast adorned thy walls with the money which might have screened this poor creature from the cold! O justice! O mercy! – Are not these pictures the blood of this poor maid?” That incident made a permanent change in Wesley in the way he looked at his possessions, and in the way he saw the needs of the poor. He made a decision to live frugally, to buy only what he really needed, and to give the rest away for the poor and needy. During his long lifetime Wesley earned more than £30,000, almost all of which he gave away to the poor. After his death in 1791, it was discovered that the only personal possessions he left behind were a few coins in his pockets and dresser drawers.

For Reflection:

1. How is your "harvest"? Is it proportional to your "planting"? How can you (as an individual) make an intentional decision about how you prepare your gift to the Lord?
2. Will the Lord have all the resources from you to accomplish his ordained works in which you have a part? Will you give generously from what you have to accomplish these works?
3. How balanced is your Christian life? How dedicated are you when it comes to giving as compared to your dedication to worship, to bible reading, evangelism etc.?