Building Blocks Part 5
Giving
Welcome to our teaching series “Building Blocks”.
Throughout this series we have been addressing the foundational practices of the Christian life. Practices that cultivate the life of Christ within us, as well as anchoring us firmly in the Faith.
We have taken this journey intentionally, knowing these practices will change us if we engage them in our walk with the Lord. Our final topic in the series is no different-It’s every bit as powerful and transformative.
We conclude our Building Blocks series by looking at the foundational practice of GIVING. And, as you’ll see, we’re not just talking about giving our money.
When we give, we are practicing obedience and expressing a true understanding of our relationship with God as the provider of all things.
Our teaching text today is written to the Church in Corinth before Paul arrives there. A few verses before, Paul has talked about why he is collecting money, he anticipates their gift and as we come to our text today- he is encouraging their generosity.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
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.
When it comes to giving and being generous- The more you plant, the more you will harvest. Before we get carried away with that idea- that’s not WHY we give, it’s what God DOES when we do.
Paul continues his teaching on generosity by making sure the church knows- generosity is for everyone.
The generosity that Paul is encouraging is not a compulsive response to his preaching or to his personal mission. Generosity, our giving, is to be a heart level decision to see Christ as Lord over our life- including our wallet.
Giving is about obedience to the move of God in your heart, its the response of a transformed heart.
As Paul is encouraging generosity in the church, he doesn’t miss the opportunity to point out that the way in which we give matters to God
Give from the heart, give willingly, and give with gladness.
2 Corinthians 9:8-11
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.
What’s Paul’s final encouragement on giving? God moves when you give.
When we give we are trusting God, we are obeying him and in that action of giving, God is moving.
Transforming our hearts in his likeness AND he blesses us abundantly that in all things we will have what we need.
Paul has helped us to see that giving is for everyone, it should come from the heart with gladness, and that God moves when we give.
Armed with that truth, we are ready to take this teaching into our every day lives. So, what do some of those action steps look like?
Begin by Giving Thanks
Here’s the truth: In the economy of God, Giving is always GIVING BACK. None of it really belongs to me anyway.
James 1:16-17 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
What God is asking us to give- he gave us in the first place.
If our heart posture says that what we have is ours, we worked hard for it, it was my skill and knowledge that did it, I deserve it- we will never truly experience giving as God desires.
When we come to recognize that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift- Only then is generosity is possible.
Give your treasure
If you want to step into generous living- why not take the Lord at his word and begin giving 10% to the local church-make that a priority in the first line of your monthly expenses.
In the book of Malachi- God actually invites his people to test him on this
We have already seen that when you give God moves in Malachi he says “Try me on this one”
Finally, give it all
The call to giving doesn’t stop with our money. God’s call to generosity extends to our time, our talents, and our relational touch.
What would it look like for you to be generous with your time, talents, or touch?
Give thanks, give your treasure, give the rest. WIll you live into the blessing of giving?
When you give, God moves.
Giving at COTN
If you ever have questions or need help with online giving, please let us know: finance@cotnaz.org
Thank you for your partnership in the Kingdom of Christ!