067. Giving, The Grace of

067. Giving, The Grace of

67 THE GRACE OF GIVING 2 Corinthians 9:6

INTRODUCTION Should be interested in thePRACTICE,not aTHEORY.It is hard to get people to learn what they do not want to do. Reason for teaching this subject. (Php 4:17.) I. GOD ALWAYS REQUIRED A SACRIFICE 1. Cain and Abel. (Genesis 4:3-8; Hebrews 11:4.) 2. Noah, first thing after the flood. (Genesis 8:20.) 3 Israel offered many kinds of sacrifices.

II. OUR RELATION TO MATERIAL THINGS 1. Fulness of earth, the Lord’s. (1 Corinthians 10:26.) 2. Brought nothing here , can take nothing away. (1 Timothy 6:7 .) 3. We are stewards of what we possess.

4. Wh at we give is already God’s. (1 Chronicles 29:14.) 5. Must give God the best.

6. Life reaches its final consumation in giving . (Acts 20:35.) III. HOW MUCH SHALL WE GIVE?

1. First give ourselves. (2 Corinthians 8:5.) 2. Law required tithe for priest, he gave a tithe. (Leviticus 27:30.) 3. Give liberally, freely, willingly. (1 Corinthians 16:2.) 4. Give as there is need of giving. (Acts 2:45 .) 5. Responsible for not having something to give.

6. Labor for two purposes: suppor t self (Titus 3:14.), and to give to ot hers. (Ephesians 4:28; Acts 20:35.) IV. WHEN AND HOW TO GIVE 1. When: regularly (1 Corinthians 16:1-2) and as occasion demands. (1 John 3:17.) 2. How: through the church (Php 4:15-17; Ephesians 3:21), and as individuals. (Acts 10:35; Galatians 6:10.) V. EXAMPLES OF GIVING 1. Jerusalem church gave all. (Acts 4:32-37.) 2. God approved this, there was a need.

3. Churches of Macedonia gave beyond their power. (2 Corinthians 8:3.) 4. Help needed good work.