In God’s economy, the more you give, the more you have. The question is whetherwe believe it. If we do, we’ll act on it!
Generous sowing
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6
Paul now moves on to talk about some principles of giving.
• What is the principle in verse 6?
• How should we decide what to give (v 7)?
Again we’re reminded that God cares not just about what we give, but how we give it. But the question in our minds should
be: How can I give sacrificially, going without things myself, and do it cheerfully?
• What can we trust that God will do (v 8)?
• If we really trust God to do this, how will this enable us to give both sacrificially and cheerfully?
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TIME OUT
The attitude and amount of our giving will be driven by where we find security in life.
Read Psalms 112:1
This is a wonderful picture of a man who lives for God. Look where his security comes from (v 6-8). Look how this affects his generosity (v 5, 9).
• Where is your security? In bank accounts, shares, investments, pensions… or in trusting the LORD?
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Righteous harvest
Read 2 Corinthians 8:10
• What kind of harvest is being enlarged in verse 10?
• How does that guide our understanding of what it means to be “made rich in every way” (v 11)?
• If we’re generous, God gives us more. Why (v 11)?
On first reading, you might think these verses are suggesting that Christians who give generously will get more money— and they might. God is certainly able to ensure that those who give sacrificially have enough for themselves (v 8). But the
harvest is a harvest of righteousness—spiritual riches.
Notice also that God gives generously to those who are already being generous. Our giving is an act of faith: faith that as we give, God will give to us. It’s not a case of waiting for God to make us rich before we begin giving sacrificially and cheerfully.
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PRAY
Thank God for His ongoing grace, providing everything you need. Thank God that you are able to find true security in Him.
Ask God to help you see how much you can give, and who He wants you to give it to. And pray that He would give you a cheerful heart as you give away your money, and your time and efforts.
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley, Tim Chester and Mark Dever.
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