SERMON SUMMARY

As we wrap up our Multiply series, we do so by reminding each other of the beauty and encouragement found in gospel-motivated generosity. Paul was always bringing challenging thoughts around life change but always motivated by what God has done for us in and through Jesus. When it comes to stewardship and money, he does the same. 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 are all about cultivating a culture of generosity in the church, and at the heart of that culture is the gospel. 

SERMON SCREENSHOTS & KEY POINTS

• A steward is someone who manages somebody else’s stuff with the goals of the owner in mind. 
• God, thank you for entrusting Your stuff to me. Now what would you like me to do with your stuff?
• A distinguishing mark of God’s people has always been and will always be their generosity.
• Generosity allows for us to extend a tangible, touchable expression of who God is to a world far from Him.

“For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their (the Jewish Christians) approval of this service (from you), they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others.” 2 Corinthians 9:12-13

“At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem.” Romans 15:25-26

“Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.” 1 Corinthians 16:1-3

• May the motivation of stewarding God’s money be what God has given us in and through Jesus.

“The Gospel obliges us to give when we are in distress to those in greater distress than us. How else will we bear one another’s burdens? If we never relieve one another’s burdens [except] when we can only do it by not being burdened ourselves, how then do we bear our neighbor's burden when we bear no burden at all.”

“Our problem is that we think something is lost when we give it away-especially when we give it to other people. The Macedonians had been freed up by the gospel, and so they realized that to give is to gain, not to lose, even in their poverty.”

“Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, how do we rob you? In tithes in offering.” Malachi 3:8

• God’s work/Kingdom opportunities
• The poor and needy
• Christians with needs
• Reactive Giver
• Occasional Giver
• Minimal Giver
• Proportional Giver
• Sacrificial Giver 

*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.