Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

 Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 9:8-11

 Other Readings: 2 Kings 4:42-44 and John 6:1-15


 

  1. The Corinthians were being generous by giving to a certain cause. What was that cause? Consult 2 Corinthians 8:1-7.
     
  2. Some preachers claim that when we give generously to God or to others, God will give you even more back. Does God promise that? Look at verses 8 and 11.
     
  3. Through faith in Jesus, you are righteous, that is, right with God. What do righteous people do (v. 9)? And why (2 Corinthians 9:7,8)?
     
  4. In our Gospel reading from John 6:1-15, who displayed that kind of righteous giving?
     
  5. Take a look at your monthly budget or spending and see what areas you might be able to trim in order to be more generous to individuals, to organizations, or to God.
     
  1. Paul was gathering an offering which would be given to hard-pressed Christian brothers and sisters in Jerusalem.
     
  2. No, God does not promise that if we give $100,000 to the church, we will get $100,000+ back from him. He does promise that we don’t need to fear having too little if we are generous. He promises that he will always give us what we need and enrich our faith to allow us to be generous.
     
  3. The righteous person is generous, scattering gifts to the poor. The righteous do this not to earn righteousness (though they know God will remember their acts) but to express their cheerfulness in God’s love and their confidence that he will continue to bless them abundantly. They are generous because God has been physically and spiritually generous with them.
     
  4. The boy displayed it when he offered up what little food he had. In addition, Jesus displayed it as he thanked his Father for the food and then shared it with the crowd instead of just consuming it by himself with the disciples.
     
  5. God bless you as you “abound in every good work” and spread gifts to others!