G. The Earnest desire for their willing participation. 2 Corinthians 9:1-15
1. The Reminder. 2 Corinthians 9:1-5

2. The Reward in giving. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

Dr. Howard Kelly was a distinguished physician who also loved the Lord. In 1895, founded the Johns Hopkins Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Johns Hopkins University. According to Dr. Kelly’s biographer, Audrey Davis, the doctor was on a walking trip through Northern Pennsylvania one spring day when he stopped by a farm house for a drink of water. A little girl answered his knock at the door and instead of water, brought him a glass of fresh milk. He visited with her briefly, then went his way. Sometime after that, the little girl came to him as a patient and needed surgery. After the surgery, the bill was brought to her room and on it were the words, “Paid in full with one glass of milk.”
We never know how the rewards are going to come – but know this, the Lord is keeping the records!

Living a bountiful life –

a. The Principle. 9:6

The intention here is that the believer should give in such a manner as to be a blessing and in turn, he will be blessed. This means much more than just giving in order to receive from the Lord. It is about being a blessing to others. Remember what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus about getting and giving –

Ephesians 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

It is about the believer’s motive and attitude about being a part of something much larger than himself – being in a partnership with God.

Make no mistake – God requires us to plan with purpose the care of our households –

1 Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

But we are to seek His guidance in the use of that which He blesses us with!

Notice Jesus’ condemnation of pride and selfishness – Luke 12:16-21

1). The Lord Provided. Luke 12:16
2). The Lord Provoked. Luke 12:17-21

a). God’s knowledge. He knew how big the man’s barns were.
b). God’s blessing. He gave bountifully to the man.

(1). Enough to fill his barns.
(2). Enough to share with others in need.

c). God’s condemnation. “…thou fool…” Why did God call the man this?

Psalm 53:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.

The man received the blessings of God and yet never asked how they should be used! He never thanked God nor sought His instruction!

The Principle is that God is investing in our lives, this partnership, and we must do our part!

b. The Practice. 9:7

1). The intention in giving. “…as he purposeth in his heart…”
The believer should give –

a). With purpose. To be a help.
b). With praise ‘cheerful’.

2). The illustrations of giving.
Living a bountiful life is not the same thing as living an extravagant life! It is about using your abundance as led by the Lord. Refer to the Biblical examples of this bountiful life –

a). Abraham. Bountiful provision for strangers (travelers) Genesis 18:1-8
b). Boaz. Bountiful provision for community. (reapers in his fields) Ruth 2:13-23
c). Barnabas Bountiful provision for brethren. Selling property and giving. Acts 4:36,37

3). The importance of spiritual dedication in giving.
A bountiful life does not mean that we will have a trouble free life! Lessons from Job, a spiritual man who lived bountifully –

a). His testimony. Job 1:3; 4:2-5

Job 1:3 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

Job 4:2-5 If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking? Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.

b). His trial.

Job 6:8-9 Oh that I might have my request; and that God would grant me the thing that I long for! Even that it would please God to destroy me; that he would let loose his hand, and cut me off!

It was not about loss, it was about confusion. “Why is this happening to me”?
Job 9:33 Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.

c). His triumph. Job 42:1-6, 10 Many give up too soon!

Job’s trust in God saw him through his loss of all things of this world, with God blessing him abundantly and being a testimony for all who will listen for almost 4,000 years. This is living bountifully – by the measure of God, not man.
Wait on the Lord! Trust Him! With this trust comes –

c. The Promise. 9:8-11 “… which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”

Living in the middle of God’s blessing, whether little or much, will cause us to be thankful to God and this testimony will be seen by others to the glory of God!

Living in the middle of God’s blessing, whether little or much, will cause us to be thankful to God and this testimony will be seen by others to the glory of God!

Conclusion:

Do you know God? Have you turned to Him for salvation, becoming His child?

Do you seek God? Do you want to know His will for your life. How to use what He gives you?