Sharing God’s Grace

Paul uses the word "grace" five times in the first nine verses of 2 Corinthians 8 where he is discussing the financial support of the saints. Is there a link between grace and giving? Paul seems to think so, at least if giving is done with the right heart.

When we share out of our great joy and love, not considering our current conditions, then we are acting graciously and like Christ! Sharing God's Grace is a blessing to all, both the giver and the recipient.

1. Sharing God’s Grace 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

2. What is God’s Grace? Unmerited Favor? How did the Macedonians give “unmerited favor”? Blessings Without Cause No obligation to give; a free gift; no compulsion Given without consideration of recipient Given abundantly and sacrificially Just like Jesus (v. 9)

3. How did they give God’s Grace? They gave financially! During affliction In deep poverty Out of their abundant joy Out of their wealth of “faithful love” It was not the external conditions that governed their giving but the internal conditions of their hearts!

4. Why did they give graciously? Because they wanted to! “begged with much entreaty” Because they understood giving to the church as an undeserved blessing ! “for the grace of participation in support of the saints” Because they had sacrificed themselves to God first! Because they knew it was God’s will!

5. Does your giving match your grace? v. 7 – But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this grace also. Our spiritual maturity should be matched by our grace, both evidenced by our giving!