Calvary Church
Calvary Church | Mosaic: The Cheerful Givers
Main Idea: What does cheerful or hilarious giving look like and how can we get there? Speaking: Pastor Tim Bowman
Locations & Times
Calvary Church
4700 53rd St, Moline, IL 61265, USA
Sunday 8:30 AM
Sunday 10:30 AM
1 Peter 3:8 (TLB) And now this word to all of you: You should be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds.
Remember Two Things About Giving
1. God does not have needs
2. God tells us what He loves in:
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT) 7You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
1. God does not have needs
2. God tells us what He loves in:
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT) 7You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
Two Ways to Look at Our Resources Which Reveals Much About Our Maturity
1. “My life belongs to me and I should give some of my stuff to God.”
1. “My life belongs to me and I should give some of my stuff to God.”
Sometimes we think of giving like a tax. That’s an immature way of thinking and shows we’ve barely begun the process of discipleship.
Two Ways to Look at Our Resources Which Reveals Much About Our Maturity
2. “All I have belongs to God and I’m the steward of it.”
2. “All I have belongs to God and I’m the steward of it.”
Sure, we get to enjoy some of what the Lord allows us to have, but our gifts, talents, time and resources were given to us for God’s Kingdom.
My mother reminded me one day, “Only one life to live, will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
What’s the Main Way We Could Motivate Each Other Toward Generosity…if needed?
1. Is it with the stick by making us feel guilty?
2. Or, is it with the carrot? God will make us rich!
1. Is it with the stick by making us feel guilty?
2. Or, is it with the carrot? God will make us rich!
Many church leaders try one of these approaches. Paul turns neither to guilt or greed as his primary motivator, but grace. Where would we be without the Lord’s generosity?
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (TLB) 6But remember this—if you give little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much. 7Everyone must make up his own mind as to how much he should give. Don’t force anyone to give more than he really wants to, for cheerful givers are the ones God prizes.
2 Corinthians 9:8 (TLB) 8God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more so that there will not only be enough for your own needs but plenty left over to give joyfully to others.
TALK ABOUT IT
Discussion Questions:
1. You do not necessarily need to share the name, but can you tell about someone that you know who is a wonderful giver? How have they made an impact in your life?
2. Why do you believe that God loves a cheerful giver according to 2 Corinthians 9:7?
3. How can we keep a good balance between giving and saving?
Next Step:
Do you live and give as though everything in your life belongs to God? What is one step you could take this week that would send that message to the Lord?
1. You do not necessarily need to share the name, but can you tell about someone that you know who is a wonderful giver? How have they made an impact in your life?
2. Why do you believe that God loves a cheerful giver according to 2 Corinthians 9:7?
3. How can we keep a good balance between giving and saving?
Next Step:
Do you live and give as though everything in your life belongs to God? What is one step you could take this week that would send that message to the Lord?
GIVE
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (NLT)7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
https://bit.ly/3dGnBRUHomework Assignment: Do you live and give as though everything in your life belongs to God? What is one step you could take this week that would send that message to the Lord?