Grace Giving
- Pastor John Conover
- May 5
- 2 min read
II Corinthians 8
God commands believers to give & partner together for the costs of spreading the gospel and building up the
church. He also gives believers the grace to give. Paul is motivating the Corinthian church to join the churches
in Macedonia, as well as Titus and his assistant in giving and delivering offerings to the needy believers and
churches in Judea.
I. Grace Giving is the Result of God’s Grace (v. 1, 9; Acts 11:27-35; 20:35; Romans 15:25-28.)
A. Jesus became “poor” to give us eternal and abundant life, so we give out of gratitude (v 5-9).
B. The Jewish apostles spread the gospel to Greece. We give out of gratitude for those spiritual
leaders and churches who made it possible for us to follow Christ.
C. Sustaining grace from God enables His people to give even when it is difficult.
D. The spiritual gift of giving is undeserved (grace), so we might receive the blessing of helping
those in need (v. 4), which includes the blessing of being like Jesus, and overcoming selfish
greed.
II. Grace Giving is Obvious During Difficult Circumstances (v. 1-2; 6:10; Exodus 35:5-6; I Chron. 29:6-9)
A. Like the Macedonians, we should give while in deep poverty, trials of affliction, & destitute.
B. What a blessing for God (& Paul) to brag on you for giving regardless of ability or amount.
III. Grace Giving is Seen in the Ways & Attitudes with which God’s People Give (v. 3).
A. Partnerships as local churches (v. 1, 10-11, 18-19, 23-24)
B. According to the means God has provided, (honestly), and then a little extra by faith (v. 3).
Giving more than the tithe is a privilege you earn by being financially sound.
C. Give spontaneously and voluntarily (v. 3).
D. Give with excitement, earnest, eagerness, love, and zeal (v. 4, 7-8).
E. Give from your heart & life already dedicated to God (v. 5-7). Do not give in an effort to
balance good works with a life characterized by sin and worldliness. You can’t buy forgiveness
or grace.
There are a few other principles of giving for individuals and churches in chapter 8.
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