2 Corinthians 8

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Biblical Principles of Christian Giving

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Believers should follow the biblical principles of giving.
    Give yourself first.
    Give to the point of sacrifice.
    Give after the example of Christ.
    Give towards equality.
    Give willingly.
    Give what you have.
    Give according to plan.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Be a well-rounded Christian.

QUESTIONS

  1. What is the subject of 2 Corinthians 8-9?

  2. What principle can churches and ministries learn from Titus and the two fellow believers charged with collecting the funds for the saints in Jerusalem?

  3. What does it mean to “give yourself first”?

  4. Is the principle of giving towards equality indirectly promoting communism?

  5. Why is it important to give according to plan?

ANSWERS

  1. The collection that Paul was making for the needy saints in Jerusalem

  2. Having several brethren handle the ministry funds safeguards against the wrong use of the Lord’s money and is the honorable thing to do in the sight of God and man (verses 20-21).

  3. The Lord calls us to be personally involved in Christian ministry. We need to be available to give our time and our skills to ministry, not just our money.

  4. No, communism aims for equality in that everyone has the same amount of material possession. Christian giving aims for equality on the basis of meeting needs. See 2 Corinthians 8:14 and Exodus 16:16-18.

  5. Unless we have a deliberate plan for how we will give, too often our giving will stop at a good intention.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. How much did the Lord Jesus give? He gave all, so that “we through His poverty might become rich” 2 Corinthians 8:9. What does it mean for you to give all in your life? Where is the balance for you between this and giving towards equality?

  2. Give what you have. What do you have to give? What are you holding back?

CHALLENGE

  1. Perhaps you love the Lord and His people and are always willing to lend a helping hand. To be a well-rounded Christian, you also need to be willing to give money to the work of the Lord.

KEY VERSES

  • “But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.” 2 Corinthians 8:7

  • “Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.” 2 Corinthians 8:24



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