The apostle Paul was not bashful to teach on Christian giving for the cause he was involved in. In the 2 Corinthian letter, he was specifically encouraging the Corinthians to participate in systematic giving to the offering that he was planning to take to the Jerusalem saints. We can learn several principles from his teaching:
1. All giving should be done cheerfully and not grudgingly, for God will bless the cheerful giver (v. 7)
2. We want to sow bountifully that we might reap bountifully. This nullifies the "Christian giver" argument some make of giving without expectation of a return on our giving from the Lord (v. 6)
3. Consistent givers will come to have an abundance (more than enough) for every good work (v.8). God wants them to expect this from Him in faith.
4. God is the supplier of the seed to the sower, and He multiplies the seed you have sown (v. 10). In other words, we sow/give in seed form, trusting the Lord to multiply our giving for both the cause in which we give, and the fruits of righteousness in the giver.
5. The giver will become enriched...for all liberality (v. 11). It is God's plan to enrich the giver to make them a liberal giver as a lifestyle.
6. Liberal sharing should be the definition of a liberal in our country. This shows that the church of Jesus Christ has failed in it's giving in the U.S, for a liberal in our country has become known as a taker of involuntary taxes who is a conservative giver in the church. A conservative has become known as someone who wants to lower involuntary taxes and give more in the church. When the church of Jesus Christ in America is giving according to the apostle Paul's teaching, a person who increases taxes for government programs will become known as a conservative in Christian giving, and a person who campaigns to lower taxes for greater voluntary Christian giving will become known as a liberal, according to the apostles definitions.
by by Pastor Benjamin Davis, Senior Pastor
by by Pastor Benjamin Davis, Senior Pastor
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