1. 2 Corinthians “The Heart of an Apostle” Part 13: Growing in Generosity: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 2 Corinthians “The Heart of an Apostle” Part 13: Growing in Generosity: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

2. THE CATALYST: JOY

3. POVERTY + JOY = GENEROSITY

4. Mark 12:41-44 41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny.

5. Mark 12:41-44 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

6. THE CATALYST: JOY Joy is not logical Joy is not a feeling, it is a firmness of soul that accompanies faith.

7. Psalm 16:11 11You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

9. Macedonians Gave: Beyond their ability Because they wanted to Because they considered it a privilege

10. Improper motivations for giving: GUILT

11. 1 Corinthians 13:3 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

12. Improper motivations for giving: GUILT GREED

13. THE CRUX: GRACE

14. POVERTY + JOY = GENEROSITY GRACE : God’s unmerited favor toward humanity and especially his people, realized through the covenant and fulfilled through Jesus Christ. (Eerdman’s)

15. THE CRUX: GRACE Generosity is important because it is at the center of the gospel.   GRACE  JOY  GENEROSITY

16. HEBREWS 12:2 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.   GRACE  JOY  GENEROSITY

17. THE CRITERION: EQUALITY

18. Wealth is an opportunity for generosity.

19. GALATIANS 3:26-28 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

20. 2 Corinthians “The Heart of an Apostle” Part 13: Growing in Generosity: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 2 Corinthians “The Heart of an Apostle” Part 13: Growing in Generosity: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15