1. Strange Ministers 2 Corinthians

2. Strange Ministers Barna Group Statistics – April 2012 AmericansProtestants personally affected by the economy in a major way 34% personally affected by the economy in a major way 35% have reduced donations to church 34% have reduced donations to church 33% stopped giving to churches altogether 11% stopped giving to churches altogether 6% http://www.barna.org/donorscause-articles/571-the- economy-continues-to-squeeze-americans-charitable-giving

3. Strange Ministers Jesus & Money

4. Strange Ministers Jesus & Money Jesus talked more about money than about heaven and hell combined!

5. Strange Ministers 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1 Separate from idol worship! 1)So you can have fellowship with the living God! 2)So you can be ambassadors for Christ!

6. Strange Ministers 2 Corinthians 7 “We double our delight in God as we expand it in the lives of others.” – John Piper Godly Grief Repentance Joy

7. Strange Ministers 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 Giving Χ ἀ ρις “grace” (8:1, 9; 9:8, 14) “privilege,” “favor” (8:4) “act of grace,” (8:6) “work of grace,” “gift of charity” (8:7) “offering,” “work of grace” (8:19)

8. Strange Ministers 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 Giving “generous/willing gift,” “gift of blessing” (9:5) “sharing,” “taking part,” “partnership” (8:4; 9:12-13) “service” (8:4; 9:1, 12-13) “(public) service” (9:12)

9. Strange Ministers 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 God’s Grace “grace” - used 10x - the frame God giving His people the desire & ability to give generously

10. Strange Ministers 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 Example of Macedonians (8:1-5) Wealth of generosity Out of extreme poverty & affliction With abundant joy By God’s grace

11. Strange Ministers 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 Example of Macedonians (8:1-5) Abundant joy “of their own accord” “begging us earnestly” “not as we expected” 1st to God & then to His people

12. Strange Ministers 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 Example of Jesus (8:9) Grace: Was rich Became poor for us So that we may be rich Material riches??

13. Strange Ministers 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 I.Generous Giving: Examples & Expectation (8:1-15) II.Worthy men sent to collect the gift (8:16-24) III.Advanced collection as a willing gift (9:1-5) IV.Theology of Giving (9:6-15)

14. Strange Ministers 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 Theology of Giving (9:6-15) “You reap what you sow.” (v. 6) Promise of material reward??

15. Strange Ministers Theology of Giving (9:6-15) Cheerful Giving (v. 7) Context: Sabbath year of remission (Deut. 15:10) How much?? What is most important about giving?? Condition of the heart!!

16. Strange Ministers Theology of Giving (9:6-15) God’s Grace (v. 8-11) God enables us to give – desire & ability Psalm 112:9 – it’s in God’s righteous character to enable us to give to others. We give our money to meet other’s needs b/c of God’s grace – already given to us & continuing to work in our lives!

17. Strange Ministers Theology of Giving (9:6-15) God’s Grace (v. 8-11) “he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food” (Isaiah 55:10) “the harvest of your righteousness” (Hosea 10:12) Context: the provision of God’s Word to bring about salvation. - God does NOT promise to make us rich, but to use us as instruments of the Gospel!

18. Strange Ministers Theology of Giving (9:6-15) Purpose of Giving (v. 12-15) “Love is the overflow of joy in God which gladly meets the needs of others.” – John Piper Foundation: God’s grace working in our lives! Purpose: cheerful giving is ultimately for God’s glory! Giving is an act of worship – it results in God being praised!!

19. 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 Theology of Giving God Us Others gives grace cheerful giving praise & prayers