1. Grace Giving 2 Corinthians 9.6-15

2. Foundations of Generosity: 1.The tithe was established Biblically before the Mosaic Law. 2.Then see it carried over with the Mosaic Law 3.Malachi 3 gives the most comprehensive understanding of this.

3. Malachi 3 tells us that when we give… 1.It opens the floodgates of heaven and pours out a blessing for you w/o measure. 2.God promises that we will always be provided for. 3.That the nations will consider you fortunate.

4. Malachi 3 tells us that when we give… 1.Malachi also gives specifics to where the tithe goes… – Storehouse – temple storehouse (Deut.12) That would be the local congregation.

5. What does Jesus say? Matthew 5:17-19 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

6. What does Jesus say? Matthew 5:17-19 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

7. More from Jesus… 1.Jesus was raising the bar. 2.Jesus consistently refers to gracious and consistent giving. 3.Bottom-line: Giving a tithe (10 %) is a starting point for all believers. It’s not to be given out of compulsion but out of a generous heart that recognizes that it’s been bought by the grace of God.

8. You will never be able to change unless you shift your thinking from what you’ll lose to what you’ll gain.

9. 2 Corinthians 9.6-15 6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

10. 2 Corinthians 9.6-15 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

11. 2 Corinthians 9.6-15 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

12. 2 Corinthians 9.6-15 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

13. Take-aways…Grace Giving: 1.Grace giving enriches the giver. (9.10) 2.Grace giving meets needs and expresses worship. (9.12) 3.Grace giving expresses gratitude. (9.11-12, 15) 4.Grace giving glorifies God. (9.13)