Sunday, July 20, 2008
Be Faithful Stewards
2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 9:6-15
INTRO: Stewardship is usually thought of as giving of our finances. We need to understand that stewardship is our commitment of our total beings to God. What Paul says here about financial giving can also apply to other giving.
GIVING IS BY THE GRACE OF GOD (2 Cor. 8:1)
God's grace enabled Macedonians to give.
God's grace permits us to be involved with Him.
GIVING IS TO BE REGULAR
First day of week. (1 Cor. 16:1)
Part of worship service.
According to income. (16:2)
GIVING INVOLVES FINANCES
OT included tithing and offerings.
Here we read about an offering for
Needs of church demand giving.
GIVING INVOLVES MORE THAN MONEY
Macedonians first gave themselves!
Jesus talks about good works. (Mt 5:16)
Ephesians 2:10 says we were created for good works.
REWARDS (Results) OF GIVING
Supply needs of God's people.(9:12)
Men will praise God (9:13)
God will provide our needs. (9:10; Phil 4:19)
Conclusion: God gave his Son to pay the penalty of our sins. God gives us life and sustenance all the time. We owe Him for all we have. Can we not give to Him? Stewardship is about all of life. It is a lifestyle.
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Preached July 20, 2008
Pastor Fred D. Kerr
Greenville Southern Baptist Church
