God Loves a Cheerful Giver

The Refuge

		“In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and people will stream to it. Many nations will come and say, “come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of God of Jacob.” Micah 4:1-2

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“GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER”

Text: 2 Corinthians 9:1-8

Thesis: Generosity is a sign of Spiritual maturity and Intentional Evangelism.

I. “(Prepare) in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised.” Vs 5

A. Giving must be “intelligent, conscientious, and deliberate.”(The Interpreter’s Bible)

1. Give according to the need.

2. Give according to what you have.

a. The myth is , “I will be a good generous giver when I become wealthly.”

3. Give in a calculated, systematic manner.

B. Real generosity is habitual and thoughtful.

1. Often people are stingy because of a lack of thought and imagination and not desire.

II. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously.” Vs 6

“the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:2)

A. The farmer knows if he is tight when it comes to planting seed his harvest will be small.

1. A loving and generous spirit will reap a harvest of love and generosity.

2. Do not give for the sake of personal return.

III. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (Vs 7)

A. We are like God when we are generous.

B. God loves when his children are cheerful givers.