Giving Cheerfully

Establish the need: Do you give to the Lord?

Purpose: Today we shall see the command to give generously because of five motivation plus a heart check if we do not give generously.

Command: Give Cheerfully: “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  (2 Corinthians 9:7)

How?  5 Motivations

Motivation 1: God has given prosperously: “On the first day of every week each one of you is to [a]put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)

Motivation 2: Better to give than receive : “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”” (Acts 20:35)

Motivation 3: God will repay the generous: “One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord, And He will repay him for his [a]good deed.” (Proverbs 19:17)

Motivation 4: Give to please God: “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16)

Motivation 5: Treasure in heaven is secure: “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:33-34)

What if you struggle to give?  Heart check: “Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.” (1 Timothy 6:17-19)

#1: Do you place your hope in riches (v.17)?  Know it is uncertain and secondly place your faith in God instead!

#2: Do you have pride (v.17)?  Don’t just look at accomplishment of glory this side of life but look for treasure in the future! (v.19)