10/11/26 

Series: Stewardship 2026

Message 2: Gifts

2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (ESV)

The Cheerful Giver

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[d]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. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency[e] 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.”

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. 13 By their approval of this service, they[f] 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!

A Simple Illustration with Profound Implications

The Principle of Sowing and Reaping (Verse 6): Giving is compared to farming; whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will reap generously.

Consider the Parable of the Talents from Matthew 25:14-19:

14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants[c] and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents,[d] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more.18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money.19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them.

Matthew 6:19–21:

“19 Do not lay up for yourself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Understanding the Importance of our Motivation

2 Corinthians 9:7

7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

b) The Principle of Purposeful Choice (Verse 7): Each person should decide in their own heart what to give beforehand rather than giving out of impulse or pressure.

c) The Principle of Voluntary Freedom (Verse 7): Contributions must never be given reluctantly or under legalistic compulsion.

d) The Principle of Cheerful Motivation (Verse 7): God loves a cheerful giver whose heart delights in sharing rather than feeling grudging or burdened.

λύπη (lypē) reluctant, sorrowful, pained, grieved

The Practice of Giving Enables our Dependence upon God

2 Corinthians 9:8-10 (ESV)

8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency[e] 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.”

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.

The 4 Fold Results of your Generosity

The Principle of Multiplying Fruit and Gratitude (Verses 11–15): Generosity meets physical needs, produces overflowing thanksgiving to God, unites believers, and reflects the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ.

v11-15- 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. 13 By their approval of this service, they[f] 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!

Questions: