BETHEL SUNDAY SCHOOL 11 JULY 2021
Text: 2 Corinthians 9:1 – 7

THE GIFT TO MINISTER TO THE SAINTS
(2 Corinthians 9:1 – 5)

1. This was prepared by the Corinthians

2. The Apostle Paul shared with others the zeal of the Corinthians a year ago

a. Their zeal to care for others

b. Their zeal to give towards the work of God

c. This encouraged and stirred up the majority of the Churches!

3. Paul writes to remind the Corinthians to prepare well

a. He knows that they are willing

b. He knows that it is superfluous (not needed) to bring this matter up

c. But he reminds them anyway, so they won’t be caught unprepared when they come

d. He sent the brethren to them to make sure they were indeed ready

e. He does not want their good reputation as a church would be tarnished in any way!

4. Vital principles on giving to be borne in mind

a. Readiness

b. Preparedness

c. Giving out of generosity

d. Not as a grudging obligation

CULTIVATING A HEART OF GIVING

1. An imagery of a sower (2 Corinthians 9:6)

a. The principle of reaping what we sow

b. He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly

i. If a person sow sparingly

ii. He cannot expect to reap more than he has sown

c. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully

i. Same principle applies!

ii. He who sows bountifully can look forward to a bountiful yield!

2. Application of imagery (2 Corinthians 9:7a)

a. Principle to be applied personally “Let each one”

b. The idea of giving as he “Purposes” in his heart

i. Planned

ii. Prayed over

iii. Decided

c. Not grudgingly

d. Not of necessity (Not out of constraint or compulsion)

3. A cheerful giver! (2 Corinthians 9:7b)

a. God is the ultimate recipient of our gifts!

b. God loves a cheerful giver!

APPLICATION

1. Let us learn these principles of giving well

2. Let us cultivate the heart of a cheerful giver!