2 Corinthians 8:1-15
What is Grace?

I. Example of Grace: How Covenant came to have the Providence Gym
1. A hypocrite loves to talk about “the doctrines of grace” but gives 1% of his income.
2. To get our building, we were promised $1,200/month but that was withdrawn when we moved here.
3. Mary’s friends in Houston, Texas, didn’t know about our trouble, pledged $1,200.
II. Grace is Seen
A. “Grace” Is Not Just a Doctrine.
1. Grace is a dynamic power that can be seen, especially what we do with our money.
2. Grace is seen gushing out through their wallets as they open them up to give.
3. Chong Siew Hoon gave $52,000 so we could have our building and refurbish it.
B. The Macedonian’s Grace
1. Paul wants the Corinthians to know about the Macedonians’ gift to the Jerusalem church.
2. In that gift they can see grace and finally learn what it’s about.
3. A bad question: ‘Do I have to tithe?’ Grace is not a ticket out of tithing.
III. Grace Serves
A. Macedonians Example
1. Paul was taking up an offering from his churches – made up mostly of Gentile Christians -- to take back to Jerusalem where the Jewish Christians were suffering.
2. Macedonian Christians begging for the privilege of giving.
3. Grace does not ask about the minimum. It begs to give the maximum.
B. Their Participation (8:4)
1. Fellowship (Greek “koinonia”), the gift of sharing to work with other Christians.
2. Grace wants to participate in the lives of others. The Macedonians pleaded for participation.
IV. Grace Acts (8:6):
A. Grace Is Seen In Acts That Serve.
1. Grace changes you so that you act differently, including in your handling of money.
2. It should make you willing to share an equal load.
B. Dependence
1. Paul tells them that their abundance should go to help others who were needy (8:14).
2. So participate in the lives of other churches and ministries, like in Ethiopia.
V. Grace Frees (8:7):
A. Grace is Not:
1. Grace is not commanded (8:8). Law and commands can’t create givers. Only grace can.
2. Grace is not nothing; nothing seen, nothing changed; nothing given.
B. Grace Is
1. Grace frees us from the law and self-indulgence but frees us to give.
2. Grace doesn’t mean nothing; nothing seen; nothing served; nothing acted; nothing given.
VI. Grace Enriches (8:9-15)
A. The Supreme Example of Grace: our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. Rich! He had all the treasures of heaven, every planet and star and galaxy and glory itself.
2. He gave up everything, became poor, so we could be rich.
B. Jesus Paid Our Debt
1. He paid the debt our sins owed with His perfect life. Grace gives to enrich.
2. In that moment on the cross He was bereft of the Father Himself.
3. He gave everything for our sins so we could have that rich relationship.
4. That’s why it’s inappropriate question about tithing, “Do I have to give 10%?”
5. When we see Jesus on the cross giving Himself for us, then we beg to give ourselves.
IX. Conclusion: Grace is Amazing! “Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, demands my life, my soul, my all.” (“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”