Proof of Love (2 Cor. 9:1-5) | Let's Get Liberal, pt. 3

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Slides:

Why do we find it hard to give liberally?

- A greater need for this grace in our sanctification. (8:1-2)

- It feels forced/like legalism (8:3-4, 8-9)

- A feeling that our gifts are insignificant. (8:12)

- A lack of trust in God as provider. (8:15)

- A distrust in leadership/administration of the gift. (8:20-21)

Why do we find it hard to give liberally?

- We don’t see the use/ministry connection through our financial gifts. (9:1-4)

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all [persons.] 7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

1 Peter 2:4-5

And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 1:13

I consider it right, as long as I am in this [earthly] dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder…

Romans 12:10-13

[Be] devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

2 Corinthians 7:2-3

Make room for us [in your hearts;] we wronged no one, we corrupted no one, we took advantage of no one. 3 I do not speak to condemn you, for I have said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together.

Why do we find it hard to give liberally?

- Greed, focus on worldly things. (9:5)

Our financial gifts are ministry, they are the proof of our love!

Proof of your love:

- 8 unique ministry partners primarily sharing the Gospel with Muslims from here to Southeast Asia

- Acts – disaster relief

- CRU in Romania and on campus at Lee – college students

- Ocoee FCA – local college and high school ministry

- Foundation House – single moms

- Hope 4 One – foster and adoption

- New Hope Pregnancy Care Center – crisis pregnancies

- Queens 4 Kings – church planting in South Africa

- Sloan family – evangelism and discipleship in Guatemala

- The Caring Place – practical needs based ministry here in Cleveland

Our liberality is participation in God’s work. He is the Giver, we are simply the vessels!