In this sermon launching the "Overflow" series, Karl Ihfe examines the connection between grace and generosity through the lens of 2 Corinthians 8. He establishes that grace is the source of generosity, pointing to how God always gives first—"For God so loved the world that he gave" (John 3:16). The Macedonian churches exemplify this principle, as they gave generously despite their extreme poverty because they had first experienced God's transformative grace.

Karl highlights Paul's surprising equation: severe trial + overflowing joy + extreme poverty = rich generosity. This counterintuitive formula works because true joy isn't dependent on circumstances but flows from grace. As he states, "Joy doesn't come from what's in our wallet. It comes from who's in our heart." Following Christ's example—who "though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor" (2 Corinthians 8:9)—we're called to let grace overflow into sacrificial generosity that matures us and becomes contagious to others. Karl challenges us to respond not by asking "How much should I give?" but rather "How much have I been given?"

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