Strange Ministers 2 Corinthians. Strange Ministers Barna Group Statistics – April 2012...

Strange MinistersStrange Ministers2 Corinthians

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Barna Group Statistics – April 2012

Americans Protestants

personally affected by the economy in a

major way34%

personally affected by the economy in a

major way35%

have reduced donations to church 34% have reduced

donations to church 33%

stopped giving to churches altogether 11% stopped giving to

churches altogether 6%

http://www.barna.org/donorscause-articles/571-the-economy-continues-to-squeeze-americans-charitable-giving


Jesus & Money


Jesus & MoneyJesus talked more about money than about heaven and hell combined!


2 Cor. 6:14-7:1

Separate from idol worship!

1) So you can have fellowship with the living God!

2) So you can be ambassadors for Christ!


2 Corinthians 7

“We double our delight in God as we expand it in the lives of others.”

– John Piper

Godly GriefRepentanceJoy


2 Corinthians 8 & 9Giving

Χἀρις“grace” (8:1, 9; 9:8, 14)

“privilege,” “favor” (8:4)

“act of grace,” (8:6)

“work of grace,” “gift of charity” (8:7)

“offering,” “work of grace” (8:19)


2 Corinthians 8 & 9

Giving“generous/willing gift,” “gift of blessing” (9:5)

“sharing,” “taking part,” “partnership” (8:4; 9:12-13)

“service” (8:4; 9:1, 12-13)

“(public) service” (9:12)


2 Corinthians 8 & 9

God’s Grace“grace”

- used 10x- the frame

God giving His people the desire & ability to give generously


2 Corinthians 8 & 9

Example of Macedonians (8:1-5)

Wealth of generosityOut of extreme poverty & afflictionWith abundant joy

By God’s grace


2 Corinthians 8 & 9

Example of Macedonians (8:1-5)

Abundant joy“of their own accord”

“begging us earnestly”

“not as we expected”

1st to God & then to His people


2 Corinthians 8 & 9Example of Jesus (8:9)

Grace:Was richBecame poor for usSo that we may be rich

Material riches??


2 Corinthians 8 & 9I. Generous Giving: Examples &

Expectation (8:1-15)

II. Worthy men sent to collect the gift (8:16-24)

III. Advanced collection as a willing gift (9:1-5)

IV. Theology of Giving (9:6-15)


2 Corinthians 8 & 9

Theology of Giving (9:6-15)

“You reap what you sow.” (v. 6)

Promise of material reward??



Cheerful Giving (v. 7)Context: Sabbath year of remission

(Deut. 15:10)

How much??

What is most important about giving??

Condition of the heart!!



God’s Grace (v. 8-11)God enables us to give – desire & ability

Psalm 112:9 – it’s in God’s righteous character to enable us to give to others.

We give our money to meet other’s needs b/c of God’s grace – already given to us & continuing to work in our lives!


Theology of Giving (9:6-15)God’s Grace (v. 8-11)

“he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food” (Isaiah 55:10)

“the harvest of your righteousness” (Hosea 10:12)

Context: the provision of God’s Word to bring about salvation.

- God does NOT promise to make us rich, but to use us as instruments of the Gospel!



Purpose of Giving (v. 12-15)“Love is the overflow of joy in God which gladly

meets the needs of others.” – John Piper

Foundation: God’s grace working in our lives!

Purpose: cheerful giving is ultimately for God’s glory!

Giving is an act of worship – it results in God being praised!!

2 Corinthians 8 & 92 Corinthians 8 & 9

Theology of Giving

God

Us Others

gives g

race

cheerful giving

praise & prayers

Strange Ministers 2 Corinthians. Strange Ministers Barna Group Statistics – April 2012...

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