Rooted for Life: “The God Who Gives”

Colossians 2:6-7 - "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

I. Attitude of Giving (2 Corinthians 8:5)

2 Corinthians 8:5 – “and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.”

Mark 12:41–44 – “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”” 

II. The Poverty of Christ (2 Corinthians 8:9)

2 Corinthians 8:9 – “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”

Philippians 2:7–8 – “but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” 

III. The Source of Generosity (2 Corinthians 8:12)

2 Corinthians 8:12 – “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.”

Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,” 

IV. Give Based on Need (2 Corinthians 8:14)

2 Corinthians 8:14 – “your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.” 

V. A Godly Return is Expected (2 Corinthians 9:6)

2 Corinthians 9:6 – “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” 

2 Corinthians 9:11 – “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” 

VI. Giving is an Act of Obedience Between You and God (2 Corinthians 9:7)

2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 

2 Corinthians 8:3 – “For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,” 

VII. Giving is Meant to be a Joyous Act (2 Corinthians 9:7)

2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 

VIII. God is Our Supplier (2 Corinthians 9:10)

2 Corinthians 9:10 – “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” 

IX. Generosity Results in God’s Glory (2 Corinthians 9:13)

2 Corinthians 9:13 – “By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,” 

Ephesians 1:3 – “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,”