“Collect an Offering”
WHY WE DO IT
2 Corinthians 8:1-9 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has
given the Macedonian churches. (2) In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their
extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. (3) For I testify that they gave as much as they were able,
and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, (4) they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of
sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. (5) And they exceeded our expectations: They gave
themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. (6) So we urged Titus, just as he
had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. (7) But since you
excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have
kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
(8) I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the
earnestness of others. (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 through his poverty might become rich.
1. GIVING IS A MATTER OF THE HEART
2 Corinthians 8:1-3 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that
God has given the Macedonian churches. (2) In the midst of a very severe trial, their
overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. (3) For I testify that
they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.
-Matthew 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
2. GIVING IS AN ACT OF GRACE
2 Corinthians 8:3-5 …Entirely on their own, (4) they urgently pleaded with us for the
privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. (5) And they exceeded our
expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also
to us.
3. GIVING IS PART OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY
2 Corinthians 8:7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in
complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this
grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love
by comparing it with the earnestness of others.
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
4. GIVING FOLLOWS THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS
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 through his poverty might become rich.