Blessing of Giving
Stephen emphasizes that giving is a deeply spiritual act rooted in God's grace and love. He begins by referencing 2nd Corinthians 9:5, highlighting the importance of completing the blessing of giving beforehand, not out of obligation but as a cheerful, willing act. Stephen explains that sowing sparingly results in reaping sparingly, but sowing in the spirit of blessing leads to abundant reaping, aligning with God's love for cheerful givers. He underscores that all aspects of Christian life—ministry, fellowship, authority—are spiritual, and giving is no exception; it is as spiritual as life itself. Giving begins with God's grace, which enables us to share practically and spiritually, and ends with thanksgiving and glorifying God. Stephen discusses the principle of equality, illustrated by manna gathering in the wilderness, teaching that diligent effort should be balanced with generosity—giving over and above one's needs. He stresses that giving should be joyful, not mechanical or under law, but a blessing that aligns with God's nature. The act of giving is linked to righteousness, as it reflects God's righteousness and grace. Ultimately, Stephen points to Christ as the ultimate gift—God's unspeakable gift—and emphasizes that Christ in us is the true source of our ability to give freely and cheerfully, glorifying God through our generosity.
Main Points Outline
- Giving is a spiritual act rooted in God's grace and love.
- Cheerful, willing giving aligns with God's love for cheerful givers.
- All aspects of Christian life—ministry, fellowship, authority—are spiritual; giving is as well.
- Giving begins with God's grace, which enables sharing and results in thanksgiving and glorification of God.
- The principle of equality, exemplified by manna gathering, teaches diligence balanced with generosity.
- Giving should be joyful, not mechanical or law-based, but a blessing in harmony with God's nature.
- Giving reflects righteousness, demonstrating God's righteousness and grace.
- Christ is the ultimate gift—God's unspeakable gift—that enables us to give freely and cheerfully.
- Our capacity to give is expanded through sowing in the spirit of blessing, allowing God's abundant grace to flow.
- Ultimately, giving is an act of Christ in us, glorifying God and fulfilling His purpose.
5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. 7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; 14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
