“Building Out by Building Up” Grace Living Through Grace Giving

Posted by Pastor Pat on October 25, 2009

2 Corinthians 9:6

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in every thing, you may have an abundance for every good deed;

While teaching the teens in the earlier part of the year I spoke on “The Seven Laws of the Jungle.”  These “Laws” are dispensationally generic meaning regardless as to the dispensation they neither change nor become dated or irrelevant.  One of the seven is called, “The Law of Sowing and Reaping.”  In the providence of God this “Law” is no less true concerning giving.

At WBC we believe in what is called “Grace Giving.”  This means we believe God is big enough to supply the needs for the advancement of His ministry in us and through us.  We are equally convinced that God will use His people to meet the financial needs of the local church ministry.  Thus at WBC you will not hear perpetual pleas for financial assistance nor will guilt be used to motivate the people of God to give.  If somehow the corporate fellowship does not believe the ministries of WBC are worthy of continuation through financial giving, then they will come to an end.  God’s will, in some ways, can be determined by the availability or lack therein of financial backing.

Our passage before us gives the foundation for grace giving.

First, verse six gives us a timeless principle, “He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”  Whether we like it or not those who are generous with their finances will reap bountifully.  Generous does not mean foolish or careless, but it does mean, “bighearted, openhanded, and liberal (Proverbs 11:25).”  Whether the return is in this life or in the life that is to come is not stated, but there is a bountiful return on generous giving.

Second, verse seven provides three additional guidelines.  Our giving is deliberate (“as he has purposed in his heart”).  Our giving is voluntary (“not grudgingly or under compulsion”).  And our giving is agreeable (“cheerful giver”).  Grace giving gives because it has been the recipient of grace.  Grace forms the only legitimate motive for giving.  Grace giving declares that “He is enough in this life and in the life to come.”  Grace giving always sees the giver of the gifts greater than the gifts given.

Third, verse eight assures me that God will continue to meet all of my needs (Philippians 4:18, 19).  Because of God’s unconditional love for me I never have to fear of “outgiving” God.  I never have to give to God to get from God.  He already gave me His Son thus He will withhold nothing from me that I need (Romans 8:32). My motive for giving is always grace based and love motivated.  My giving simply says, “God I love you and you mean more to me than the gifts you give.”

Let us continue to prayerfully support His work through the gifts we enjoy as His children.  May you rejoice in what God is choosing to do in and through WBC to those around her.

By Pastor Patrick J. Griffiths.  For more information see the Waukesha Bible Church series on Galatians.