Overflowing Generosity!

(2 Corinthians 8:1-12) 1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you — see that you excel in this act of grace also. 8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 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. 10 And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.

DEEDS ARE DECIDED BY DESIRE

• They were commended for their excellent obedience. (Verse 7)
  • Literally means, “Extend your track record of excellence to this act of grace also.”
    • “Let your readiness in desire be matched by your completing it.” (Verse 12) 
    • “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.“ (Verse 13)
      • Difficulty should NOT dampen your desire. #virtualamen
        • “…for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part… for they gave according to their means…and beyond their means, of their own accord.” (Verses 2-3)

RESTRICTED RESOURCES SHOULD NOT RUIN YOUR RESOLVE

• You may be…
  • Sitting by a dried up brook.
  • Depending on drone-like ravens to deliver your daily bread.
  • Reaching for your final scoop of flour.
  • Measuring your last drop of oil.
    • (Philippians 4:19 ESV) And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
      • QUOTE: When the Psalmist penned, “From the Lord comes my help” he EXCLUDED all other sources. –Frances J. Roberts

COMPLETION IS CONNECTED TO CALLING

• Those who are called need not be coerced! #virtualamen
  • They gave according to their means. (Verse 3)
  • Of their own accord. (Verse 3)
  • Begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part. (Verse 4)
  • Not as we expected, but they gave themselves to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. (Verse 5)
    • Those who are called will complete THEIR ASSIGNMENT. #virtualamen
      • (Philippians 1:6 ESV) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

CONCLUSION: There are three primary elements in this message: Desire, Calling, and Resources.

Of these three, you are only responsible for one. DESIRE.

• Calling originates with your Creator.
• Resources originate with your Provider.
• Desire originates in your Heart.