The Commitment

The attitude of the believer: 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 (NIV) — 1 Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

The second letter:
2 Corinthians 8:1–8 (NIV) — 1 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.

2 Corinthians 9:6–15 (NIV) — 6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

1. Their attitude —They plead for the privilege of giving
   • They had given themselves to the Lord first.
   • They gave beyond what they were able –how does poverty lead to generosity?
   • What changes in the heart of a person that would lead them to plead for the privilege of giving?
2. They gave themselves to the Lord and so were giving to the Lords’ people –
   • Whatever you do for them you do for Him.
   • They saw other believers as the Lord’s people. (like a child of a parent you care about)
   • They trusted the promise –what you sow you reap.

Matthew 25:31–42 (NIV) — 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,

1 Timothy 6:17–19 (NIV)
3. God gives to us for a purpose 2 Corinthians 9:8 and 11
• God is praised when our confession is supported by obedience

1. When we give God gets the glory –the ultimate mission of a disciple –to preach the good news so people can be saved. –2 Corinthians 9:13
2. When we love others, it leads to relationship—
   • 2 Corinthians 9:14 Acts 2:44–47 (NIV)
   We are asking you to obey Jesus in your finances
3. To give – as the Bible commands to His work through the church.
4. To become generous – in your individual dealings with others.
5. Let’s join the Lord in His mission.

Small Group Discussion Questions
1. Who do you know that is a generous person? What makes you think of them as generous?
2. What act of generosity in your life have you been inspired by?
3. If you had a large sum of money that you had to give away, above and beyond your tithe, what would you do with it?
4. What’s the difference between a tithe and an offering?
5. Consider the Corinthian church and their severe trials in 2 Cor. 8:2 – When do you find it the most difficult to be generous?
6. As we’ve been talking about committing our time, talents, resources and relationships to God, is there an area that God is asking you to go above and beyond in generosity?
7. How do you plan to “seek first His kingdom” this holiday season? (Matt 6:33)
Scriptures to consider
● 2 Corinthians 8:1-12, 9:6-18 Matthew 6:33