KEY PASSAGE
6 Now [remember] this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to others] will also reap generously [and be blessed]. 7 Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift].
– 2 CORINTHIANS 9:6-7
“I PLANT AND YOU POUR”RHYTHM OF GIVING IS A PRACTICE OF RETURN AND A RELEASE
GOD’S GOAL FOR THE RHYTHM OF OUR GIVING IS TO BE THE BEGINNING OF OUR GENEROSITY
12 For the ministry of this service (offering) is not only supplying the needs of the saints (God’s people), but is also overflowing through many expressions of thanksgiving to God.
– 2 CORINTHIANS 9:12
35 remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed [and brings greater joy] to give than to receive.’”
– ACTS 20:35
24 Until now you have not asked [the Father] for anything in My name; but now ask and keep on asking and you will receive, so that your joy may be full and complete.
– JOHN 16:24
RHYTHM OF TRANSFORMATIONAL GIVING IS ROOTED IN THE ABUNDANT TRUSTWORTHINESS OF GOD
8 And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.
– 2 CORINTHIANS 9:8
9 You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile. The river of God has plenty of water; it provides a bountiful harvest of grain, for you have ordered it so. 10 You drench the plowed ground with rain, melting the clods and leveling the ridges. You soften the earth with showers and bless its abundant crops.11 You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance. 12 The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy. 13 The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy!
– PSALM 65:9-13
GROUP ACTIVATION:
I PLANT AND YOU POUR
READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 9
- RHYTHM OF GIVING IS A PRACTICE OF RETURN AND A RELEASE
READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 9:7
ASK:
Where am I at on my journey to becoming more like Jesus in my joyful giving?
- GOD’S GOAL FOR THE RHYTHM OF OUR GIVING IS TO BE THE BEGINNING OF OUR GENEROSITY
READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 9:12; ACTS 20:35; JOHN 16:24
ASK:
What has God put in my hand I can give and give generously to honor God and change lives?
- RHYTHM OF TRANSFORMATIONAL GIVING IS ROOTED IN THE ABUNDANT TRUSTWORTHINESS OF GOD
READ: 2 CORINTHIANS 9:8; PSALM 65:9-13
ASK:
What am I believing God to abundantly produce a harvest of when I plow and plant?
PRAY:
Jesus, thank you for being the most giving and generous. Thank you for being joyful as you have given generously to me. Forgive me for missing moments to receive greater joy in my life by releasing joy through giving and generosity. Today, I ask you to show me what is in my hand for me to give.
Amen!