Give Together | Yours Mine Ours | Erin Johnston
Have you ever felt unsure about how your financial contributions to the local church can make a real impact? Many have been in that same place, wondering if their generosity truly matters. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, it says, "God loves a cheerful giver," reminding us that giving is an act of faith and trust in God's provision. Together, as a church community, we can unite our resources to push the mission of Jesus forward, supporting one another and shining light in the darkness. What step can you take to give cheerfully and be part of something bigger through your local church?
KEY VERSES
2 Corinthians 8:1-9 NLT - Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia.They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving.Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9 NLT - You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.
2 Corinthians 9:1-5 NLT - I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem.For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don’t want to be wrong in my boasting about you.We would be embarrassed—not to mention your own embarrassment—if some Macedonian believers came with me and found that you weren’t ready after all I had told them!So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.
2 Corinthians 9:6-15 NLT - Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!
Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47 NLT - All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosityall the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.
Matthew 6:21 NLT - Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
HEARING WHAT GOD IS SAYING
One of the best ways to hear what God is saying right now is to look at what He has said in the Bible with a few friends. Discovery Bible Study is an easy-to-use way to hear from God, make good changes in our lives, and share with others what God is up to. Grab some friends, pick a verse or story from above, and dive deeper into this week’s message.
Recap
+ Reconnect
+ Recap
Discovering What God Is Saying
+ Read and Retell the Bible Story
+ Read and Look
+ Read and Look Again
Doing What God Is Saying
+ Consider
Sharing what God is saying
+ Praying Together
+ Share
Become a Partner
Every time you give in Jesus’ name, you make a difference in others AND you make a difference in your own life! Partnering together in generosity helps accomplish things together that could never be accomplished alone! You can partner together in giving today with a single gift, or schedule recurring giving using your checking account, debit, or credit card.