Why do we dislike it so much when money is talked about in church? This sermon, based on 2 Corinthians 8-9, tells the story of the collection for famine-stricken Jerusalem: the poor Macedonians gave generously at once, while the wealthy Corinthians delayed keeping their promise for a year. You will hear that generosity is not a privilege of the rich but the attitude of a free and joyful heart that knows everything we have belongs to God anyway. Listen, and instead of asking how much you have to give, ask yourself how much you can give with joy.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- Paul encourages the wealthy Corinthians with the example of the poor Macedonians, who despite their own need gave a generous gift for the starving believers in Jerusalem. Why might this example have stirred the Corinthians, who a year earlier had only promised to help?
- In 2 Corinthians 8 Paul refers to the manna in the wilderness: whoever gathered much did not have too much, and whoever gathered little did not have too little. What does this story teach about God as the giver and about balance within the community?
- The sermon says that our calendar and our spending show what we truly believe better than our declarations do. What do your expenses from the past month reveal about where your heart is set?
- The speaker says your house, your car and your money are not really yours; you are only managing them. How does your view of possessions change when you see yourself as a steward rather than an owner?
- Paul writes that God loves a cheerful giver, and the sermon suggests replacing the question "How much should I give?" with "How much can I give joyfully and without compulsion?" What keeps you from giving with a free and joyful heart?
- The source of our generosity is Jesus, who though He was rich became poor so that we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). What one concrete step in regular, occasional or charitable giving do you want to take this week in response to His generosity?
