READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l On this Pledge Sunday, it is appropriate to consider how to counter our modern culture of getting and gaining with God’s Word to pledge and give. In 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul wrote to churches about raising funds for the poor and needy in Jerusalem.
Stop giving! Losing something!
Some people associate giving with losing something. But Paul says that giving is like sowing. When the farmer sows by scattering his seeds, he knows he does not lose something but that he will reap a harvest. A farmer may sow or invest his seeds sparingly or bountifully. Whatever the amount, the farmer needs to sow for if he does not sow, he will not reap. Vs 10 tells us why we need to give – for God is the one who has given us all that we have. As stewards, we receive His resources. Ps 112:9 describes the righteous as those who give without expecting repayment. They are people who give freely, just as God gives us freely. As the hymn states: “We give thee but thine own … all that we have is thine alone, a trust, O Lord from thee”. So let us pledge according to what we are able – our finances, talents and time.
Stop giving out of obligation!
Do not give reluctantly or under compulsion. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 5,7). Paul does not impose the Old Testament law on his readers. Instead of stipulating an amount, he simply urges the church to give willingly and cheerfully. In Luke 21, our Lord praises the poor widow who gave her two mites. It was not the amount He was highlighting but the attitude of giving her all. Decide in our hearts regarding the amount to pledge, noting that we are to offer ourselves as a holy and living sacrifice to God.
Cheerful giving for the harvest
Jesus sets for us an example. “For the joy set before him he endured the cross” (Heb. 12:2). As we give, we expect the joy of reaping a harvest of righteousness. This is seen in the personal grace we receive. In trusting God, we experience His providence and develop a generous spirit. This results in an overflowing of thanksgiving to God. A miraculous process is taking place. Our obedience to God in stewarding His resources results in praise to God by those who receive our gifts. These gifts meet the needs of others; our giving is an answer to the prayers of others. Our faithful stewardship reaches out in love to others and as a result, God is glorified. Vs 14 describe a bond of love between giver and recipient. This is kingdom building, for the Jewish believers in Jerusalem are led to giving thanks to God for their fellow believers in distant lands across the Mediterranean Sea. God has given us so much, even His only Son. Paul is at a loss for words as he finishes the chapter with “thanks be to God for his indescribable gift” (vs 15).
We are the fruits of the harvest sown by earlier generations including missionaries, teachers in school or Sunday School. They all sowed, whether bountifully or sparingly – but sow they did. Therefore, let us also sow for a harvest of righteousness.
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Share a situation when you were greatly blessed when you gave of your time/money/talent.
- Count the many blessings entrusted upon you[treasures/gifts/time] that you can offer for the Lord’s glory. Which could you start with?
- List the many blessings of giving.
