WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.980 Good morning all. A carnival set up down at the concourse in Chatswood. They had a variety 00:00:08.980 --> 00:00:16.219 of side shows as you do it at a carnival, one of which was the popular strongman competition. 00:00:17.219 --> 00:00:24.740 They had a 150 kilogram muscle bound hulk of an individual who squeezed an orange into 00:00:24.739 --> 00:00:31.399 a glass until there was, it wasn't even a drop left in this orange. And then the challenge 00:00:31.399 --> 00:00:36.500 was to throw out in front of everyone who'd gathered if anyone could come up and get just 00:00:36.500 --> 00:00:46.200 one more drop out of this orange, then they would win a prize of $1,000. Many who spent 00:00:46.200 --> 00:00:52.179 their days looking at themselves in the mirror at Crunch Gym stepped up and tried but without 00:00:52.179 --> 00:01:00.920 success to get another drop out of this orange until that is a middle-aged man watching from 00:01:00.920 --> 00:01:08.200 the back stepped up to the platform, grabbed the orange and proceeded to squeeze this orange 00:01:08.200 --> 00:01:17.060 and managed to get another half a cup of juice out of this orange. And the crowd roared with 00:01:17.060 --> 00:01:25.780 delight as the check was handed over for $1,000. And this muscle bound buffoon was embarrassed and 00:01:25.780 --> 00:01:31.400 flabbergasted at how this individual could possibly do that. It's not like he'd spend his days at Crunch 00:01:31.400 --> 00:01:39.040 Gym. And so he asked him who he was and how on earth did he do it? He said, my name is Andrew Smith. 00:01:39.040 --> 00:01:44.420 I'm the treasurer of the local Anglican church and I do this every Sunday with a collection. 00:01:48.640 --> 00:01:58.800 So far in 2 Corinthians, Paul has put it all out there. His passion for Jesus and the gospel, 00:01:59.719 --> 00:02:07.360 his convictions about ministry, his concern for the church family at Corinth, his love for individuals, 00:02:07.359 --> 00:02:14.860 his fear for their long-term salvation and even his delight as we saw last week at their repentance 00:02:14.860 --> 00:02:25.319 after his previous stern letter. So having done all of that and with the church now turning around, 00:02:25.439 --> 00:02:34.520 what is left? To talk about money. See the link? See the link between what has happened to this point? 00:02:34.520 --> 00:02:41.620 Paul has been calling them back again and again to the authentic gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and 00:02:41.620 --> 00:02:49.719 having celebrated their repentance, he now highlights what an authentic embrace of the gospel looks like in 00:02:49.719 --> 00:03:01.240 practice. Authentic generosity. God's generosity to us shapes a life of generosity. 00:03:01.240 --> 00:03:07.960 These chapters are not incidental. They're not a side point. 00:03:09.840 --> 00:03:17.320 They are not an added little bit in there to the message of 2 Corinthians. In fact, a number of 00:03:17.320 --> 00:03:22.740 commentators argue that these chapters are the point of 2 Corinthians. 00:03:22.740 --> 00:03:34.240 While money is the presenting issue in these chapters, they are more broadly a call to open-hearted, 00:03:35.200 --> 00:03:40.760 wholehearted, whole-of-life, gospel-shaped followers of the Lord Jesus. 00:03:40.759 --> 00:03:53.120 Now this is, of course, is evidenced in a life of radical generosity as God's generosity to us shapes a life of generosity. 00:03:54.459 --> 00:03:56.579 So it does include the way we handle our money. 00:03:57.719 --> 00:04:08.099 In 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul gives us the longest, most rigorous, sustained treatment of a gospel-shaped 00:04:08.099 --> 00:04:11.219 attitude to money in the entire Bible. 00:04:12.819 --> 00:04:19.360 So open up your Bibles, 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. It would be great if you could follow along with me 00:04:19.360 --> 00:04:22.139 and to see what God has to say to us on this issue. 00:04:22.680 --> 00:04:24.500 So why does Paul do that here? 00:04:25.060 --> 00:04:28.240 Why does he give us this treatment here? 00:04:28.240 --> 00:04:32.939 Because he's wanting to raise money. 00:04:34.199 --> 00:04:42.740 It's easy to forget that these letters are not abstract theological essays which lay the theological foundation for Christianity. 00:04:43.160 --> 00:04:45.879 They do that, absolutely. 00:04:46.379 --> 00:04:50.639 But they are also real letters written for pressing and urgent reasons. 00:04:50.639 --> 00:05:02.199 And in this case, it's to get the prosperous Corinthians to part with large amounts of their hard-earned cash 00:05:02.199 --> 00:05:09.339 so that their poor brothers and sisters back in Jerusalem can put some hummus and falafel on the table. 00:05:10.219 --> 00:05:12.339 That's the point here of these. 00:05:12.500 --> 00:05:15.180 He's looking to raise money. 00:05:15.740 --> 00:05:17.300 Should not forget that. 00:05:17.300 --> 00:05:27.280 One of the main reasons 2 Corinthians was written was to ensure that when Titus and his friends showed up at Corinth, 00:05:27.699 --> 00:05:31.560 there would be a large pile of drachma waiting for them. 00:05:35.120 --> 00:05:42.560 So strap yourselves in, get a firm grip on your wallet because we've got a bit of ground to cover today. 00:05:42.780 --> 00:05:44.519 We'll see that in the service outline. 00:05:44.519 --> 00:05:49.620 If you've got that in front of you, you can get it on the St. Paul's app or on the sheets that were handed out to you. 00:05:50.839 --> 00:05:52.159 The gospel produces generosity. 00:05:52.459 --> 00:05:53.539 The gospel produces sacrifice. 00:05:53.839 --> 00:05:55.599 The gospel produces servant-heartedness. 00:05:55.779 --> 00:05:58.719 The gospel produces joyful generosity. 00:05:58.859 --> 00:06:02.759 I want to close off with an exhortation to practice authentic generosity. 00:06:03.060 --> 00:06:04.199 So let's kick off. 00:06:04.259 --> 00:06:09.879 The first one is the gospel produces a life of generosity from chapter 8 verses 1 to 7. 00:06:09.879 --> 00:06:15.600 So Paul tells the Corinthians to give like the Macedonians. 00:06:16.339 --> 00:06:24.360 There is no doubt in Paul's mind that one crucial effect of the gospel is a life of radical generosity. 00:06:25.579 --> 00:06:29.339 The Macedonians were a noteworthy example. 00:06:30.339 --> 00:06:37.159 The Macedonians had dumbfounded Paul with their selfless generosity despite their deep poverty. 00:06:37.279 --> 00:06:38.659 Have a look at verses 1 to 5. 00:06:38.660 --> 00:06:44.840 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 00:06:45.680 --> 00:06:56.040 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 00:06:56.040 --> 00:07:04.740 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able and even beyond their ability, entirely on their own, 00:07:05.100 --> 00:07:11.060 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people. 00:07:11.420 --> 00:07:13.820 And they exceeded our expectations. 00:07:14.460 --> 00:07:20.040 They gave themselves first of all to the Lord and then by the will of God also to us. 00:07:20.040 --> 00:07:26.379 So their giving is clearly sacrificial. 00:07:27.060 --> 00:07:30.819 They gave more than they could afford to give. 00:07:31.560 --> 00:07:34.180 And it was remarkably enthusiastic. 00:07:34.500 --> 00:07:42.560 They begged Paul for the privilege of getting involved in the collection he was organising for the struggling church in Jerusalem. 00:07:42.560 --> 00:07:45.139 I've got to be honest with you. 00:07:45.480 --> 00:07:57.639 I dream of the day when people will crowd at my office door pleading with me to allow them to give more and more money to the work of gospel ministry through St. Paul's and beyond. 00:07:58.980 --> 00:08:01.639 Please be that person for me this week. 00:08:02.139 --> 00:08:03.160 Please do that. 00:08:03.160 --> 00:08:33.139 Please do that. 00:08:33.159 --> 00:09:03.139 Please do that. 00:09:03.159 --> 00:09:16.959 How quickly we can move an empty bag to the back, from the front to the back, without anyone acting like anything significant, let alone joyful, is actually happening in that moment. 00:09:22.059 --> 00:09:25.439 We used to do it while singing so no one noticed. 00:09:25.440 --> 00:09:42.940 The Macedonians knew that giving to other believers in the work of the gospel was the overflow of the fact that they themselves gave themselves first to the Lord and then to the apostles. 00:09:42.940 --> 00:09:45.440 I think verse 5 is a startling sentence. 00:09:45.940 --> 00:09:49.940 They gave themselves first to the apostles. 00:09:49.940 --> 00:09:56.760 It reveals a depth of commitment and gravity that we would do well to copy. 00:09:56.759 --> 00:10:05.860 That is, this is, this is the source of their joy, giving themselves to the Lord first. 00:10:07.759 --> 00:10:12.860 They committed themselves wholeheartedly to God in repentance and faith. 00:10:13.159 --> 00:10:14.259 They gave themselves to God. 00:10:14.340 --> 00:10:15.620 They gave themselves to one another. 00:10:15.620 --> 00:10:30.519 John Calvin makes a profound observation on this passage that our problem is that we think something is lost when we give it away. 00:10:30.519 --> 00:10:34.519 Especially when we give it to other people. 00:10:34.519 --> 00:10:48.720 The Macedonians had come to be so set free by the gospel that they really actually realized to give is to gain, not to lose. 00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:51.580 Even though they were Paul. 00:10:52.840 --> 00:10:55.620 And so Paul wants this Corinthian church to model the Macedonians. 00:10:55.700 --> 00:10:56.240 Verse 7, 00:10:56.240 --> 00:11:06.840 But since you excel in everything, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you, see that you also excel in the grace of giving. 00:11:07.960 --> 00:11:18.259 In 1 Corinthians, Paul has plenty to say about the Corinthian church's ability to talk themselves up in speech. 00:11:18.259 --> 00:11:20.059 And in various other ways. 00:11:20.659 --> 00:11:27.879 Now, he says, now you have a wonderful opportunity to put your money where your mouth is. 00:11:30.539 --> 00:11:36.019 Now, Paul's words must have made them squirm a little bit, as I hope it does for some of us here. 00:11:36.779 --> 00:11:41.419 It must have bothered them to be compared to the Macedonians. 00:11:41.879 --> 00:11:46.299 It's kind of like, you know, your parents saying, why can't you be like your brother? 00:11:46.700 --> 00:11:47.759 It's kind of like that. 00:11:48.259 --> 00:11:49.139 It's always awkward. 00:11:50.819 --> 00:12:01.620 The beauty of the gospel, though, is it helps us get over our pride and over our ego and recognize what God has done for others and be spurred on by our brothers and sisters. 00:12:01.620 --> 00:12:04.679 None of us have it sorted. 00:12:04.679 --> 00:12:11.259 And it's right to look to others in moments like this and see what they do have sorted. 00:12:12.700 --> 00:12:17.379 And what the gospel produces, we see, secondly, is a life of sacrifice. 00:12:17.460 --> 00:12:18.759 Verses 8 to 15. 00:12:18.759 --> 00:12:24.980 Having told them to model the Macedonians, Paul then raises the stakes a little bit higher for them in these verses. 00:12:25.779 --> 00:12:28.519 Paul says the gospel produces sacrifice. 00:12:28.919 --> 00:12:33.659 Not just sacrifice like the Macedonians, but sacrifice like Jesus. 00:12:33.659 --> 00:12:38.339 The gospel doesn't just make us generous. 00:12:38.339 --> 00:12:41.159 It makes us selfless. 00:12:42.360 --> 00:12:44.159 Verses 8 and 9. 00:12:44.159 --> 00:12:49.860 I'm not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 00:12:50.559 --> 00:12:57.059 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, 00:12:57.299 --> 00:13:00.699 so that you through his poverty might become rich. 00:13:00.700 --> 00:13:06.200 He's now telling them to act like Jesus. 00:13:07.080 --> 00:13:09.580 Not just the Macedonians, but Jesus. 00:13:11.160 --> 00:13:19.160 In this very brief sentence, Paul highlights the pre-existence of the Son of God 00:13:19.160 --> 00:13:25.440 and the grace that God has shown us in the coming of the eternal Son of God into this world, 00:13:25.440 --> 00:13:36.060 dying on a cross for us to press the Corinthian church into a life of selflessness in their generosity. 00:13:36.680 --> 00:13:41.920 In particular, he's telling the Corinthians to follow through with the pledges 00:13:41.920 --> 00:13:45.800 in the same way that Jesus followed through for our sake, 00:13:47.280 --> 00:13:53.180 by not even balking at death on a cross for the sins of the world. 00:13:53.640 --> 00:13:54.280 Let's keep reading. 00:13:54.360 --> 00:13:54.820 Verse 10. 00:13:54.820 --> 00:13:58.980 And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. 00:13:59.420 --> 00:14:04.400 Last year, you were the first not only to give, but also to have the desire to do so. 00:14:05.180 --> 00:14:10.240 Now finish the work so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched 00:14:10.240 --> 00:14:13.640 by your completion of it according to your means. 00:14:17.640 --> 00:14:22.660 The point he's saying here is follow through with your commitments. 00:14:22.659 --> 00:14:30.600 Because Jesus did, and the fact that he did empowers us to do so too. 00:14:32.139 --> 00:14:40.980 If you say you're going to support someone in ministry, an organization, a missionary, 00:14:40.980 --> 00:14:46.439 then fill out the forms and transfer the money. 00:14:47.319 --> 00:14:47.819 Do it. 00:14:47.820 --> 00:14:48.820 That's the point. 00:14:48.820 --> 00:14:48.840 That's the point. 00:14:54.180 --> 00:15:01.180 I think it's important to point out that at the moment right now, we are $22,000 behind 00:15:01.180 --> 00:15:03.300 in our offertory this year. 00:15:03.299 --> 00:15:13.079 When I say that, I mean $22,000 behind what we said we would give in November last year. 00:15:14.079 --> 00:15:18.659 $22,000 behind our pledges from last year. 00:15:18.659 --> 00:15:28.319 As Paul is here calling the Corinthians to follow through with their pledges, 00:15:28.439 --> 00:15:30.139 I want to encourage you to do the same. 00:15:31.819 --> 00:15:37.259 Let's see that that $22,000 deficit removed by the time that Andrew does his reporting 00:15:37.259 --> 00:15:38.699 for parish council next month. 00:15:40.299 --> 00:15:41.919 One month, $22,000. 00:15:42.179 --> 00:15:42.899 Let's get it sorted. 00:15:42.899 --> 00:15:53.519 A year earlier, the Corinthians had made encouraging noises about supporting the Jerusalem fund. 00:15:54.679 --> 00:15:56.699 Now they need to come up with the cash. 00:15:57.299 --> 00:16:01.919 Now is the time that they needed to prioritize others and to open their wallets. 00:16:02.840 --> 00:16:08.720 The extent to which we follow through with our commitments is a measure of how selfless or 00:16:08.720 --> 00:16:10.100 selfish we are. 00:16:10.100 --> 00:16:18.519 Almost always, it is self getting in the way of us following through in our commitments. 00:16:19.800 --> 00:16:28.340 I don't do what I said that I would do because I've prioritized something else in that moment. 00:16:29.159 --> 00:16:31.680 Something else that becomes more important to me. 00:16:33.399 --> 00:16:35.379 It's not flattering, but it's true. 00:16:35.779 --> 00:16:37.399 It's the opposite of Jesus' attitude. 00:16:37.399 --> 00:16:43.600 And what Paul is wanting to see this Corinthian church is to see a grace-driven equilibrium. 00:16:44.659 --> 00:16:46.360 Verses 12 to 15. 00:16:46.360 --> 00:16:50.840 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according 00:16:50.840 --> 00:16:52.440 to what one does not have. 00:16:53.080 --> 00:17:01.480 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard-pressed, but that there might 00:17:01.480 --> 00:17:02.500 be equality. 00:17:03.340 --> 00:17:09.079 At the present time, your plenty will supply what they need so that in turn, their plenty 00:17:09.079 --> 00:17:10.900 will supply what you need. 00:17:10.900 --> 00:17:14.420 The goal is equality as it is written. 00:17:14.780 --> 00:17:18.720 The one who gathered much did not have too much and the one who gathered little did not 00:17:18.720 --> 00:17:19.420 have too little. 00:17:20.680 --> 00:17:22.880 When I need help, you help me. 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:24.700 And when you need help, I help you. 00:17:26.140 --> 00:17:28.440 No one is keeping score here though. 00:17:29.580 --> 00:17:30.920 No one's keeping score. 00:17:30.920 --> 00:17:38.600 There is a natural, what he's describing here is within the church, there's this natural grace-driven 00:17:38.600 --> 00:17:45.140 ebb and flow of dependence as we live together without the shame that would stop us asking 00:17:45.140 --> 00:17:49.400 for help, nor the greed that would stop us giving it. 00:17:50.660 --> 00:17:58.720 Paul backs up this idea from Exodus 16 and the account of God, how God supplied manna as 00:17:58.720 --> 00:18:00.480 food for the Israelites in the wilderness. 00:18:02.259 --> 00:18:05.120 And it was every day he provided them with their manna. 00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:07.339 It's why we pray, give us today our daily bread. 00:18:09.440 --> 00:18:11.700 But it was the law of diminishing returns. 00:18:12.500 --> 00:18:20.000 If you got greedy and tried to store up more than a day's worth of manna for yourself, you 00:18:20.000 --> 00:18:21.660 got maggots in your manna. 00:18:21.660 --> 00:18:30.300 Now, there was always enough for each day and for everyone. 00:18:31.680 --> 00:18:38.940 And the principle of Exodus 16 and right through the New Testament is that excess is toxic. 00:18:41.000 --> 00:18:42.440 Excess is toxic. 00:18:43.240 --> 00:18:45.180 John Calvin put it like this. 00:18:45.180 --> 00:18:51.519 Those who have riches, whether inherited or won by their own industry and labour, are 00:18:51.519 --> 00:18:57.940 to remember that what is left over is not for intemperance or luxury, but for relieving 00:18:57.940 --> 00:18:59.400 the needs of the brothers. 00:19:01.259 --> 00:19:03.000 That stings a bit, doesn't it? 00:19:04.580 --> 00:19:09.100 Our society runs on the principle that we work hard so we can get to play hard. 00:19:09.099 --> 00:19:15.119 The default is we spend as much on ourselves as we possibly can. 00:19:15.539 --> 00:19:19.459 We budget and save so that we can spend it on ourselves. 00:19:20.679 --> 00:19:29.879 And the way of Christ is to lavish as much as we can on others for the sake of the gospel. 00:19:30.639 --> 00:19:34.859 It is to give things up for the sake of Jesus and others. 00:19:34.859 --> 00:19:40.539 That's because the gospel also produces servant-heartedness. 00:19:42.199 --> 00:19:48.759 It's why Paul talks about Titus here in chapter 8, verses 16 through to 9.5. 00:19:49.419 --> 00:20:00.019 This kind of gospel-driven equality is revealed when Titus puts his hand up to go to Corinth 00:20:00.019 --> 00:20:05.759 to collect their part of the money, but also in the depth of care he showed them. 00:20:05.960 --> 00:20:07.700 Have a look at verses 16 to 18. 00:20:07.700 --> 00:20:13.440 Thanks be to God who puts into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. 00:20:14.039 --> 00:20:22.579 For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. 00:20:22.579 --> 00:20:30.059 And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. 00:20:31.539 --> 00:20:33.079 It turns out there's two brothers. 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:41.019 Titus and his team of two brothers go above and beyond to serve in a selfless way and full of integrity. 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:42.179 Verse 20. 00:20:42.180 --> 00:21:05.380 Paul knows full well that fights and accusations about money will kill off gospel ministry more quickly than almost anything else. 00:21:05.380 --> 00:21:12.480 I think it's fantastic that the church here does not give me access to bank accounts. 00:21:13.440 --> 00:21:15.300 I think that's fantastic. 00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:27.300 Not because I would run away with the money, but to ensure that there is no accusation that could be leveled at me. 00:21:27.299 --> 00:21:39.440 Paul is keen to make sure that nothing hinders the gospel and the glory of God. 00:21:40.919 --> 00:21:44.059 So how were the Corinthians to respond to this servant hardness? 00:21:44.240 --> 00:21:44.899 Verse 24. 00:21:45.299 --> 00:21:53.240 Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you so that the churches can see it. 00:21:53.240 --> 00:21:58.819 In other words, if you remember the movie, show me the money. 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:02.120 Show me the money. 00:22:02.940 --> 00:22:07.400 That's how you respond to their servant heartedness. 00:22:09.079 --> 00:22:15.920 Time for you to come through for me, for them, for the church, for Jesus and for yourself. 00:22:16.660 --> 00:22:19.799 Give like the Macedonians, live selflessly like Jesus. 00:22:19.799 --> 00:22:29.500 And in the beginning of chapter 9, he's simply calling them to do what they know that they are supposed to do. 00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:33.599 Be people of servant hearted integrity and give. 00:22:36.539 --> 00:22:39.940 Give because the gospel produces joyful generosity. 00:22:40.399 --> 00:22:42.779 Have a look at chapter 9 verse 6. 00:22:42.779 --> 00:22:45.700 Remember this, whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. 00:22:45.720 --> 00:22:48.480 Whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 00:22:49.139 --> 00:22:54.480 Each of you should give what you've decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, 00:22:54.680 --> 00:22:56.700 for God loves a cheerful giver. 00:22:58.240 --> 00:23:05.799 In the Western world, we live under the mantra of God gives credit to the reluctant and cheerful giver. 00:23:05.799 --> 00:23:12.139 We live under that mantra, not realizing that's what we do, but that's what we do. 00:23:12.799 --> 00:23:16.279 God gives credit to the reluctant and careful giver. 00:23:17.059 --> 00:23:21.099 Paul has something a little bit more freeing and lavish in mind in these verses. 00:23:22.039 --> 00:23:24.279 Extravagance is good when it comes to giving. 00:23:25.399 --> 00:23:26.339 That's his view. 00:23:27.079 --> 00:23:31.240 Let me urge you to be a little bit more reckless in your giving. 00:23:31.240 --> 00:23:34.299 Reckless in your giving. 00:23:34.900 --> 00:23:38.539 And to have a broad smile in your recklessness. 00:23:42.839 --> 00:23:49.160 Or if you cannot be in a position to do that, 00:23:49.799 --> 00:23:53.539 to be able to be reckless in your giving at this time, 00:23:53.539 --> 00:24:01.279 make sure that you see your inability to give as an incredibly sad thing. 00:24:03.039 --> 00:24:05.159 That you are actually missing out. 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:13.059 Not because we've had to part with our hard-earned money, 00:24:13.460 --> 00:24:17.379 but because we've missed out on the great joy from God 00:24:17.379 --> 00:24:20.039 in not being able to give in this moment. 00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:26.039 The fact is, those who sow in gospel generosity 00:24:26.039 --> 00:24:28.019 and selflessness or servant hardness, integrity, 00:24:28.759 --> 00:24:38.859 never, ever, ever, ever, ever miss out. 00:24:41.200 --> 00:24:42.839 Have a look at verse 8. 00:24:44.039 --> 00:24:46.359 And God is able to bless you abundantly. 00:24:46.359 --> 00:24:50.419 God is able to lavish on you every kind of abound 00:24:50.419 --> 00:24:53.299 so that in all things and at all times, 00:24:53.419 --> 00:24:55.099 having all that you need, 00:24:55.500 --> 00:24:58.500 you will abound in every good work. 00:24:59.099 --> 00:25:04.500 Our God loves to saturate us in good things. 00:25:04.579 --> 00:25:05.619 Keep reading verse 10. 00:25:06.139 --> 00:25:09.439 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food 00:25:09.439 --> 00:25:12.179 will also supply and increase your store of seed 00:25:12.179 --> 00:25:14.139 and will enlarge your harvest of your righteousness. 00:25:14.140 --> 00:25:17.180 You will be enriched in every way 00:25:17.180 --> 00:25:19.540 so that you can be generous on every occasion 00:25:19.540 --> 00:25:21.300 and through us, 00:25:21.380 --> 00:25:24.360 your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 00:25:25.100 --> 00:25:29.140 God will give us every resource we need 00:25:29.660 --> 00:25:31.280 for our own growth 00:25:31.280 --> 00:25:33.840 and for that of our brothers and sisters in Jesus. 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:35.860 The illusion here in these verses 00:25:35.860 --> 00:25:38.240 is Isaiah 55 10, 00:25:38.560 --> 00:25:40.840 where God's word does not come back 00:25:40.840 --> 00:25:43.520 without accomplishing what it's designed to do. 00:25:43.519 --> 00:25:47.440 This simply means that Paul is talking much more here 00:25:47.440 --> 00:25:50.599 than trading finance for finance. 00:25:51.379 --> 00:25:52.740 You give, God will give you money. 00:25:52.819 --> 00:25:54.359 That's not what he's saying here. 00:25:55.019 --> 00:25:57.379 He is referring to whole of life. 00:25:57.720 --> 00:26:00.680 He's referring to the whole of lives of others as well, 00:26:00.940 --> 00:26:04.960 being enriched with every spiritual blessing. 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:09.460 Let me just follow up on something that I said last week. 00:26:10.559 --> 00:26:13.380 The prosperity gospel, as I referred to last week, 00:26:13.440 --> 00:26:16.539 is a destructive evil and a blight on the church. 00:26:17.900 --> 00:26:20.880 It consistently promises what God does not 00:26:20.880 --> 00:26:24.079 and in its overreaching, 00:26:24.759 --> 00:26:26.680 it blames the lack of blessing 00:26:26.680 --> 00:26:29.920 on the very ones it's been defrauding at the same time. 00:26:29.920 --> 00:26:33.620 Usually the poor and the vulnerable. 00:26:34.840 --> 00:26:39.000 From what I can understand in my leading of this church, 00:26:40.019 --> 00:26:43.080 the prosperity gospel is not our problem. 00:26:44.840 --> 00:26:49.660 Our problem is to go the exact opposite direction 00:26:49.660 --> 00:26:51.940 and have no expectations of God whatsoever. 00:26:51.940 --> 00:26:57.160 We do not expect enough from God. 00:26:57.880 --> 00:27:01.279 We don't need our expectations of God dampened at all. 00:27:02.620 --> 00:27:04.920 We need to take God seriously when he says, 00:27:05.460 --> 00:27:07.580 now he who supplies seed for the sower 00:27:07.580 --> 00:27:09.240 and bread for food 00:27:09.240 --> 00:27:14.039 will also supply and increase your store of seed 00:27:14.039 --> 00:27:18.160 and enlarge your harvest of righteousness. 00:27:18.160 --> 00:27:22.080 We need to listen to our God who says, 00:27:22.720 --> 00:27:26.259 you will be enriched in every way 00:27:26.259 --> 00:27:28.820 to be generous in every way. 00:27:30.860 --> 00:27:32.700 When we give generously, 00:27:33.440 --> 00:27:36.019 when we give with joy in our hearts, 00:27:36.100 --> 00:27:38.540 we are demonstrating that we are trusting 00:27:38.540 --> 00:27:40.440 the God of the gospel 00:27:40.440 --> 00:27:44.960 who has promised to do us nothing but good. 00:27:44.960 --> 00:27:53.400 It's not that we give 00:27:53.400 --> 00:27:57.100 with the plan that God will give us more back, 00:27:58.100 --> 00:28:01.420 but that in giving we demonstrate 00:28:01.420 --> 00:28:03.079 that we trust the gospel, 00:28:03.920 --> 00:28:05.779 that we trust God's promise 00:28:05.779 --> 00:28:08.759 to always do us good. 00:28:08.759 --> 00:28:15.079 And the net result of authentic generosity 00:28:15.079 --> 00:28:17.200 is an overflow of thanksgiving to God. 00:28:17.359 --> 00:28:18.039 Verse 12, 00:28:18.460 --> 00:28:20.099 this service that you perform 00:28:20.099 --> 00:28:22.759 is not only supplying the needs of the Lord's people, 00:28:23.619 --> 00:28:26.259 but he's also overflowing in many expressions 00:28:26.259 --> 00:28:27.319 of thanks to God. 00:28:27.920 --> 00:28:29.440 Because of the service 00:28:29.440 --> 00:28:31.920 by which you have proved yourselves, 00:28:32.420 --> 00:28:34.539 others will praise God 00:28:34.539 --> 00:28:35.900 for the obedience 00:28:35.900 --> 00:28:37.580 that accompanies your confession 00:28:37.580 --> 00:28:39.140 of the gospel of Christ 00:28:39.140 --> 00:28:41.000 and for your generosity 00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:42.560 in sharing with them 00:28:42.560 --> 00:28:44.100 and with everyone else. 00:28:44.540 --> 00:28:46.700 And in their prayers for you, 00:28:46.840 --> 00:28:48.759 their hearts will go out to you 00:28:48.759 --> 00:28:51.440 because of the surpassing grace 00:28:51.440 --> 00:28:53.080 God has given you. 00:28:53.660 --> 00:28:54.820 Thanks be to God 00:28:54.820 --> 00:28:56.360 for his indescribable gift. 00:28:57.519 --> 00:29:00.800 Gospel giving flows out of gratitude 00:29:00.799 --> 00:29:03.419 and it multiplies gratitude, 00:29:03.419 --> 00:29:07.319 which of course leads to God being glorified. 00:29:08.019 --> 00:29:10.659 Gospel giving flows out of gratitude 00:29:10.659 --> 00:29:13.639 and it multiplies gratitude, 00:29:14.159 --> 00:29:17.919 which of course leads to God being glorified. 00:29:19.159 --> 00:29:20.220 Paul's response 00:29:20.220 --> 00:29:22.299 to the lack of generosity 00:29:22.299 --> 00:29:25.440 is to point this Corinthian church 00:29:25.440 --> 00:29:28.000 to God's indescribable gift to us. 00:29:28.000 --> 00:29:30.900 He's referring here to the gospel. 00:29:31.440 --> 00:29:34.099 It is the core of the Christian faith 00:29:34.099 --> 00:29:35.880 and the heartbeat of this church. 00:29:36.380 --> 00:29:37.859 As I've said a couple of times 00:29:37.859 --> 00:29:39.240 and in fact every time 00:29:39.240 --> 00:29:40.619 through 2 Corinthians, 00:29:40.920 --> 00:29:43.119 Paul's gospel in 2 Corinthians is this. 00:29:43.859 --> 00:29:45.420 The authentic Christian gospel 00:29:45.420 --> 00:29:46.839 is the good news 00:29:46.839 --> 00:29:48.900 that God sent his son into the world 00:29:48.900 --> 00:29:50.380 to live a perfect life, 00:29:50.579 --> 00:29:53.000 to die as a substitute for sinners, 00:29:53.240 --> 00:29:55.059 to absorb the anger of God, 00:29:55.140 --> 00:29:56.759 to turn it away from humanity, 00:29:56.759 --> 00:29:59.339 to take away our guilt and our shame, 00:29:59.759 --> 00:30:02.160 provide the right standing before God 00:30:02.160 --> 00:30:02.940 as a gift 00:30:02.940 --> 00:30:05.119 and to give eternal joy 00:30:05.119 --> 00:30:07.180 through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ 00:30:07.180 --> 00:30:10.180 alone apart from any works of obedience 00:30:10.180 --> 00:30:11.599 from us. 00:30:14.879 --> 00:30:16.140 That's what he says. 00:30:16.279 --> 00:30:17.740 You look at that. 00:30:18.359 --> 00:30:19.559 You remember that 00:30:19.559 --> 00:30:23.059 and it will build up generosity 00:30:23.059 --> 00:30:24.220 in your heart. 00:30:24.220 --> 00:30:28.380 Paul puts no pressure on your will 00:30:28.380 --> 00:30:30.740 in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:32.140 He doesn't say, 00:30:32.380 --> 00:30:32.940 I'm an apostle. 00:30:34.839 --> 00:30:36.500 You are the sheep. 00:30:38.799 --> 00:30:39.860 You've got to give 00:30:39.860 --> 00:30:41.100 because I'm telling you to give. 00:30:42.519 --> 00:30:43.380 He doesn't do that. 00:30:44.380 --> 00:30:46.720 He doesn't even put pressure on your emotions. 00:30:46.720 --> 00:30:49.079 He doesn't send around 00:30:49.079 --> 00:30:51.120 pictures from Jerusalem 00:30:51.120 --> 00:30:54.200 of starving little orphan kids 00:30:54.200 --> 00:30:54.960 with big eyes. 00:30:55.059 --> 00:30:56.360 He doesn't even do that for them. 00:30:57.079 --> 00:30:59.180 Try and move their emotions to give. 00:31:01.180 --> 00:31:02.440 He says that 00:31:02.440 --> 00:31:04.700 if you do not have the freedom 00:31:04.700 --> 00:31:06.579 to give your money away 00:31:06.579 --> 00:31:09.019 in eye-popping proportions, 00:31:09.500 --> 00:31:12.079 it's because something besides Jesus Christ 00:31:12.079 --> 00:31:13.420 is your functional Lord and Savior. 00:31:13.420 --> 00:31:16.220 you have not grasped the gospel. 00:31:17.120 --> 00:31:17.860 That's what he's saying. 00:31:19.980 --> 00:31:22.400 And the way you break the hold of money 00:31:22.400 --> 00:31:23.460 over your life 00:31:23.460 --> 00:31:25.860 is not to sit down with a calculator 00:31:25.860 --> 00:31:27.960 but to sit down with the gospel. 00:31:28.620 --> 00:31:31.060 The radical generosity of Jesus Christ 00:31:31.060 --> 00:31:31.940 on the cross 00:31:31.940 --> 00:31:34.600 until it builds up 00:31:34.600 --> 00:31:36.580 gratitude in your heart 00:31:36.580 --> 00:31:38.320 for what you have received as a gift. 00:31:38.319 --> 00:31:42.519 when we see that we are 00:31:42.519 --> 00:31:43.740 his greatest treasure 00:31:43.740 --> 00:31:45.019 then he'll become ours. 00:31:47.659 --> 00:31:49.179 Now when Paul first 00:31:49.179 --> 00:31:50.939 introduced this collection 00:31:50.939 --> 00:31:51.960 to the church of Corinth 00:31:51.960 --> 00:31:54.859 he gave them some very simple 00:31:54.859 --> 00:31:57.559 and practical advice 00:31:57.559 --> 00:32:00.859 by terms of how to practice 00:32:00.859 --> 00:32:02.859 authentic generosity. 00:32:03.419 --> 00:32:05.839 In 2 Corinthians 16 verse 2 00:32:05.839 --> 00:32:06.579 he wrote this, 00:32:06.579 --> 00:32:07.879 on the first day of the week 00:32:07.879 --> 00:32:09.220 each one of you 00:32:09.220 --> 00:32:10.000 should set aside 00:32:10.000 --> 00:32:10.740 a sum of money 00:32:10.740 --> 00:32:13.099 in keeping with your income. 00:32:14.220 --> 00:32:14.740 That is, 00:32:14.879 --> 00:32:16.339 what his instruction there is 00:32:16.339 --> 00:32:17.539 is regular 00:32:17.539 --> 00:32:19.659 proportional giving. 00:32:20.279 --> 00:32:21.299 That's his instruction. 00:32:23.359 --> 00:32:24.439 Now can I just add 00:32:24.439 --> 00:32:25.339 in top of the 00:32:25.339 --> 00:32:26.119 not only are we 00:32:26.119 --> 00:32:28.039 at $22,000 in deficit 00:32:28.039 --> 00:32:29.220 I just want to add this bit. 00:32:31.000 --> 00:32:32.759 With parish council 00:32:32.759 --> 00:32:34.439 we are noticing 00:32:34.440 --> 00:32:36.180 that the giving patterns 00:32:36.180 --> 00:32:37.180 here at St Paul's 00:32:37.180 --> 00:32:38.840 are incredibly unpredictable. 00:32:40.799 --> 00:32:41.680 Some months 00:32:41.680 --> 00:32:43.500 we have a five figure deficit 00:32:43.500 --> 00:32:44.720 and some 00:32:44.720 --> 00:32:45.620 we are in surplus. 00:32:45.880 --> 00:32:46.519 There's no 00:32:46.519 --> 00:32:47.640 regularity 00:32:47.640 --> 00:32:48.900 there's no 00:32:48.900 --> 00:32:50.019 predictability 00:32:50.019 --> 00:32:50.680 in our budget 00:32:50.680 --> 00:32:53.080 and it comes down to 00:32:53.080 --> 00:32:54.180 irregularity 00:32:54.180 --> 00:32:54.799 in giving. 00:32:55.620 --> 00:32:56.640 That's the bottom line. 00:32:56.799 --> 00:32:57.120 There is 00:32:57.120 --> 00:32:58.180 irregularity 00:32:58.180 --> 00:32:58.740 in giving. 00:32:58.740 --> 00:33:02.519 For the most part 00:33:02.519 --> 00:33:03.259 we get to it 00:33:03.259 --> 00:33:04.099 when we think about it. 00:33:05.120 --> 00:33:06.400 That's why we encourage people 00:33:06.400 --> 00:33:08.240 to do it electronically 00:33:08.240 --> 00:33:10.759 to be thinking about it 00:33:10.759 --> 00:33:11.599 set it up 00:33:11.599 --> 00:33:13.319 because the pressing 00:33:13.319 --> 00:33:14.180 needs that come 00:33:14.180 --> 00:33:16.140 it's the first thing 00:33:16.140 --> 00:33:17.140 that gets pushed aside. 00:33:18.900 --> 00:33:19.799 We're noticing 00:33:19.799 --> 00:33:21.620 like this 00:33:21.620 --> 00:33:24.500 all over the place 00:33:24.500 --> 00:33:26.940 and let me just say 00:33:26.940 --> 00:33:27.740 you do not run 00:33:27.740 --> 00:33:28.279 your households 00:33:28.279 --> 00:33:28.920 like that. 00:33:29.740 --> 00:33:30.519 You cannot run 00:33:30.519 --> 00:33:31.019 your households 00:33:31.019 --> 00:33:31.660 like that. 00:33:33.039 --> 00:33:33.740 One month 00:33:33.740 --> 00:33:34.160 I've got feed 00:33:34.160 --> 00:33:34.619 for the kids 00:33:34.619 --> 00:33:35.180 next month 00:33:35.180 --> 00:33:35.539 kids 00:33:35.539 --> 00:33:37.680 let's invite ourselves 00:33:37.680 --> 00:33:39.420 to people's places 00:33:39.420 --> 00:33:39.779 for dinner. 00:33:42.960 --> 00:33:44.339 So this week 00:33:44.339 --> 00:33:45.440 sit down 00:33:45.440 --> 00:33:46.420 with the cross 00:33:46.420 --> 00:33:49.380 sit down 00:33:49.380 --> 00:33:50.259 with 2 Corinthians 00:33:50.259 --> 00:33:51.319 8 and 9 00:33:51.319 --> 00:33:53.500 make a decision 00:33:53.500 --> 00:33:54.319 to take a step 00:33:54.319 --> 00:33:54.799 forward 00:33:54.799 --> 00:33:55.319 in showing 00:33:55.319 --> 00:33:55.839 gratitude 00:33:55.839 --> 00:33:56.640 for what Christ 00:33:56.640 --> 00:33:57.079 has done 00:33:57.079 --> 00:33:57.640 for you. 00:33:58.460 --> 00:33:59.119 Our grasp 00:33:59.119 --> 00:33:59.920 of the great 00:33:59.920 --> 00:34:00.660 eternal 00:34:00.660 --> 00:34:01.559 treasure 00:34:01.559 --> 00:34:02.220 that Jesus 00:34:02.220 --> 00:34:02.799 is 00:34:02.799 --> 00:34:03.460 will be reflected 00:34:03.460 --> 00:34:03.920 in a life 00:34:03.920 --> 00:34:04.519 of generosity. 00:34:05.480 --> 00:34:06.099 Some of us 00:34:06.099 --> 00:34:06.799 might be regular 00:34:06.799 --> 00:34:07.099 givers 00:34:07.099 --> 00:34:07.700 but not even 00:34:07.700 --> 00:34:08.360 looked at it 00:34:08.360 --> 00:34:09.400 for years. 00:34:10.000 --> 00:34:10.599 Same figure 00:34:10.599 --> 00:34:11.360 just keep 00:34:11.360 --> 00:34:11.900 ticking it over. 00:34:14.159 --> 00:34:14.840 So here's my 00:34:14.840 --> 00:34:15.260 advice 00:34:15.260 --> 00:34:16.840 if you are 00:34:16.840 --> 00:34:17.340 currently 00:34:17.340 --> 00:34:18.320 a non-giver 00:34:18.320 --> 00:34:19.519 which 00:34:19.519 --> 00:34:21.079 according to 00:34:21.079 --> 00:34:22.460 stats that I've 00:34:22.460 --> 00:34:23.460 seen in research 00:34:23.460 --> 00:34:25.199 recently 00:34:25.199 --> 00:34:27.039 something in the 00:34:27.039 --> 00:34:27.900 order of 00:34:27.900 --> 00:34:29.139 30% 00:34:29.139 --> 00:34:29.860 of people 00:34:29.860 --> 00:34:30.460 who regard 00:34:30.460 --> 00:34:31.079 themselves 00:34:31.079 --> 00:34:31.940 as mature 00:34:31.940 --> 00:34:32.619 Christians 00:34:32.619 --> 00:34:33.519 have never 00:34:33.519 --> 00:34:34.059 given a 00:34:34.059 --> 00:34:35.000 single cent 00:34:35.000 --> 00:34:36.280 to gospel 00:34:36.280 --> 00:34:36.760 ministry 00:34:36.760 --> 00:34:38.119 and 00:34:38.119 --> 00:34:39.460 to charity. 00:34:40.760 --> 00:34:41.740 It is 00:34:41.740 --> 00:34:42.400 impossible 00:34:42.400 --> 00:34:43.079 to be a 00:34:43.079 --> 00:34:43.340 mature 00:34:43.340 --> 00:34:43.840 Christian 00:34:43.840 --> 00:34:44.840 and not 00:34:44.840 --> 00:34:45.220 give a 00:34:45.220 --> 00:34:45.860 single cent 00:34:45.860 --> 00:34:46.760 to gospel 00:34:46.760 --> 00:34:47.220 ministry 00:34:47.220 --> 00:34:48.159 and maturity. 00:34:49.059 --> 00:34:50.039 So if you're 00:34:50.039 --> 00:34:50.659 a non-giver 00:34:50.659 --> 00:34:52.119 start giving. 00:34:52.119 --> 00:34:53.619 If you're 00:34:53.619 --> 00:34:54.319 an irregular 00:34:54.319 --> 00:34:54.699 giver 00:34:54.699 --> 00:34:56.480 start making 00:34:56.480 --> 00:34:56.960 it regular. 00:34:57.500 --> 00:34:58.359 If you're a 00:34:58.359 --> 00:34:58.980 regular giver 00:34:58.980 --> 00:34:59.739 but only doing 00:34:59.739 --> 00:35:00.619 a small proportion 00:35:00.619 --> 00:35:01.359 of your income 00:35:01.359 --> 00:35:02.400 which apparently 00:35:02.400 --> 00:35:03.199 the average is 00:35:03.199 --> 00:35:03.859 something around 00:35:03.859 --> 00:35:04.819 2.7% 00:35:04.819 --> 00:35:05.519 of income 00:35:05.519 --> 00:35:08.679 get that 00:35:08.679 --> 00:35:09.539 small proportion 00:35:09.539 --> 00:35:10.259 and start 00:35:10.259 --> 00:35:11.039 radically 00:35:11.039 --> 00:35:11.859 aggressively 00:35:11.859 --> 00:35:12.539 putting it 00:35:12.539 --> 00:35:13.400 towards 10% 00:35:13.400 --> 00:35:14.400 which is the 00:35:14.400 --> 00:35:15.139 baseline 00:35:15.139 --> 00:35:16.819 figure that we 00:35:16.819 --> 00:35:17.259 see in the 00:35:17.259 --> 00:35:17.599 gospel. 00:35:17.599 --> 00:35:20.480 If you are 00:35:20.480 --> 00:35:20.960 a regular 00:35:20.960 --> 00:35:21.739 and proportional 00:35:21.739 --> 00:35:22.199 giver 00:35:22.199 --> 00:35:23.599 take a step 00:35:23.599 --> 00:35:24.000 towards 00:35:24.000 --> 00:35:24.759 extravagant 00:35:24.759 --> 00:35:25.360 generosity 00:35:25.360 --> 00:35:26.179 and start 00:35:26.179 --> 00:35:26.940 giving beyond 00:35:26.940 --> 00:35:27.599 10%. 00:35:27.599 --> 00:35:29.480 See Paul's 00:35:29.480 --> 00:35:30.199 concern here 00:35:30.199 --> 00:35:30.559 with this 00:35:30.559 --> 00:35:31.019 church 00:35:31.019 --> 00:35:31.940 and this is 00:35:31.940 --> 00:35:32.219 a really 00:35:32.219 --> 00:35:32.980 important point 00:35:32.980 --> 00:35:33.860 Paul's 00:35:33.860 --> 00:35:34.400 concern here 00:35:34.400 --> 00:35:34.719 with this 00:35:34.719 --> 00:35:35.119 church 00:35:35.119 --> 00:35:36.079 is not 00:35:36.079 --> 00:35:36.460 that they 00:35:36.460 --> 00:35:36.940 won't 00:35:36.940 --> 00:35:37.719 give to 00:35:37.719 --> 00:35:37.920 the 00:35:37.920 --> 00:35:38.380 collection 00:35:38.380 --> 00:35:40.360 his 00:35:40.360 --> 00:35:40.960 concern 00:35:40.960 --> 00:35:41.900 is that 00:35:41.900 --> 00:35:42.380 they won't 00:35:42.380 --> 00:35:43.119 excel 00:35:43.119 --> 00:35:44.559 in giving. 00:35:45.519 --> 00:35:46.000 That's his 00:35:46.000 --> 00:35:46.440 concern. 00:35:47.599 --> 00:35:48.259 They won't 00:35:48.259 --> 00:35:49.259 excel in 00:35:49.259 --> 00:35:49.579 giving. 00:35:50.739 --> 00:35:51.559 So may we 00:35:51.559 --> 00:35:52.039 follow the 00:35:52.039 --> 00:35:52.960 Macedonians 00:35:52.960 --> 00:35:53.819 and excel 00:35:53.819 --> 00:35:54.239 in the 00:35:54.239 --> 00:35:54.679 grace of 00:35:54.679 --> 00:35:54.980 giving 00:35:54.980 --> 00:35:56.639 because we 00:35:56.639 --> 00:35:57.460 have received 00:35:57.460 --> 00:35:58.159 God's 00:35:58.159 --> 00:35:59.579 indescribable 00:35:59.579 --> 00:36:00.279 gift to us 00:36:00.279 --> 00:36:01.039 in the 00:36:01.039 --> 00:36:01.500 Lord Jesus 00:36:01.500 --> 00:36:02.019 Christ. 00:36:02.619 --> 00:36:02.960 Amen.