6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having ALL SUFFICIENCY in all things, may have an ABUNDANCE for every good work. 9 As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, SUPPLY and MULTIPLY the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
2 Cor 9:6-15
Q & A：
- What are the struggles that we may face when it comes to giving and in acknowledging that God is the source of our provision, especially with the values and principles of this world? Discuss how we can adopt God’s biblical financial principles, taking into consideration that it is by God’s grace not our own strength that we are saved, it is God who gives us the power to get wealth, and God wants us to abound in the grace to give. (2 Cor 9:6-15; 2 Cor 8:7; Gal 2:21; Deut 8:18)
- Explain how honoring God by paying tithe to God and giving free will offering is a lifestyle of faith in God, knowing that we are the stewards of God’s money and obedience is better than sacrifice. Discuss the principle where God will provide and entrust us with more when we are proven faithful with little to be a good steward and an administer of God’s finances, by referring to sowing and reaping sparingly versus bountifully and God’s purpose of multiplication that comes with the giving. (2 Cor 9:6-7, 10b; Mal 3:10-11; Luke 6:38; Prov 11:24-25)
- Do you think it is in God’s will that anyone be in lack including the poor and those in the third world countries? Discuss how you can help the poor practically or bless to give cheerfully to a good cause, knowing that when we give to the poor, we are in fact lending to the Lord because God’s heart is for the poor, His ministry workers and all His children. (Prov 19:17; Prov 28:27a; Gal 6:6; Matt 10:40-41)