Oakbrook Evangelical Free Church

Introduction:
One of 2 subjects we don’t like to talk about:
~ Sin
~ Money
Tithe vs grace giving!

I. Learning by the example

Learning and teaching by example:
(within friendships; marriages; families; churches)
We learn by watching others and then by doing!
~ this is what believers do.
~ this is what leaders do.
Never forget to watch others.
Never forget that others are watching! Micah! Ice Cream!

II. The Macadonian Example of Giving
A. Their Circumstances – the context out of which they gave
1. God’s grace
Grace itself means generosity
Theologically, the generosity of God is Him giving freely to those who as sinners deserve nothing but punishment!
Mercy: doesn’t give us what we deserve
Grace: he gives us what we do not deserve = generosity!
“You didn’t have to do that!” Of course not, that is grace.
Used 10 times in two chapters! Unusual.
Spiritual blessing – 8:7
God’s enablement – 8:1; 9:8, 14
A financial gift – 8:6, 19
A human privilege – 8:4
A word of gratitude – 8:16; 9:15
God’s favor and goodwill – 8:9
Definition: generosity – here = the way God has enabled the Macadonians to give financially in spite of their circumstances.

2. Severe trial: a great testing of affliction; everything stripped away; persecution was a way of life

3. Extreme poverty
Down to the depth of poverty; rock bottom
No reason for poverty: flourishing in agriculture, mining & lumber
A Christian phenomenon as a result of persecution!
Philippians 1:27-30 “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.” NIV (See also: 1 Thess 1:6; 2:14; 3:3f; 2 Thess 1:4-10)

4. Overflowing joy
James 1:2-3 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, “because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” NIV
How was this possible? Under pressure his presence is brought more clearly into focus! It is the place of relief and security.
Psalm 16:11 “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” NIV

Mark 12:41-44 “Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”” NIV

Her poverty did not rob her of the ability to be generous!
Rob and Mary!
John – Suburban vacation!

Do you see it?
The Principle: Giving generously has absolutely nothing to do with how much or how little you make! Generosity flows out of your focus on the grace of God in your life!
Welled up into generosity!

II. Their Actual Giving
Ok, let’s open their checkbook; bank account. Let’s see the books.

A. They gave as much as they could. Am I?
B. They gave beyond their ability. Have I ever done this?
C. They gave on their own initiative – they pleaded for the privilege of sharing.
Not because someone begged or pleaded.
Not because they were hit up over the phone.
No one button-holed or collared them.
They did not do as we excepted! – A statement for all time.
Big churches…little churches!

The key to their generosity is that they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will!

My Top 5 possessions = I’d panic if I thought I lost them:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
This principle is absolutely essential to all New Testament, grace giving.

Bruce Almighty is a 2003 film about a man who, after complaining that God is unfair, is given God’s powers. Directed by Tom Shadyac. Written by Steve Koren, Mark O’Keefe, and Steve Oedekerk.
Girlfriend = “Grace” interesting – selfish and doing it on his own
“Ok God, I surrender”

III. Final Applications
1. Finish what you start!
2. Do it with excellence!
3. Don’t forget what Christ’s example teaches us

2 Corinthians 8:8-9 “I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” NIV
This is absolutely true!

Remember: your giving is one way to tell someone how much you love them.
If someone were to know how much you give what would that say about how much you love Christ?
More importantly, what are you saying to Jesus about how much you love him?