Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 20, 2018

“Testifying to What You Love”   2 Corinthians 9:1-15   Bible Study   05/20/18

As we turn to our text this morning, we find Paul encouraging believers in Corinth to participate in a collection for needy saints in Jerusalem. He desires that they participate with glad hearts and generous gifts. A crucial concept to consider as we approach this text is that of stewardship. How we steward God’s resources testifies to what we truly love. Because of God’s inexpressible gift to you in Jesus, steward His resources for His glory.

I. Context

• persecution and famine in Jerusalem (Acts 2:44-45, 11:30)
• indebtedness of Gentiles (Gal. 2:10)
• example of the Macedonians (8:1-5)
• conflict in Corinth

II. Preparation for Giving (1-5)

• encouragement
• inspiration
• accountability
• expectation

III. Perspective on Giving (6-11)

• investment
• intention
• attitude
• ability (Psa. 112:9)

IV. Production of Giving (12-15)

• thanksgiving
• glorification
• supplication
• motivation: the inadequacy of words…

V. So What?

• Because of God’s inexpressible gift to you in Jesus, steward His resources for His glory.
• “Man’s sensitivity to small things, and his insensitivity to the most important things, are surely evidences of a strange disorder.” (Blaise Pascal)
• Remember that stewardship of resources exposes the status of your heart (Matt. 6:21).
• God gives you more than you need so that you can step up and not simply store up.
• Loving Jesus means loving the poor, loving the lost and loving His church.
• “Perverse and foolish oft I strayed, But yet in love He sought me, And on His shoulders gently laid, And home, rejoicing brought me. The King of love my Shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never, I nothing lack if I am His, And He is mine forever.” (Henry W. Baker)