God Loves a Cheerful Giver

Saturday, August 30. 2014
2 Corinthians 9:7-15

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, [so let him give]; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 
8 And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work: 
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. 
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for [your] food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. 
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for [your] liberal distribution unto them, and unto all [men]; 
14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. 
15 Thanks [be] unto God for his unspeakable gift.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What are the two ways that God wants us to give? (v.7)
2) What are the two ways that God does NOT want us to give? (v.7)
3) Who provides all that we need materially and why? (v.8)
4) Who do the righteous give to and why? (v.9)
5) In what four ways does God provide for givers? (v.10)
6) What causes us to be thankful to God? (v.11)
7) Who is blessed when the righteous give and how? (v.12)
8) In what ways should our obedience, in the area of giving, affect those we give to? (v.13-15)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) Is it difficult, or easy, for you to give? Please explain.
10) When you give who determines what you give and how much you give?
11) Generally speaking, what is your motivation for giving your time, talent, and/or treasure?

PRINCIPLES
12) God enables us to give what He has purposed for us to give.
13) The Lord blesses those who give in faith.
14) A gift can only bless those whom God purposes to receive it.