From Mural's Desk

About Mural

William Mural Worthey
Minister of the Cawson Street
Church of Christ
Hopewell, Virginia

Any questions regarding the sermons and other feedback are encouraged. Just email Mural at the following address: worthey@comcast.net

March 18, 2012
Cawson Street Church of Christ
Hopewell, Virginia

Grace and Giving

“Therefore, as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.” (2 Cor. 8:7)
“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.” (2 Cor. 9:8)
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” (2 Cor. 8:9)
7 times in 2 Cor. 8 & 9 Paul speaks about grace and giving.

Meaning of Grace in Giving

The beginning point for grace is God.
Everything else flows from his kindness, goodness and mercy to mankind.
Grace is closely connected to love.
The willingness to give, the disposition of heart, flows out of one’s grace or favor.
Giving is a grace; an act of grace.

Key Passage

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7, NIV)
“Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7, KJV)
“And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” (2 Cor. 8:5)
The grace of giving begins with one’s commitment to the Lord. We cannot possess the grace of giving without doing what the Macedonians did.

7 References to Grace

“Moreover, brethren, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” (2 Cor. 8:1-2)
“So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.” (2 Cor. 8:6)
“But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (8:7)
“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.” (8:9)
“And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind.” (8:19)
“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (9:8)
“And in their prayers for you their heart will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.” (9:14)

5 Appeals Paul Uses

Example of the Macedonians (8:1-5); example of the Corinthians (9:1-5)
Excelling in other areas (8:6-8)
Example of Jesus Christ (8:9)
Extend feelings into action (8:10-11)
Principle of equality: their need now; yours later (8:13-15)

What Giving Does

Quotes on Giving

“One cannot read these two chapters without gaining a new attitude toward giving.” (Warren Wiersbe, 501)
“Christian giving does not depend on material circumstances so much as spiritual convictions.” (Wiersbe, 497)
“All that believed were together and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all men, as every man had need.” (Acts 2:44-45)
“And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul; neither said any of them that aught of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things common.” (Acts 4:32)
“Thanks be unto God for his unspeak-able (indescribable) gift.” (9:15)

Published in 2006; 14 chapters; 154 pgs; $10 plus postage. Good topics for adult class discussions. These common mistakes span the centuries from the 1st century to our day.
Published in 2005; 15 chapters; 196 pgs; hard-back; $14 plus postage. Contrasts Jesus as our righteousness and the multiple ways in which believers seek their own righteousness before God.