Giving Like the Macedonian Believers

This sermon begins with Acts 20:33-35, where Paul emphasizes that the most concrete expression of love is not empty promises but unconditional giving without expecting repayment. This is illustrated through a mother's love for her children and God's love through Jesus Christ. The main context is a comparison between two groups of believers: the Corinthian church and the churches in Macedonia, where Paul repeatedly reminds the Corinthians about their vows to give that remain unfulfilled. Despite having members who are rich, middle-class, and poor, the Macedonian believers demonstrate the ability to give beyond their means, even pleading to participate in the relief effort for the saints.

The second section develops the main thesis: God's grace is the key to having a joyful and generous spirit of giving. The reason is that the Macedonian believers understand that everything they have comes from Jesus Christ, who was rich but became poor for their sake. Paul repeats the word "grace" five times to emphasize that grace is not merely intellectual knowledge but is an emotional response to Christ's abundant sacrifice. In contrast, the Corinthian believers, despite having abundant resources, hesitate because they compare themselves with others, waiting to see if others give first, or realizing they are giving for praise rather than gratitude to God.

The third section explains why giving is more blessed than receiving. Giving reflects God's character, the God who gives all things. Scripture teaches that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, and all good gifts come from above. Giving liberates us from slavery to money and material possessions, building a generous heart and faith in God's provision. The sermon warns that the love of money is the root of all evil and leads to destruction, as seen in King Saul who clung to the throne and was abandoned by God's Spirit. In contrast, Abraham, Lot, Jonathan, and David were willing to yield the throne because they knew God chose them.

The fourth section focuses on the specific blessings of giving. Those with generous hearts will prosper and reap much because they sow much. Scripture promises that the Lord will open the windows of heaven to pour out blessing until there is no room to receive it, and the giver will be given back with a full, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing measure. However, the sermon warns not to store treasure on earth where moths and rust destroy and thieves break in, but to store treasure in heaven where it is eternal. Giving also helps build up the church, contribute to missions, and help the poor, demonstrating living faith.

The fifth section concludes that the motive for giving matters more than the amount given. The example of the widow who gave two small coins illustrates that Jesus values giving from a heart of self-sacrifice, not from abundance. The sermon also warns against displaying, boasting, or comparing one's giving with others, because when we give, we give to God, not for honor. God sees clearly the heart in secret places and will reward those who give with sincere motives.