The Power of Purpose (2 Corinthians 9:1-15)
Gearl Spicer, March 12, 2023
Part of the Faithful - Before God - In Community - On Mission series, preached at a Sunday Online service
2 Corinthians 9 (Listen)
9:1 Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, 2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3 But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. 4 Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”
10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
(ESV)
Sermon Notes
Faithful - Before God - In Community - On Mission
The Power of Purpose
2 Corinthians 9
3/12/23
How would you define your purpose?
Our purpose is linked to our hearts and guided by His Spirit!
*Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
*Now He who supplies the seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase your harvest of righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing a thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
*Thanks be to God fro His indescribable gift. 2 Corinthians 9:15
Challenge - Align life priorities around His purpose
Key verse - 2 Corinthians 9:7
Life application - Recognize He is able and release your heart to Him
The path to a purposeful life:
I. Challenges to be addressed - 2 Corinthians 9:1-5
A. Confidence but be centered in conviction
B. Covetousness leads to cheap talk and empty lives
II. Lifestyle to be adopted - 2 Corinthians 9:6-7
A. Choose the productive way
B. Follow your heart to His plan
III. Principles to understand - 2 Corinthians 9:8-11
A. Recognize He is able
B. Sufficiency comes through grace
C. Enrichment comes from action
IV. Leave a legacy worth remembering - 2 Corinthians 9:12-15
A. Thanksgiving is a result of liberality
B. Obedience to our faith is key to purpose- Will you leave a legacy of faithfulness?