“He Is Able To Provide”
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Sermon Series: “He Is Able”
Introduction: The underlying theme of this series is the building of our faith by increasing our confidence in the power and faithfulness of God. We have seen that God is able to save, keep us saved, keep His promises, and do more than we can ever ask or think. Now, it is a time for a mid-term exam of sorts. We are going to look at an area today that will test and demonstrate whether or not we are really trusting God in a very tangible way. We are going to look at the fact that God is able to provide. However, this is a conditional promise. Our response is giving. That is the test (Malachi 3:8-12).
1. God’s provision: Look at some of the promises given in these verses. “He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” “Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality.” God is able to provide for us and meet our needs in every way.
2. God’s condition for His provision: The condition for reaping (experiencing the blessing of His provision) is sowing. It is impossible to reap without sowing. Other passages such as Matthew 6:25-34 and Philippians 4:10-20 show that God’s provision for meeting our needs is a conditional promise (a conditional promise is something that God chooses to do or not do based on our obedience while an unconditional promise is something that He is going to do whatever).
3. How To Give:
A. Bountifully
B. Intentionally
C. Willingly
D. Cheerfully (we get our word, “hilarious,” from the
Greek word this is translated from)
4. Why should we give? I want to help us develop some convictions in this area, and I believe they come from understanding why God wants us to give and what it results in. Here are eight reasons (taken just from this passage-there are many more in the Bible) to give:
A. We reap what we sow (v. 6). The dividends come in 3 areas: material provision (v.8, 10-11), spiritual fruit (v.10), and eternal reward (v.9) [see also Matthew 6:19-21].
B. God loves it when we give with the right motive (v.7). C. The grace of God (v.8, 14).
D. People’s needs are met (v.9).
E. It brings thanks and glory to God (v.12-13) [see also
Malachi 1]
F. It is part of the ministry of the gospel (v.13). G. It is a demonstration of faith (v.13-14).
H. Because God gave the greatest gift of all-His
Son(v.15). Warren Wiersbe has written, “You and I are saved because God believed in grace giving.” Jesus gave His all. What are we giving in return?
Conclusion: Have received God’s gift of His Son? What are you giving in response? Are you demonstrating your confidence in God’s ability to provide by giving bountifully and cheerfully?
