2 Corinthians 8:1–9 (NLT) Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. Big Idea — Christian generosity begins when we understand how generously Jesus has given Himself to us. 3 Assumptions Our Culture Reinforces “What I have belongs to me. I earned it, so I control it.” “What I have determines my security. The more I accumulate, the safer I'll feel.” “What I give away is something I lose. Generosity means having less.” Grace transforms the we give. 2 Corinthians 8:1 (NLT) Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 3 Counterfeit Motivations for Giving Coercion: “I have to give because someone expects me to.” Guilt: “I should give because I feel bad if I don't.” Greed: “I give so God will give me more.” Grace transforms our of wealth. 6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 7 Riches We’ve Received in Jesus The riches of reconciliation The riches of adoption The riches of righteousness The riches of transformation The riches of communion with God The riches of eternal life The riches of an eternal inheritance WHAT NOW? In your worldview: Change the way you think about ownership.