2 Corinthians 9 :1Now it is unnecessary for me to write to you about the offering [that is to be made] for the saints [in Jerusalem]; 2 for I know your eagerness [to promote this cause], and I have [proudly] boasted to the people of Macedonia about it, telling them that [a]Achaia has been prepared since last year [for this contribution], and your enthusiasm has inspired the majority of them [to respond]. 3 Still, I am sending the brothers [on to you], so that our pride in you may not be an empty boast in this case, and so that you may be prepared, just as I told them you would be; 4 otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of yourselves—will be humiliated for being so confident. 5 That is why I thought it necessary to urge these brothers to go to you [before I come] and make arrangements in advance for this generous, previously promised gift of yours, so that it would be ready, not as something extorted [or wrung out of you], but as a [voluntary and] generous gift. 6 Now [remember] this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows [b]generously [that blessings may come to others] will also reap [c]generously [and be blessed]. 7 Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift]. 8 And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity. 9 As it is written and forever remains written, “He[the benevolent and generous person] scattered abroad, he gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever!” 10 Now He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness, and love]. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God [from those who benefit]. Characteristics of Kingdom level giving Eagerness-Kingdom giving is marked by a growing intense desire to give and an increasing level of expectancy Prepared- Kingdom giving is intentional and is specific in its purpose. Kingdom giving is not haphazard, and will cause the believer to become more balanced in their finances. Enthusiasm- giving is contagious! The more we give, the more we and the people around us want to give. God uses your giving to generate the desire to give in others. Generous- generous defines the size and scope of true Kingdom giving. Godly or Godlike giving must take on the image of God. God gives liberally, in abundance. To live like God, we must give like God. Promised- Kingdom level giving requires unwavering commitment. ** Decided*- Kingdom level giving is careful. We must understand that we are responsible for where we sow Gods resources that He has entrusted to us. Every giving decision should be under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Voluntary - Kingdom level giving is never done under compulsion, manipulation, or coercion. We should never give because of guilt. We should never give because of pride. We should give because we love, and because we are a reflection of God. Cheerful- means hilarious, prompt or willing. Kingdom level giving, is prompt, excited, willing giving. another translation says whose heart is in his giving. Man cannot separate his heart from his treasure. What we value will establish the direction of our heart. Gods response to Kingdom level giving. Makes all grace(favor) and earthly blessing come- God responds to Kingdom level giving with ALL grace. Giving releases favor and earthly blessing. Abundance- God always gives in abundance. God gives in multiplicity. God gives in overflow. Complete sufficiency- lacking nothing! No need will be beyond the givers ability to meet. God gives abundance for good works and acts of love. Gives seed for sowing Gives bread for eating- the difference between seed and bread is that seed isn’t ready for consumption yet, but bread is. Multiplies resources for sowing. When we attach ourselves to God through our giving, He increases our ability to sow. Why, because sowing is the only thing that brings increase! Increases the harvest of you righteousness- This doesn’t say that the harvest is you righteousness. This said that He will increase the harvest of your right standing. Giving, meeting needs. acts of love, acts of kindness are the harvest of our right standing with God. * This says that our right standing with God is a seed that should produce a harvest. *** Kingdom giving is proof of the germination of that seed.