April 9, 2016: SOAP #2319:  

Scripture: 2Corinthians (NIV) 9:10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be made rich in every way SO THAT you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

Observation: Paul was encouraging the church in Corinth to prepare an offering to be given to people in Jerusalem who were going through hard times. He is explaining how God will bless them as they give. Not only does God respond to their giving by blessing them, He blesses will bless them abundantly SO THAT they can be even more generous!   The reason for their wealth is to enable them to be generous!

Application: Generosity should be a primary consideration in how I use money available to me on a daily basis. Tithing (10%) honors God by faithfully giving Him what belongs to Him. Generosity is seen in how I spend the 90% that remains for me to use. –Generosity should be my first consideration whenever I get unexpected income or an increase in wages. How can I use the additional finances to increase God’s kingdom? –Generosity should be my first consideration in all my investments. How will the investment of my finances bless others?

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, You are faithful to meet my needs. And even beyond that, You are generous! May you find me both faithful and generous! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!