Margin for More - Part 3 [Notes]

In a culture that constantly pushes us to want more for ourselves, and where our lives are stretched to the max, there often seems to be nothing left to give to others, even when we want to. Join us for the "Margin for More" series, where we will explore how to break down the barriers to generosity and create margin to give more freely of our time, talents, and treasures.

Takeaway:  Generosity is freely giving to others what God has given to us.

In every way I’ve shown you that it is necessary to help the weak by laboring like this and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because He said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
 – Acts 20:35 (HCSB)

Now concerning the ministry to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you. For I know your eagerness, and I boast about you to the Macedonians, “Achaia has been ready since last year,” and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
– 2 Corinthians 9:1-2 (HCSB)

But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you in this matter would not prove empty, and so that you would be ready just as I said. Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to mention you, would be put to shame in that situation. Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift you promised, so that it will be ready as a gift and not as an extortion.
– 2 Corinthians 9:3-5 (HCSB)

 The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.
– 2 Corinthians 9:6 (HCSB)

A principle holds true in both the natural and the spiritual spheres: the size of a harvest corresponds to the scope of the sowing. A man may enjoy all his grain by eating it, or he may “lose” some of it by sowing it and later reaping a bountiful harvest. A spiritual harvest, of course, may differ in kind from the seed sown. Material seed may reap a spiritual harvest. – David K. Lowery

Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over—will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 
– Luke 6:38 (HCSB)

“Give, and it shall be given unto you,” was our Lord’s promise; and it still holds true. The “good measure” He gives back to us is not always money or material goods, but it is always worth far more than we gave. Giving is not something we do, but something we are. Giving is a way of life for the Christian who understands the grace of God. The world simply does not understand a statement like Proverbs 11:24: “One person gives freely, yet gains more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor” In grace giving, our motive is not “to get something,” but receiving God’s blessing is one of the fringe benefits.
– Warren W. Wiersbe

Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver.
– 2 Corinthians 9:7 (HCSB)

And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. As it is written:

He distributed freely;
He gave to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.

Now the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
– 2 Corinthians 9:8-10 (HCSB)

You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.
– 2 Corinthians 9:11 (HCSB)

For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the proof provided by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone. And as they pray on your behalf, they will have deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.
– 2 Corinthians 9:12-14 (HCSB)

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
2 Corinthians 9:15 (HCSB)

As it is written:

He distributed freely;
He gave to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.
– 2 Corinthians 9:9 (HCSB)

Time
Talents
Treasure

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I'm So Blessed // Made for More // How Great is Your Love // Abandoned // Crowns Down

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