In our last few visits we’ve been doing a “4S” or 4 steps study of 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 on the subject of stewardship. After spreading out the information in these chapters we now need to sort it into categories. I identified four categories: examples, assurances, challenges and promises.
Using these categories, I structured the information into an outline. Here is my outline: title – The Grace of Giving. 1. Examples to encourage. 2. Management plans to assure. 3. Challenges to motivate. 4. Promises to inspire. You can amplify these main points with sub points.
The final step in “the 4 step study” is to summarize what you’ve found into some applications. Here are mine: I should always be altruistic in my giving. That is, I should be concerned about giving what God prompts me to give to help meet a need without being concerned about what I might get out of it. If God prompts me to give above what I’m able to and I end up not having enough to meet my own needs I need to trust God to provide what I need. Follow through on promises you make to the best of your ability. Don’t be surprised if you’re blessed as a result of the prayers of those who’ve benefited from your giving. If you administer the gift, make sure it gets to the recipient and is used as intended. Be sure to be responsible and accountable. Have people involved with you who are trustworthy.
If everyone exercised the grace of giving in this way the work of God would always have enough resources to accomplish what God wants to be done.
