Sermon Listening Guide
Speaker: Dr. Condy Richardson
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
Sermon Title: “As You Go… Share Your Resources”
Date: November 8, 2026
2 Corinthians 8:1-9 (NIV)
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
First Thoughts
As we go through life, Christians can spread the Gospel by sharing their resources.
The Bible consistently calls Christians to be the most generous people in the world.
The Macedonian Church
In his letter to the Corinthians Church, Paul praises the Macedonian churches.
These Macedonian churches were generous despite their poverty and hardship.
They gave even greater than they were able to give to help their friends.
As a matter of fact, they begged Paul to give to the special offering.
Their generosity came from a close walk with God and their fellow Christians.
The Church at Corinth
Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to excel at the grace of giving.
How do people train themselves to be generous givers?
What happens in the community when you give to the church?
What happens to you when you give to the church?
The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Verses 8 and 9 herald Jesus as the greatest example of generosity.
When we are generous, we are acting like Jesus.
When we begin a relationship with Jesus, it changes our relationship to money.
Conclusion
Being a part of God’s church allows us to do our part in collaboration with many others.
We should be proud of what we can accomplish at FIFBC as we are generous together.
As we go through life, Christians can spread the Gospel by sharing their resources.
The Bible consistently calls Christians to be the most generous people in the world.
The Macedonian Church
In his letter to the Corinthians Church, Paul praises the Macedonian churches.
These Macedonian churches were generous despite their poverty and hardship.
They gave even greater than they were able to give to help their friends.
As a matter of fact, they begged Paul to give to the special offering.
Their generosity came from a close walk with God and their fellow Christians.
The Church at Corinth
Paul encouraged the church at Corinth to excel at the grace of giving.
How do people train themselves to be generous givers?
What happens in the community when you give to the church?
What happens to you when you give to the church?
The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Verses 8 and 9 herald Jesus as the greatest example of generosity.
When we are generous, we are acting like Jesus.
When we begin a relationship with Jesus, it changes our relationship to money.
Conclusion
Being a part of God’s church allows us to do our part in collaboration with many others.
We should be proud of what we can accomplish at FIFBC as we are generous together.