2020
THAT I MAY KNOW HIM: Lesson Eight – APOSTLE PAUL WAS A GIVER.
Memory Verse.
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. (II Corinthians 9:6-7 NKJV)
A. INTRODUCTION.
One of the important traits that we may imbibe from the life of Apostle Paul is that of giving. In this lesson, we are going to examine giving as important attribute which we must emulate in his life.
B. GIVING DEMONSTRATES LOVE AND COMMITMENT.
The level of your readiness to give demonstrates your commitment to a cause. The more you believe in or you are committed to a cause the more you will be ready to give towards the actualization of that cause.
Please take note of the following examples about giving;
i. When God wanted to know how committed Abraham was to Him, he was required to give his son Issac.(Gen.22:1&2)
ii. When God wanted to demonstrate His love for us, He gave us Jesus Christ.(Jn.3:16)
iii. When Jesus wanted to demonstrate His love for mankind, He gave His life.(Jn.15:13)
iv. When a man or woman is committed to a relationship, he or she will be ready to sacrifice anything for the sustenance of that relationship.
Giving may therefore be said to be the prove of love. The more you love a person or a cause, the more you are ready to give to that person or cause.
v. When the poor widow wanted to demonstrate her commitment to God’s kingdom, she gave all that she had as offering to God. (Mk.12:41-44)
1Jn.4:9&10; 3:16-18
C. APOSTLE PAUL AND GIVING.
i. Read Acts 20:35, what does it reveal about Apostle Paul’s perception to giving?
ii. What does he believe should should be the attitude of the giver? (Rom.12:8)
iii. Apostle Paul believed that your expected harvest should determine the volume of your giving(2Cor.9:6-8) Do you have testimony to share with the group concerning this?
iv. What is the promise in 2Cor.9:10?
vi. According to Paul, when you are asked to give, it is for you to receive blessings(Phil.4:17-19) Do you have a testimony which you can share with this group about giving?
D. CONCLUSION.
Apostle Paul was a giver who believed that giving is a proof of love and a gateway to blessings. This a trait which we must inculcate from the life of Paul if we want to have the kind of results which he experienced in ministry.
