The Power of a Generous Community
Rusty Wirt   -   September 6, 2026

Sermon #3 The Power of a Generous Community 

Main Passage: 2 Corinthians 8:1 – 9:15 

 Poverty in first century Jerusalem was rampant and ugly. The holy city was densely populated and as much as 80% of the population lived in some type of subsistence situation. Food supplies were sometime scarce as the Judean region was not an ideal location for farming. These supplies became even more strained during the many Jewish festivals. In a sad irony, the observance of these holy days made matters worse for the poor (no wonder Jesus favored the poor over the wealthy religious leaders). To compound this problem even more, Jerusalem frequently experienced droughts leading to famine conditions. Josephus wrote about one under the reign of Emperor Claudius collaborating Luke’s description in Acts 11:28.

During these dire situations the church did not sit idly by. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian Church, he inspires the church to be generous. The lesson for the modern church is simple but profound. Collective generosity can change the world for good. When we the church community pulls our resources together, we can alleviate suffering and demonstrate the power of the Gospel.

 

Into the Text 

  1. Paul championed another community of people- the Macedonian Church (8:1-5).
    1. Generosity not only blesses the giver and the receiver, it can inspire others to give more
    2. Everyone can be generous
  2. Paul challenged the Corinthian Church community (8:7).
    1. The church was good at
      1. Faith/Speech/Knowledge/Earnestness/Love
      2. But they had were called to excel in the grace of giving
      3. Paul, is saying in a polite way, put your money where your faith is
  3. Giving in the Church has biblical guidelines:
    1. Giving must have good accountability (8:19-20)
    2. Giving must not be manipulated by the leader (9:7)
    3. Giving does lead to blessings (9:8-11)

Paul finally shares the highest motivation for giving- God’s gets the praise.

When we give, God gets the glory.

 

Application:

  • Give Something
  • Give 10%
  • Give an Offering (D.R.I.V.E. Campaign)
  • Then watch God get the glory.

We give because God first gave to us.