How To Be an EXCELLENT Giver!

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The Collection for the Lord’s People

8 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.
Paul is referring to the collection for the churches who were extremely poor.  He cites the example of the churches in Macedonia as models of generosity.  They were the church in Philippi, Berea and Thessalonica.  There is not a ton of practical teaching on giving in the New Testament so these verses are extremely helpful for the church today.  Paul lifts up several key principles of the type of giving that honors God.
1. They gave with joy even though they were going through a trial and didn't have a lot to give to begin with.  This has to do with attitude.  Though their outward circumstances might have dictated a reluctance to give, they responded with joy and gave anyways.  
2. They gave beyond their ability.  We might call this sacrificial giving.  This kind of giving takes faith.  God doesn't always call us to give beyond our means but there might be times God leads us to give extravagantly in extraordinary ways. 
3. They didn't need to be asked to give. Speaking from a pastor's perspective we are always asking people to give of their time, talents and treasures.  It is always so nice when someone volunteers without being asked.  It is always great when people give spontaneously not needing the stewardship letter.  It is great when people commit to coming to church, going to events and being involved in small groups because they want  to not because someone "guilted" them into it.  
4. They gave first to God.  This is such an important principle in all of our giving.  Giving is a response to God's gracious gift of salvation through His Son.  We don't give to get God's love, but because we have it.  We give knowing God loves a cheerful giver. 
5.  Giving is a spiritual gift. Paul cites other gifts such as faith, speech and knowledge; but he also encourages them to excel in the gift of giving.  He wants them to be excellent givers!
Paul was so blessed by the churches of Macedonia.  He used them as model for the church of Corinth and by application the church of all ages. As you think about your own giving, how does it match up to the believedrs in the churches of Macedonia. What I have found is that you can never "outgive" God.  God always blesses the person who gives generously and freely.  

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