Topic: CHEERFUL GIVERS.
Bible reading: Genesis 4:1-5, 18:1-8; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, 9:1-15; Ecclesiastes 11:1-2.

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Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7: So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver

Introduction:  Giving refers to the act of offering resources or possessions to God and others willingly or voluntarily.

Giving is an expression of love, it is one of the attributes of God, the Bible says, for God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16; it is the way God expresses His love towards us and it’s a great joy for the Lord to see His children looking after themselves and His Work wholeheartedly with what He’s given them. God loves those who steward His provision towards them properly, remembering the poor and the needy around them for Sometimes God gives us His blessings to pass it on to others, knowing fully well that if He can pass through us to others, He can also pass to us

 

Giving also means to yield, to provide, to communicate, or to contribute to a common purpose. In a spiritual context, it is an act of worship, faith, and love, reflecting God's own generosity and involving sacrifices for the sake of others. 

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Lesson outlines

1. Who is a Cheerful Giver

2. What are the factors that underpins cheerful giving

3. Benefits to cheerful giver

4. Q/A

Outline 1: Who is a Cheerful Giver:

 

A cheerful giver is a person that gives or shares his or her life goods with others without compulsion, cohesion, complaining, grudge or unwillingness. This attitude goes beyond merely performing a duty; it reveals a heart that is delighted to support other people generously and God’s work 

 

 

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Outline 2. Factors that Underpin a Cheerful Giver

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1. It shows we understand that God is the owner of what we have, and we recognize He is the one (Deut 8:18)

2. Joy. gratitude and heart of worship is the Motivating (2nd Cor 8:1-2): In cheerful giving, it is critical to highlight the motivation Macedonian church showed this when they gave generously even in the midst of their own trials, showing that joyful giving does not depend on abundance; rather, it springs from a willing heart

3. Trust and Dependence on God (Philip 4:19): Gin giving cheerfully, believers affirm that God is able to supply all need

4. Giving in sincerity borne out of a transformed character rather than being mechanical or showing off (Matt 6:1-4)

5. Giving from honest and honorable sources

 

Outline 3: Benefits to a Cheerful Giver:

1. Giving adds to our account of good records (Philip4v17).

2. Giving enables to be pleasing to the Lord Pleases (Philip 4 v 18).

3. Cheerful giving opens up the flow of divine supply in all that concerns a believer (Philip 4v 19)

4. ⁠Cheerful giving draws our heart closer to the things of God(Where your treasure is, there your heart is also.” Matthew 6:21)

5. Cheerful giving helps us to overcome the challenges of materialism (1st Tim 6:17-19)

6. Cheerful giving triggers a reciprocal blessing on us A generous man himself will be blessed.” (Proverbs 22:9) & a generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25

7. ⁠Cheerful giving enables good things to come our way: Good will come to him who is generous.” (Psalm 112:5 &amp); Give and it will be given to you…For the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38)

Outline 4: Q/A

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• How can I become a cheerful giver?

• Who should I give to?

• What are things I can give? Examples.

• How do I know who to give and who not to give?

• Do I need to ask people what they need before I give them? Under what circumstances can I make enquire before giving and who should I talk to?

• Under what circumstances can I stop giving?

• Can I give more than enough?

• How do I measure my giving towards people?

• Can I borrow to give?

• Can I give other people's things in my custody? For instance, can I give my husband's car as a seed without letting him know first?

• Is it possible or ok for me to reject the gift of others? Or is there any situation I can reject gifts?

• Is it ok to give opposite sex gifts?

• As a young person unmarried, can I give opposite sex anything?

• As a married is there any gift I cannot give opposite sex? Examples?

• As a married, is it ok to give other peoples spouses gifts without letting your spouse know?

• How can the church make sure that everyone lacks no basic things like food, shelter and clothing?

• How can the church look after the needy in their midst without blowing their trumpets or making the recipients uncomfortable?