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The Church Works Through Stewardship

2 Corinthians 8:1-7

TEXT: 2 Corinthians 8:3-5.

Introduction

1. Stewardship is a necessary part of the church's work. Churches that have failed have often failed to work through stewardship.
2. Stewardship includes more than the grace of liberality in earthly possessions.
   1. We must be good stewards of time and talent, as well as treasure.
   2. I have only just a minute
      Only sixty seconds in it
      Just a tiny little minute
      But eternity is in it!

1. The Scriptures Have Something to Say About Stewardship.
   1. Paul calls it a grace. (2 Corinthians 8:1, 2, 6)
   2. The Scriptures urge stewardship upon us.
      1. "God . . . gave his only begotten Son" (John 3:16).
      2. Christ gave himself for our sakes. (2 Corinthians 8:9)
      3. Paul follows the chapter concerning the resurrection with a chapter on the collection. (See 1 Corinthians 15 and 16.)
2. The Church Works Through Stewardship for a Scriptural Reason.
   1. Not from persuasion.
   2. Not denunciation.
   3. Not through human devices.
   4. Through Christ's love.
      1. External, internal motives move us.
      2. Loyalty, gratitude, love-the highest reasons.
3. The Church Works Through Stewardship in a Scriptural Way.
   1. "As God hath prospered" (I Corinthians 16:2). "According as he purposeth in his heart" (2 Corinthians 9:7).
   2. To the extent of our power, and beyond our power. Compare 2 Corinthians 8:3.)
   3. Denying ourselves.
   4. First giving ourselves. (See 2 Corinthians 8:5.)
      1. From conviction.
      2. By plan, in the fear of God.
      3. Conscientiously and purposefully.

Conclusion

1. The church that lives, gives.
2. The church, if it works, works through stewardship.