What's Happening

Sowing Generously—2 Corinthians 9:6–15

Open It

• What images come to your mind when you hear about a “cheerful giver”?
• Who is the most generous person you know? Why do you think so?

Explore It

• Why did Paul begin this passage with a discussion of farming? (9:6)
• How should we give? Why? (9:7)
• What promise does God give to believers who do give generously? (9:8)
• For what reason did Paul quote Scripture here? (9:9)
• What does God provide? (9:10)
• What results from the generosity of Christians? (9:11)
• What was the most important benefit that would arise from the collection for the Jerusalem church? (9:12–14)
• For what kind of gift did Paul praise God in his letter? (9:15)

Get It

• Why does God love a cheerful giver over someone who grudgingly gives large sums of money?
• What does this passage tell us about motivating people?
• What does this passage tell us about accountability?
• What does this passage tell us about the relationship between Christian faith and giving?
• What could a reluctant giver do to become a more cheerful giver?
• Why does giving in a grudging manner make any difference if the need is met?
• How should you react when other Christians give generously to you or your family?
• What principles of accountability should govern Christian giving?

Apply It

• What could you do this week to encourage a Christian friend to be a cheerful giver?
• What is one way you can set an example of giving?
• How can you remind yourself of God’s generosity the next time you are tempted to hold back from giving cheerfully?