GIVING BEYOND YOUR ABILITY

GIVING BEYOND YOUR ABILITY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 8:2-3

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 8:3
“For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves.”

Supporting Texts: Mark 12:41-44; 1 Kings 17:8-16; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Philippians 4:15-19

Description: Giving beyond our ability is an expression of sacrificial faith in which we willingly trust God with what He has placed in our hands.

INTRODUCTION

The Macedonian believers provide one of the most remarkable examples of Christian generosity in the New Testament. Paul testified that they gave according to their ability and even beyond their ability. Their generosity was extraordinary because it happened in the midst of “a great trial of affliction” and “deep poverty”.

Giving beyond one's ability does not mean giving irresponsibly, neglecting legitimate responsibilities, or attempting to impress people. It speaks of a willing heart that is prepared to make genuine sacrifices for God and His work. The Macedonians were not compelled by pressure; Paul specifically testified that they were “willing of themselves”.

Their example teaches us that generosity is ultimately a matter of the heart. When our love for God becomes greater than our attachment to possessions, we become willing to sacrifice. God does not merely look at the size of the gift; He looks at the faith, love, willingness, and sacrifice behind it.

1. GIVING BEYOND YOUR ABILITY REQUIRES A WILLING HEART

The Macedonians did not give because someone forced them. Their generosity came from a willing heart.

a. God Looks at the Heart (1 Samuel 16:7) — God examines the motives behind our actions rather than merely their outward appearance.

b. Willingness Is Essential in Giving (2 Corinthians 8:3) — The Macedonians were willing of themselves, showing that genuine generosity begins with personal conviction.

c. God Loves a Cheerful Giver (2 Corinthians 9:7) — Giving should flow from willingness and joy rather than resentment or compulsion.

d. Willing Giving Pleases God (Exodus 35:29) — God's people gave willingly according to the desires of their hearts.

Biblical Example: The Israelites willingly brought materials for the construction of the tabernacle until they gave more than was required (Exodus 35:21-29; 36:5-7).

2. GIVING BEYOND YOUR ABILITY REQUIRES FAITH

The Macedonians gave beyond their ability because they trusted God. Their confidence was not in what they possessed but in the God who provided for them.

a. Faith Trusts God With What We Have (Proverbs 3:5-6) — Faith releases control and trusts God's wisdom and provision.

b. Faith Looks Beyond Present Circumstances (2 Corinthians 5:7) — We walk by faith rather than being controlled by what we can presently see.

c. Faith Believes God Can Provide Again (Philippians 4:19) — The believer can give confidently while trusting God to supply genuine needs.

d. Faith Produces Obedience (Hebrews 11:8) — Genuine faith moves us to act upon God's direction even when the outcome is not yet visible.

Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath gave Elijah the last portion of her food and trusted God's word for continued provision (1 Kings 17:8-16).

3. SACRIFICIAL GIVING MAY COST YOU SOMETHING

The Macedonians did not give merely from surplus. Their generosity involved sacrifice.

a. Sacrifice Demonstrates Commitment (2 Samuel 24:24) — David understood that an offering to God should involve genuine sacrifice.

b. Sacrifice Expresses Love (John 3:16) — God's giving of His Son demonstrates the depth of sacrificial love.

c. Sacrifice Requires Personal Cost (Mark 12:43-44) — Jesus recognised the widow's offering as significant because she gave from her limited resources.

d. Sacrifice Can Become an Offering of Worship (Philippians 4:18) — Generous giving can be presented to God as a sacrifice that pleases Him.

Biblical Example: Mary poured expensive ointment upon Jesus, demonstrating costly devotion and honour (John 12:1-8).

4. GIVING BEYOND YOUR ABILITY IS NOT ABOUT THE SIZE OF THE GIFT

God's measurement of giving is different from human measurement. People often look at the amount; God looks at the heart and sacrifice.

a. God Measures Sacrifice (Mark 12:41-44) — Jesus showed that a small gift can represent great sacrifice.

b. God Sees What Others Do Not See (Matthew 6:3-4) — Genuine giving does not require human recognition.

c. God Values Motive (1 Corinthians 13:3) — Even great generosity is spiritually empty when it is separated from love.

d. Faithfulness Matters More Than Appearance (Luke 16:10) — God values faithfulness in whatever resources He has entrusted to us.

Biblical Example: The widow's two mites were small in monetary value but great in sacrificial significance before God (Mark 12:41-44).

5. GIVING BEYOND YOUR ABILITY FLOWS FROM LOVE FOR GOD

The Macedonians first gave themselves to the Lord before giving their resources. Their generosity was an expression of devotion.

a. Love for God Produces Generosity (2 Corinthians 8:5) — When God occupies first place in our hearts, our possessions no longer occupy first place.

b. Love Makes Sacrifice Meaningful (1 Corinthians 13:3) — Giving becomes spiritually significant when it flows from genuine love.

c. Love Responds to God's Grace (2 Corinthians 8:1) — God's grace towards us should inspire grace towards others.

d. Love Puts God's Kingdom First (Matthew 6:33) — Kingdom priorities influence how we use our time, strength, and possessions.

Biblical Example: The early believers demonstrated their love for Christ and one another by sharing their possessions to meet genuine needs (Acts 4:32-35).

6. GIVING BEYOND YOUR ABILITY CAN BLESS OTHERS

The Macedonian gift was intended to meet the needs of believers in Jerusalem. Their sacrifice became a blessing to people they might never have met personally.

a. Generosity Meets Genuine Needs (2 Corinthians 8:13-14) — Christian giving can help create fairness and provide for legitimate needs within the body of Christ.

b. Giving Becomes a Ministry (2 Corinthians 9:12) — Financial generosity can produce thanksgiving to God.

c. Giving Strengthens Christian Fellowship (Philippians 4:15-16) — Generosity can strengthen partnership in the work of the Gospel.

d. Giving Can Multiply Thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11-12) — The blessing of generosity extends beyond the person who receives the gift.

Biblical Example: The church at Antioch sent relief to believers in Judea during a time of famine (Acts 11:27-30).

7. GIVING BEYOND YOUR ABILITY MUST BE GUIDED BY WISDOM

Sacrificial generosity is commendable, but Christian giving should be responsible and guided by God's wisdom. The Bible does not teach reckless financial behaviour.

a. Count the Cost (Luke 14:28) — Wisdom requires us to consider our responsibilities before making commitments.

b. Provide for Legitimate Responsibilities (1 Timothy 5:8) — Faithfulness includes caring for those whom God has entrusted to us.

c. Give According to What You Have (2 Corinthians 8:11-12) — Paul teaches that giving is accepted according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.

d. Seek God's Wisdom (James 1:5) — When uncertain, believers should ask God for wisdom and direction.

Biblical Example: Joseph wisely stored grain during years of abundance so that provision would be available during famine (Genesis 41:33-36).

8. GIVING BEYOND YOUR ABILITY REVEALS TRUST IN GOD'S PROVISION

When believers give sacrificially, they demonstrate that their ultimate security is in God rather than in possessions.

a. God Is Our Provider (Philippians 4:19) — Our confidence rests in God's ability to supply our genuine needs.

b. God Gives Seed to the Sower (2 Corinthians 9:10) — God is able to provide resources for those who faithfully use them for His purposes.

c. Generosity Produces Spiritual Harvest (2 Corinthians 9:6) — Scripture teaches that generous sowing produces a corresponding harvest.

d. God Rewards Faithfulness According to His Will (Hebrews 6:10) — God does not overlook faithful service and love expressed towards His people.

Biblical Example: The boy who surrendered his five loaves and two fishes placed his limited resources in Jesus' hands, and Christ used them to feed a multitude (John 6:8-13).

CONCLUSION

Giving beyond your ability is not primarily about giving an impressive amount; it is about possessing a heart that trusts God enough to make genuine sacrifices. The Macedonians gave in affliction, out of deep poverty, according to their ability and beyond their ability, because they were willing. Their generosity was a testimony of God's grace working within them.

Let us therefore learn to give with wisdom, faith, love, willingness, and sacrifice. Let us first give ourselves to the Lord and allow Him to direct how we use our resources. As we trust God and remain faithful stewards, may our giving become a channel through which needs are met, lives are blessed, the Gospel advances, and God receives glory.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me a willing and generous heart, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, increase my faith to trust You with my resources, in Jesus name.

3. Father, deliver me from selfishness, greed, and fear of lack, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, teach me to give sacrificially with wisdom and understanding, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to put Your kingdom first in the use of my resources, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, make me a channel of blessing to people in genuine need, in Jesus name.

7. Father, give me wisdom to balance generosity with my responsibilities, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, increase my capacity to support the work of the Gospel, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let my giving produce thanksgiving and glory to Your name, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, make me a faithful steward of everything You have entrusted to me, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall receive grace to give willingly, joyfully, and sacrificially, in Jesus name.

2. Your faith in God's provision shall overcome every fear of lack, in Jesus name.

3. You shall not be controlled by greed, selfishness, or materialism, in Jesus name.

4. The Lord shall give you wisdom to manage and distribute your resources faithfully, in Jesus name.

5. Your hands shall become instruments of blessing to many people, in Jesus name.

6. You shall have increasing capacity to support the work of God, in Jesus name.

7. Your generosity shall meet genuine needs and produce thanksgiving to God, in Jesus name.

8. The Lord shall faithfully provide for your legitimate needs as you trust Him, in Jesus name.

9. Your resources shall advance the Gospel and produce lasting spiritual fruit, in Jesus name.

10. You shall become a faithful and fruitful steward of everything God places in your hands, in Jesus name.