THANKSGIVING THROUGH GIVING

THANKSGIVING THROUGH GIVING

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Corinthians 9:11-12

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:12 — “For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God.”

Supporting Texts: Psalm 50:14; Psalm 107:21-22; Luke 17:15-16; Philippians 4:18; Hebrews 13:15-16; 1 Chronicles 29:9-14

Description: Christian giving can meet genuine needs, produce thanksgiving in the hearts of people and cause God to receive glory.

INTRODUCTION

Thanksgiving is an important response to the goodness of God. When people recognise what God has done for them, gratitude should rise from their hearts and find expression in worship, praise and generosity. In 2 Corinthians 9:11-12, Paul shows that giving can become a powerful channel through which thanksgiving is offered to God.

The believers in Corinth were preparing to contribute towards the needs of other Christians. Their giving would not only supply what was lacking among the saints; it would also result in “many thanksgivings unto God.” Their generosity would become an instrument through which people recognised God's goodness and responded with gratitude.

Our giving therefore has a ministry beyond the immediate gift. When we give to support God's work, help those in genuine need and advance the Gospel, we can create opportunities for people to experience God's love practically. When those needs are met, thanksgiving rises to God. Giving becomes worship, service and a testimony of God's grace.

1. GIVING IS A RESPONSE TO GOD'S GOODNESS

Everything we possess ultimately comes from God. Our giving should therefore begin with gratitude for His goodness and provision.

a. Acknowledge God's Ownership (1 Chronicles 29:11-14) — David recognised that everything in heaven and earth belongs to God and that whatever they gave had first come from His hand.

b. Remember God's Benefits (Psalm 103:2) — We should not forget the many benefits we receive from the Lord.

c. Give Thanks for God's Provision (Deuteronomy 8:18) — God gives the ability and power to obtain wealth and resources.

d. Honour God With What He Gives (Proverbs 3:9) — Giving from our resources can become an expression of honour and gratitude to God.

Biblical Example: David and the leaders of Israel rejoiced when they gave willingly towards the building of the temple because they recognised that their ability to give came from God (1 Chronicles 29:6-17).

2. GIVING SUPPLIES THE NEEDS OF OTHERS

One of the immediate purposes of Christian generosity is to meet genuine needs. God can use what we have to become an answer to someone's prayer.

a. Giving Supplies Genuine Need (2 Corinthians 9:12) — Paul's collection was intended to supply the needs of the saints.

b. Share With Those in Need (Romans 12:13) — Believers are instructed to contribute to the needs of fellow Christians.

c. Remember the Poor (Galatians 2:10) — Caring for those in need is an important expression of Christian responsibility.

d. Do Good and Share (Hebrews 13:16) — Sharing our possessions with others is a sacrifice that pleases God.

Biblical Example: The believers in the early church shared their possessions so that needy members of the community were cared for (Acts 4:34-35).

3. GIVING PRODUCES THANKSGIVING TO GOD

Paul specifically teaches that generous service can produce many expressions of thanksgiving. Giving can therefore become a ministry of gratitude.

a. Giving Produces Thanksgiving (2 Corinthians 9:12) — When needs are supplied, thanksgiving rises to God.

b. Thanksgiving Magnifies God's Goodness (Psalm 107:21-22) — Those who experience God's mercy are encouraged to offer praise and thanksgiving.

c. Giving Can Cause Others to Praise God (2 Corinthians 9:13) — The obedience and generosity of believers can lead others to glorify God.

d. Thanksgiving Should Accompany God's Blessings (1 Thessalonians 5:18) — Believers are called to give thanks in every circumstance.

Biblical Example: When Jesus healed the ten lepers, one returned to give glory to God and thank Jesus for what had happened (Luke 17:15-16).

4. GENEROSITY IS A MINISTRY TO PEOPLE

Giving is not simply transferring resources from one person to another. It is a ministry through which God's love can be demonstrated practically.

a. Serve One Another (Galatians 5:13) — Christian freedom should be expressed through loving service.

b. Bear One Another's Burdens (Galatians 6:2) — Generosity can help carry another person's burden.

c. Show Mercy (Luke 6:36) — Believers should reflect the mercy of their Heavenly Father.

d. Let Love Become Practical (1 John 3:17-18) — Christian love should be demonstrated through practical action.

Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan used his resources to care for the wounded man and demonstrated compassion through practical service (Luke 10:30-37).

5. GIVING SUPPORTS THE WORK OF THE GOSPEL

Generosity is also a means of supporting those who labour in the work of God and extending the reach of the Gospel.

a. Support Gospel Ministry (Philippians 4:15-16) — The Philippian church repeatedly supported Paul's ministry.

b. Giving Becomes Fruit to Our Account (Philippians 4:17) — Paul described their support as fruit that increased to their account.

c. Giving Is a Sacrifice Pleasing to God (Philippians 4:18) — Their generosity was described as an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice.

d. God Supplies the Giver (Philippians 4:19) — Paul assured them that God would supply their needs according to His riches in glory.

Biblical Example: The women who followed Jesus supported His ministry from their resources, helping sustain His earthly ministry (Luke 8:1-3).

6. THANKSGIVING SHOULD RETURN TO GOD

When our giving produces a blessing, the ultimate thanksgiving should be directed to God rather than to the human giver.

a. God Deserves the Glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) — Everything we do should ultimately bring glory to God.

b. Do Not Seek Human Praise (Matthew 6:1-4) — Jesus warned against performing acts of righteousness merely to receive recognition.

c. Direct Praise to God (Psalm 115:1) — Glory belongs to God rather than to human beings.

d. Let Others Glorify God (Matthew 5:16) — Our good works should cause people to glorify our Father in heaven.

Biblical Example: After the healing of the lame man at the temple, Peter directed the people's attention away from human ability and towards the power of God (Acts 3:12-16).

7. GIVING CREATES A CYCLE OF BLESSING AND GRATITUDE

God can use generosity to create a continuing cycle in which provision meets needs, needs produce thanksgiving and thanksgiving glorifies God.

a. God Supplies Seed to the Sower (2 Corinthians 9:10) — God provides seed for sowing and bread for food.

b. God Multiplies the Seed Sown (2 Corinthians 9:10) — He can increase the resources available for continued generosity.

c. Needs Are Supplied (2 Corinthians 9:12) — Generosity meets practical needs.

d. Thanksgiving Multiplies (2 Corinthians 9:12) — The result is many expressions of gratitude to God.

Biblical Example: The widow of Zarephath shared her limited provision with Elijah, and God's provision sustained her household throughout the famine (1 Kings 17:8-16).

8. GIVING SHOULD LEAD TO GREATER GLORY FOR GOD

The final goal of Christian generosity is that God's name should be honoured. When generosity is connected to obedience, love and faith, it can become a testimony of God's grace.

a. Giving Demonstrates Obedience (2 Corinthians 9:13) — Generosity can demonstrate the sincerity of our obedience to the Gospel.

b. Giving Causes People to Glorify God (2 Corinthians 9:13) — Those who receive the benefit can respond with praise to God.

c. Giving Reflects God's Grace (2 Corinthians 9:14) — Generosity can reveal the surpassing grace of God working through His people.

d. Give Thanks for God's Indescribable Gift (2 Corinthians 9:15) — Paul ultimately directs attention to God's greatest gift, Jesus Christ.

Biblical Example: The early church's generosity and unity produced favour among the people and became a powerful testimony of God's work among them (Acts 2:44-47).

CONCLUSION

Christian giving is more than an act of generosity; it can become a ministry of thanksgiving. When we give to meet genuine needs, support God's work and demonstrate Christ's love, people can experience God's goodness in practical ways. Their response can become thanksgiving, praise and worship directed to God.

Let us therefore give with grateful hearts, pure motives and genuine love. May our generosity supply needs, strengthen the work of God, encourage His people and cause many voices to rise in thanksgiving. May everything we give ultimately point people to the goodness, grace and glory of God.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me a grateful heart that honours You with my resources, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, make me sensitive to the needs of people around me, in Jesus name.

3. Father, use me to supply genuine needs and bring relief to others, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, make my generosity a source of thanksgiving to You, in Jesus name.

5. Father, give me grace to support the advancement of Your Gospel, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, deliver me from selfishness and covetousness, in Jesus name.

7. Father, let my giving demonstrate Your love and grace to others, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, multiply my capacity to give and bless others, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let everything I do and give bring glory to Your name, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, make my life a continual testimony that causes people to give thanks to You, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Your heart shall continually overflow with thanksgiving to God.

2. You shall become a channel through which genuine needs are supplied.

3. Your generosity shall bring relief, encouragement and blessing to many people.

4. Your giving shall produce thanksgiving and praise to God.

5. God shall increase your capacity to support His work and bless others.

6. You shall not be controlled by selfishness or covetousness.

7. Your resources shall become instruments for the advancement of the Gospel.

8. God shall multiply the seed He places in your hands for every good work.

9. Your life and generosity shall cause people to recognise and glorify God.

10. Many thanksgivings shall rise to God because of the blessings He brings through your life, in Jesus name.