FUELING THE MISSION
2 Corinthians 9:6–11 (NLT)
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.
Today is a special day—World Mission Offering Sunday. We’ve spent the last few weeks talking about God’s heart for the nations, and today we get to put that faith into action.
Missions doesn’t just happen because someone is willing to go. Missions happens because the Church is willing to fuel the mission—through prayer, through sending, and yes, through giving.
Let's break down 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, verse-by-verse, and see what God says about giving.
1. GENEROSITY PRODUCES A PROPORTINATE HARVEST
2 Corinthians 9.6 (NLT) A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.
Paul uses a simple farming truth: you reap what you sow. The farmer who sows sparingly shouldn’t expect a big harvest. But the one who sows generously will reap abundantly.
2. GENEROSITY BEGINS IN THE HEART
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT) “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
Our giving reflects the trust and joy in our hearts. Paul wasn’t afraid to talk about money—because it reflected people’s hearts. Generosity is worship in action.
Before you give, pray: “Lord, what do You want me to give?” Let your decision come from the heart, not from guilt.
Something to think about: An average Starbucks Venti Cappuccino is $6.48.
3. GOD'S PROVISION FUELS OUR GENEROSITY
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT) And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”
This is a promise! God supplies us so that we can supply others. He doesn’t just give us enough for ourselves; He gives us enough to bless the nations.
4. GENEROSITY LEAVES A LEGACY
2 Corinthians 9:9 (NLT) They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
Your missions giving leaves an eternal mark. You may never meet the people your gift reaches on this side of heaven—but in eternity, they will remember your generosity.
5. GOD MULTIPLIES THE SEED WE SOW
2 Corinthians 9:10 (NLT) God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
God is both the provider of the seed and the multiplier of the harvest. When we release our seed, He produces fruit beyond what we could imagine.
6. GENEROSITY BRINGS GLORY TO GOD
2 Corinthians 9:11 (NLT) Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.
The ultimate purpose of our giving is not our blessing—it’s God’s glory. Paul says the result of the Corinthians’ generosity will be thanksgiving to God.
Missions doesn’t just happen because someone is willing to go. Missions happens because the Church is willing to fuel the mission—through prayer, through sending, and yes, through giving.
Let's break down 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, verse-by-verse, and see what God says about giving.
1. GENEROSITY PRODUCES A PROPORTINATE HARVEST
2 Corinthians 9.6 (NLT) A farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.
Paul uses a simple farming truth: you reap what you sow. The farmer who sows sparingly shouldn’t expect a big harvest. But the one who sows generously will reap abundantly.
2. GENEROSITY BEGINS IN THE HEART
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT) “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
Our giving reflects the trust and joy in our hearts. Paul wasn’t afraid to talk about money—because it reflected people’s hearts. Generosity is worship in action.
Before you give, pray: “Lord, what do You want me to give?” Let your decision come from the heart, not from guilt.
Something to think about: An average Starbucks Venti Cappuccino is $6.48.
- (Weekly) Give 1 per week to missions: $336.96 annually - $6.48/week; $28.08/month
- (Mon-Fri) Give 261 Business Days/Year: $1691.28 annually - $32.52/week; $140.91/month
- (Daily) Give 365 Days/Year: $2365.20 annually - $45.48/week; $197.10/month
3. GOD'S PROVISION FUELS OUR GENEROSITY
2 Corinthians 9:8 (NLT) And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”
This is a promise! God supplies us so that we can supply others. He doesn’t just give us enough for ourselves; He gives us enough to bless the nations.
4. GENEROSITY LEAVES A LEGACY
2 Corinthians 9:9 (NLT) They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
Your missions giving leaves an eternal mark. You may never meet the people your gift reaches on this side of heaven—but in eternity, they will remember your generosity.
5. GOD MULTIPLIES THE SEED WE SOW
2 Corinthians 9:10 (NLT) God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
God is both the provider of the seed and the multiplier of the harvest. When we release our seed, He produces fruit beyond what we could imagine.
6. GENEROSITY BRINGS GLORY TO GOD
2 Corinthians 9:11 (NLT) Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.
The ultimate purpose of our giving is not our blessing—it’s God’s glory. Paul says the result of the Corinthians’ generosity will be thanksgiving to God.
PRACTICAL STEPS TO FUEL THE MISSION
- Pray before you give – Ask God for His number, not just yours.
- Prioritize missions giving – Make it part of your budget, not an afterthought.
- Practice consistency – Give weekly or monthly, not just once a year.
- Partner personally – Pray for the missionaries you support.
- Prepare to stretch – Step out in faith beyond your comfort zone.
- Praise God for the results – Rejoice when reports come back of lives changed.
Study the life of George Muller (1805–1898)
- Muller sowed generously by giving his life to orphans and trusting God.
- He gave cheerfully, never under compulsion.
- God supplied abundantly, not only for the orphans but also for Muller’s ministry worldwide.
- The result was overflowing thanksgiving to God, as countless people witnessed God’s provision.
When you give, remember the life of George Muller.
Will you sow generously, give cheerfully, trust God to supply abundantly, and then give overflowing thanksgiving to God?
Will you sow generously, give cheerfully, trust God to supply abundantly, and then give overflowing thanksgiving to God?
Posted in Sermon Notes
Posted in giving, Mission, sacrifice, focus, biblical world view, legacy, George Mueller
Posted in giving, Mission, sacrifice, focus, biblical world view, legacy, George Mueller
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