1. The world’s attitude towards possessions is materialism.
7 Now as you excel in everything—in faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us—excel also in this act of grace. 8 I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 10 And in this matter I am giving advice because it is profitable for you, who began last year not only to do something but also to want to do it. 11 Now also finish the task, so that just as there was an eager desire, there may also be a completion, according to what you have.
2 Cor. 8:7-11 (CSB)
17 If anyone has this world’s goods and sees a fellow believer in need but withholds compassion from him—how does God’s love reside in him?
1 John 3:17 (CSB)
28 Let the thief no longer steal. Instead, he is to do honest work with his own hands, so that he has something to share with anyone in need.
Eph. 4:28 (CSB)
1 Now about the collection for the saints: Do the same as I instructed the Galatian churches. 2 On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he is prospering, so that no collections will need to be made when I come.
1 Cor. 16:1-2 (CSB)
2. God’s attitude toward possessions is stewardship.
1 We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia: 2 During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 2 Cor. 8:1-2 (CSB)
17 Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God, who richly provides us with all things to enjoy.
1 Tim. 6:17 (CSB)
18 Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share,
1 Tim. 6:18 (CSB)
19 storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life.
I Timothy 6:19 (CSB)
11 Now also finish the task, so that just as there was an eager desire, there may also be a completion, according to what you have. 12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
2 Cor. 8:11-12 (CSB)
2 During a severe trial brought about by affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
2 Cor. 8:2 (CSB)
3. The Macedonians not only gave sacrificially but they gave voluntarily.
3 I can testify that, according to their ability and even beyond their ability, of their own accord, 4 they begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints
2 Cor. 8:3-4 (CSB)
5 and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us by God’s will.
2 Cor. 8:5 (CSB)
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.
2 Cor. 8:9 (CSB)
16 For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (CSB)