I. SERMON NOTES​

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Introduction

The faithful giving church is a topic that poses an inherent challenge for any preacher, as it can inadvertently make the speaker sound money-minded when he is not. Often, hearers prefer to listen to messages about how God will bless them—ideally with financial abundance—rather than why they should joyfully, generously, and voluntarily give their resources to build up members in the faith, bless the less fortunate, and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. This sermon arises from our overarching church theme this year: having faith in Jesus and producing active work from it, specifically through giving for our church's ministry. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 8:1–5 and 9, we examine the true blueprint of Christian stewardship.

1. A joyful and generous church that gave for good even when it was very difficult for them

 

The historical context of our scripture text is defined by a landscape of dire need on one hand, and a profound opportunity to alleviate that need on the other. Around AD 41, Jewish Christians in Judea suffered through severe famines. Though gentile Christians in Antioch initially sent relief, the need remained massive fifteen years later, around AD 56. To encourage the Corinthian church to fulfil an uncompleted giving commitment, the Apostle Paul cited the stunning example of the Macedonian churches—comprising Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Paul describes their response as a beautiful paradox:

"For as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints..." 2 Corinthians 8: 3

What makes the Macedonian church an amazing example is that their joy and wealth of generosity overflowed despite facing their own severe hardships of persecution and extreme poverty. Without an ounce of external compulsion, they gave so freely that they chose to deprive themselves, moving beyond comfort to enter into hardship for the sake of others. They earnestly begged—ardently imploring Paul—to contribute whatever they could scrape together, viewing giving as an immense privilege rather than a heavy, legalistic burden.

2. Why the Macedonia Churches were able to give joyfully and generously

The unselfish, others-focused attitude of the Macedonian Christians was not born out of generic human altruism in reaction to an urgent fundraising appeal. Scripture reveals the deep theological root of their actions:

"...they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us."  2 Corinthians 8:5

They were able to give in this manner because they were, first and foremost, totally dedicated to God, and secondly, they deeply listened to and trusted Paul as their spiritual leader.  By their doing so, they had greatly encouraged Paul, who also noted that they did not do so “merely as we expected”. For the Macedonian Churches responded so much better, not only giving in good times and from abundance, but even while they themselves were facing bad times and facing poverty.  Their complete devotion led them to provide financial support to the Jewish Christians in Judea, despite not knowing them personally.

This directly mirrors our current reality at CCMC. Every year during this season, our church leaders prayerfully discuss, debate, and decide upon the upcoming yearly budget. For the coming financial year (August 2026 to July 2027), the leadership has set out the necessary expenditures so that CCMC can effectively carry out local ministry, support missions, and meet the needs of people—both known and unknown to us—in alignment with the vision of our church and the eternal virtues of Faith, Hope and Love. Just like the Macedonians, we give towards causes we may never physically see because we trust God's leading through our spiritual leaders.

3. The opportunity for CCMC with the budget for the coming financial year 2026 - 2027

As we approach Pledge Sunday on the 19th of July, our official pledge letters have been distributed via post, on our church website, and through hard copies at the ushers' table. To illustrate the contagious nature of sacrificial giving, we look to the historical example of a struggling Baptist congregation that was trying to raise $6,500 for a church building. When the fundraising stalled at $3,000, a woman named Jenny stood up and asked her husband Charlie on the platform if they could sell their small home—for which they had just been offered $3,500 cash—saying, "If the Saviour gave his life for us, shouldn't we make this sacrifice for him?". Their absolute willingness to sacrifice instantly broke the room's hesitance, causing others to sob and joyfully increase their donations until the goal was fully met without Charlie and Jenny ever having to forfeit their home.

The reality for many of us in Singapore is that bringing our tithes or giving extra will not induce actual material hardship or require us to lose our homes; we often have quite a bit more than what we strictly need to live comfortably. As author Warren Wiersbe powerfully reminded the global church:

"God is not bankrupt. He wants our tithes and our offerings as expressions of our faith and love. When a believer's love for God grows cold, it usually shows up in the area of stewardship. If every church member would bring the Lord His due (the tithe), and then add offerings (as an expression of gratitude), our local churches would have more than enough for their ministries. And they would be able to share generously with the many other good ministries that deserve support."

We must actively dismantle the false notion that the money we earn belongs to us; it belongs entirely to the Lord, passed down to us merely as temporary stewards. As Kent Crockett aptly noted, "Giving our money to the Lord is one of the ways we die to self.".

Conclusion

 

We must never give to the ministries of CCMC out of a rigid sense of obligation, legalistic duty, or under threat. Instead, we are called to be energized and inspired by the supreme, self-sacrificing example of our Saviour:

"For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich." 2 Corinthians 8: 9

Jesus possessed absolute heavenly riches, yet He fully divested Himself, paying the ultimate price of salvation on the cross so that we might be saved from sin and gifted with eternal life. As a commentator stated, “Paul saw in Christ the finest example of one who showed eagerness and generosity in giving as a demonstration of his love.” Let us respond by faith, moving forward as a faithful, fountain-like giving church to meet our upcoming budgetary needs for the glory of God.