FIRST FRUITS                                                                                                                      

WATCH MY ATTITUDE

1 Timothy 6:17-19 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.  NIV             

THE WORD BELIEVE IS IN SCRIPTURE 272 TIMES, PRAY – 371, LOVE – 714 AND GIVE – 2161.

2 Corinthians 8:1-12  Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. 2 They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. 3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. 6 So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. 7 Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. 8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. 9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. 10 Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. 11 Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. 12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don't have.     NLT

ATTITUDE OF GENEROSITY

 1. Be a joyful giver.  

2 Corinthians 8:2  But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.    NLT

 2 Corinthians 9:7  Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.     NIV

2. Be a selfless giver.    

2 Corinthians 8:3-5   For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. 4 They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.    NLT

3. Be a willing giver.    

2 Corinthians 8:5  They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.  NLT

2 Corinthians 8:12   Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don't have.     NLT

2 Corinthians 9:10   So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.   NLT

4. Be a generous giver.     

2 Corinthians 9:6-8   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.   NLT