I.        The Example of Giving in the Macedonian Churches, II Corinthians 8:1-6

          A.      They gave by the grace of God

          B.       They gave out of their affliction and deep poverty

          C.      They gave out of their joy

          D.      They gave abundantly

          E.       They gave according to their ability and even beyond their ability

          F.       They gave motivated by their own desire to help believers in need

          G.      They gave themselves to the Lord first

          H.      They gave themselves to the leadership of Paul and others

II.      The Example of Giving Provided by Jesus Christ, II Corinthians 8:7-9

          A.             We should increase more and more in our faith, proclamation, knowledge

           B.             We should also increase more and more, in all earnestness and love, in our gracious work of giving to meet the needs of others

           C.             Joyful, earnest and loving financial help for the needs of others is one of the measures that  proves the authenticity of our faith

           D.             Consider Christ’s example for us: He was rich but became poor for us