The Lure of Comfort Giving [Sermon]

Annapolis, Maryland, USA

March 2025

Luke 21:1-4

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

1. ____________ Giving

2. ___________ Giving 

2 Cor 8:1-5

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Reasons when you should not give

3. ____________ Giving

Acts 2:44

All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

4. ___________ Giving

Hebrews 13:16

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Philippians 4:18

I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

2 Corinthians 8:2

for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

1 John 4:19

We love because he first loved us.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son…