Experiencing the Joy
Experiencing the Joy
1. Purposeful Giving
Joy grows when giving is intentional rather than accidental. Decide in advance what you will give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, but from a willing heart that wants to honor God.
Decide What You Will Give
Set time aside to pray and think through your giving. If you’re married, talk it through together. Build a plan that isn’t driven by moods or momentary emotion, but by obedience and conviction.
Start With a Clear Target
A practical baseline is the tithe as a starting point for accountability and consistency. In the New Testament, the emphasis moves from a strict percentage to the posture of the heart—cheerful generosity that flows from gratitude for the gospel.
Remember the Principle of Sowing and Reaping
Choices have consequences. Giving sparingly leads to reaping sparingly; giving generously leads to reaping generously. Purposeful giving is a way to align your heart with God’s kingdom, because where your treasure goes, your heart follows.
2. Aligned Values
Real joy comes from being in step with the purposes of God. When your priorities match His priorities, blessing and meaning follow.
God Supplies What You Need to Participate
God is able to provide what is needed so you can abound in good works. He doesn’t merely command generosity; He equips you for it and calls that life righteous.
Generosity Reflects What Moves God’s Heart
God cares for the poor and the needy. Kindness toward the vulnerable honors the Lord, and generosity toward those in need expresses values that match His heart.
Overflowing Joy Can Exist Even in Lack
The churches Paul describes gave in severe trial and even in poverty, yet their giving overflowed with joy. They pleaded for the privilege to share because they had already given themselves to the Lord first. A healthy view of finances begins with surrender to God.
3. Divine Provision
Joy and freedom deepen when you see your resources as God’s provision entrusted to you. If everything is seen as self-made, it becomes harder to release it. But when you recognize God as the source, generosity becomes a natural response.
God Is the One Who Enriches
God supplies seed and bread and enlarges the harvest of righteousness. What you have is not detached from Him—life, abilities, opportunities, and provision ultimately come from His hand.
You Are a Conduit for God’s Blessing
God often channels His work through His people. Resources in your hands become ministry in the world—meeting needs, advancing the gospel, and producing thanksgiving to God.
Freedom Comes Through Release
Many feel locked up by fear about the future, by the pull of accumulating more, or by refusing to acknowledge God’s provision. Financial freedom isn’t found in gripping tighter, but in giving from the heart. To break money’s grip, loosen your grip.
A Practical Next Step
Be purposeful. Decide what you will give and pursue consistency. Use tools that help you follow through—online giving, planned giving, or automatic transfers—so your generosity is steady and your faith has room to see God’s provision at work.
SERMON DETAILS
Speaker: Jeff McNicol
Series: Overflow
Sermon Title: Experiencing the Joy
Date: Feb 15, 2026
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
2 Corinthians 8
2 Corinthians 9
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