Biblical Finances: Bread and Seed
Hey guys, today we are going to be continuing the Biblical Finances series by going over the subject of Bread and Seed. The passage we will be going over is in the New Testament in 2nd Corinthians. In this passage we see Paul talking to the Corinthians about the subject of giving to ministries. I believe that this subject is very important when it comes to a believers life and is essential to understanding biblical finances. Let’s jump into it.
The Law of Sowing an Reaping
Now [remember] this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to others] will also reap generously [and be blessed]. Let each one give [thoughtfully and with purpose] just as he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver [and delights in the one whose heart is in his gift].
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 AMP
In the first section of this passage, we see Paul talk to the Corinthians about the law of sowing and reaping. The basics of the law is that those who sow little will reap little. Now this sowing is in reference to giving financially. This means that you are rewarded whether you give a large or small amount. The point is that when you sow (give money) you will reap. If you give a lot, you can expect a lot back from the Lord. And the second part to this is that when you give, it should be from a place where it is your idea and you are excited about it. No one should ever pressure to sow into their ministry.
God takes care of His people’s Finances
And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity. As it is written and forever remains written, “He [the benevolent and generous person] scattered abroad, he gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever!”
2 Corinthians 9:8-9 AMP
In this section, Paul talks about how God is able to bring someone everything they need in life. Paul also states that not only are we to have everything we need, but also that we are to also have enough for charity as well. That means God will give you what you need and more so that you can give back to the Kingdom. This gives us insight into how Christians are to handle our finances. If you have just enough, than that isn’t enough. You should have more than you need so that you can help those in need.
Giving for Thanksgiving
Now He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness, and love]. You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God [from those who benefit].
Paul then goes to say that our God who provides for both our bread (needs) and our seed (giving) will multiply our seed for sowing. So what does that mean? It means that we as Christians are to live within our needs and our excess becomes seed to be sown. And as we continue to sow, God will multiply our excess. That means you will grow financially for giving. Paul says that in our generosity, we will cause those who we bless to give thanksgiving to God. That means we are always to do our giving as representatives of God. When someone receives something from you, they receive something from God and you should make it known. In summary, God wants to supply your needs and more so that you can give and glorify Him! This is just another outlet that we can use to show others the love of God.
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