Making People Rich
Advent 2023
December 17, 2023
Rev. Dr. Gabe Sylvia
The sermon warns against the stockpiling and stinginess that can come with seasons like Christmas and urges Christians to reject circumstances as obstacles and, empowered by God’s abundant grace (exemplified by the Macedonian churches), practice cross-bearing generosity to become rich toward others.
Summary
Using Paul’s example to the Corinthians and the model of the Macedonian churches, the sermon contrasts a culture of stockpiling and stinginess with the Christian call to generous, cross-bearing living. Even in severe affliction and deep poverty the Macedonians abounded in joy and gave generously because God’s grace rested on them; Paul repeatedly emphasizes grace as the enabling power. The congregation is exhorted to reject outward hardships as excuses, seize opportunities to be generous, and steward resources now for God’s kingdom so the church might be 'rich toward others.'
Key Points
- Christmas can foster stockpiling and a stingy mindset rather than generous giving.
- Christian generosity is linked to cross-bearing; hiding Christ’s riches is a form of stinginess.
- Paul points to the Macedonian churches as practical examples: despite severe affliction and deep poverty, they abounded in joy and gave generously.
- The grace of God (emphasized repeatedly by Paul) is the means by which believers overcome stinginess.
- Believers must reject circumstances as obstacles and instead see them as opportunities to be generous.
- The church is called to act now—to offer resources for building God’s kingdom locally and to be 'rich toward others.'
- The sermon closes in thanksgiving for God’s grace and a prayer that the congregation will live out this generosity.
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