Lesson 4: Offerings are Like Seeds Planted for a Harvest.

Definition 

The offering is a gift to God after our tithes.

Scripture Reading

2 Corinthians 9:6, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

Main Points

1. SOW SEED: The biblical word sow means, “plant.”  Therefore, Paul in the above passage is comparing one’s offerings to seeds that are planted to grow and be harvested.  For example, when a farmer plants or sows corn seeds into the ground he does so because he wants to reap a harvest of corn.
2. SOW SPARINGLY: If a farmer only planted a few seeds in the ground he would only expect to reap a small harvest.  In the same way, Paul teaches us that if we give sparingly to God in our offerings we will only reap sparingly from His provision.
3. SOW GENEROUSLY: If a farmer plants many seeds he will reap a large harvest.  As a result, when we give generously to God we can expect to reap God’s generous blessings!  Remember, the Holy Spirit according to each person’s ability and resources determines generosity in God’s kingdom.

Summary

Your seed planted in offerings will determine your harvest reaped in God’s blessings.

Application

1. Be a faithful tither.
2. Give generous offerings to God.
3. Prayerfully expect God to bless you generously!

The offering is a gift to God “after” the tithe and is given in a “variety” of ways.  God said it should be a “generous” “seed” given with a “cheerful” heart from personal “sacrifice.” Offerings will always bring “thanksgiving” to God because they go towards “charity” and ministry “supplies.”  We give offerings in “obedience” to God’s Word, “sharing” with others our blessings with a “gracious” heart by “imitating” Jesus and revealing where our “treasure” really is.