Pastor Léveillé opens the message by inviting the congregation to 2 Corinthians chapter 9, expressing gratitude for those who led worship. He introduces the topic as the best investment plan, not for earthly retirement but for heavenly rewards. The focus shifts to the Macedonian believers as models of eternal investment. The passage from 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 in the King James Version reads: “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
Pastor Léveillé connects chapters 8 and 9 to missions conferences, highlighting the need for going, praying, and giving. He notes Faithway Baptist Church’s role in supporting missionaries, such as those in the Canary Islands, St. Lucia, and Indonesia. Addressing reluctance to discuss finances, Pastor Léveillé critiques self-serving preaching and the prosperity gospel’s distortions, contrasting it with biblical truths like those in Hebrews 11:37-38 and Matthew 6:19-20: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” He emphasizes preaching the whole counsel of God, sharing anecdotes about Howard Hughes leaving all wealth behind and a millionaire converting earthly riches into heavenly treasures through missions support.
God Guarantees a Harvest
In 2 Corinthians 9:6, the principle of sowing and reaping stands clear: “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” The existence of a harvest remains unquestioned for those involved in God’s work; the extent depends on the sowing. Drawing from the Macedonian example in chapter 8, where deep poverty led to generous liberality because they first gave themselves to the Lord, Pastor Léveillé explains that bountiful sowing reflects God’s blessings. Verse 10 clarifies: “Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” This harvest refers to spiritual dividends, not earthly wealth. Sparingly and bountifully serve as relative terms, tied to proportion rather than fixed amounts, as seen in verse 7: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” Giving should mirror gratitude for God’s provisions, ideally aligning with seasons of thanksgiving to underscore bountiful response.
God Guarantees Provision for Our Needs
Verse 8 assures: “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.” God promises to meet needs for those who give joyfully and bountifully, though not necessarily granting millionaire status or perfect health. Distinguishing needs from wants, such as jet skis or entertainment subscriptions, Pastor Léveillé references Philippians 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” He shares stories of faith promise commitments, including a pastor in Togo who gave sacrificially despite poverty and saw God provide miraculously, building a church debt-free without external aid. These examples illustrate God’s faithfulness in supplying sufficiency, enabling abundance in good works without manipulation or pressure.
God Guarantees the Seed
Expanding on verse 10, God ministers seed to every sower: “Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness.” This ensures every believer, regardless of financial status, receives something to give. Not everyone sows equally, but all can sow bountifully in proportion to blessings, often sacrificially as Christ did. Pastor Léveillé recounts childhood commitments and observations in Ivory Coast where minimal amounts given by faith yielded eternal rewards. Verse 11 adds: “Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” God supplies needs, provides seed, and guarantees harvest, avoiding the exclusion of any from heavenly investment. An analogy of providing animal food at a zoo underscores God’s fatherly provision for fruitfulness.
Conclusion
As we approach our Missions Conference, let us reflect on these promises from 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, trusting God to guide our giving. He guarantees a harvest, provisions for our needs, and seed for every sower, enabling all to participate in His work. May we give bountifully, not out of manipulation or obligation, but as a joyful response to God’s blessings, investing in eternal treasures. Let Faithway Baptist Church continue to advance the gospel globally, knowing that our faithful God equips us to sow, sustains us with His provision, and assures us of a heavenly harvest.
