The Cure for Greed

The Cure for Greed: Living as Pipes, Not Pails

Scripture References

Primary text

• 2 Corinthians 8
• 2 Corinthians 9

Other references

• Mark 12
• 1 Timothy 6
• Psalm 112:9
• Matthew 6

Overview

Greed disguises itself as normal life in our culture, but the gospel calls us to become conduits, not containers, of God’s resources. 2 Corinthians 8–9 shows generosity as the remedy: we sow generously, give joyfully, and live faithfully so God’s gifts keep flowing through us. Pastor Jonathan Pokluda traced three marks of a generous disciple, shared candid stories of his own financial awakening, and urged every believer to feel—rather than merely calculate—the cost of giving for the sake of Christ’s mission.

Main Points

We are made to be conduits, not containers

• • A Russian missionary’s first impression of America: “Public Storage”—closets, garages, and rented units overflowing with stuff.
• • Materialism has crept into the church like voodoo had crept into Haitian Christianity; we hardly notice it.
• • Illustration: pails hold, pipes transfer. God designs us to be pipes.

Give generously — sow beyond comfort (2 Cor 9:6)

• • Generous giving is felt giving; it costs something.
• • The Macedonians “gave beyond their ability” while under severe trial.
• • Story: JP’s early “generosity” was a single $100 gift while living in luxury—he later realized true generosity required sacrifice.
• Illustration: The farmer buries seed he could have eaten, trusting for a harvest.

Give cheerfully — not reluctantly or under compulsion (2 Cor 9:7)

• • God loves a cheerful giver because He is a cheerful giver (“For the joy set before Him…”).
• • Reluctant giving looks like dropping money in the plate because someone is watching.
• Story: Uncle Reuben and the usher’s offering pole that rattled coins until he gave—an example of compelled giving.
• • Practical tip: discuss and pray with family; invite accountability so giving becomes worship, not pressure.

Give faithfully — in faith and as a rhythm (2 Cor 9:8-13)

• • God supplies seed and multiplies it so we can “be generous on every occasion.”
• • Faithful = regular, intentional, trusting God to replenish, not a year-end leftover.
• • Testimony: as JP increased giving, God repeatedly “shoveled it back” enabling still more generosity.
• • When the church gives faithfully, outsiders praise God for His provision through us.

Jesus is the model and motive

• • “For God so loved the world He gave…”—Christ did not tithe His blood; He gave all.
• • Generosity is discipleship: where our treasure is, our heart follows (Matthew 6).

Practical perspective shift

• • JP’s four-year-old son Weston gives away everything because he trusts Dad will meet his needs; believers can trust the Father the same way.
• • Tithing (10 %) is a helpful starting line, not the finish line; Old-Testament giving totaled closer to 25-30 %.

Key Truths

• Generosity is the God-ordained antidote to greed and materialism.
• True generosity is measured by sacrifice, not by amount.
• God replenishes givers so that generosity can keep expanding, not so lifestyles can inflate.
• Joyful, consistent giving turns financial worship into a testimony that points people to Christ.

Response

• Examine your spending and storage; identify where you are “a pail” instead of “a pipe.”
• Set a percentage that feels sacrificial and begin giving it regularly.
• Discuss giving goals with your spouse, family, or small group and pray over them together.
• Trust God to supply seed for further generosity, and look for fresh opportunities to meet needs.

Closing

Pastor JP prayed that every believer at Life.Church would reflect God’s reputation for outrageous generosity, moving resources where the gospel is needed most. Pastor Craig followed by asking God to “stretch us even more… so we could be a conduit of blessings and ministry all over this world.” The final invitation was clear: since Jesus gave His life for us, our reasonable response is to surrender all—resources included—and become pipes through which He blesses the nations.

Prayer

Pastor JP (summarized): Father, thank You for Your extravagant generosity shown in Jesus. Help us give generously, cheerfully, and faithfully. Protect us from pride; multiply what we release so the world sees Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Resources

• Book: “Why Do I Do What I Don’t Want to Do” by Jonathan Pokluda
• Podcast: “Becoming Something” by Jonathan Pokluda
• Study tool mentioned: Crown Financial Ministries