Bible Reading: II Corinthians 9:1-15.
Aim: To increase in each of these areas.
Introduction: We either increase in our Christian life or decrease and backslide. Which are
you doing?
Question: What does God say that we must increase in?
1) Learning. “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning.” Proverbs 1:5.
2) Generosity. “There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth…” Proverbs 11:24.
3) Lifespan. “for by me (wisdom)… the years of thy life shall be increased.” Proverbs 9:10,11. If we grow in wisdom, fear of the Lord and knowledge of the Lord, our lifespanwill be increased.
4) Joy. “The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord.” Isaiah 29:19.
5) Faith. “Lord, increase our faith.” Luke 17:5; Romans 10:17; II Cor 10:15. (I Thess 3:12.
6) Love. “The Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and
toward all men”
7) Strength. “Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dweltat Damascus.” Acts 9:22; Isaiah 40:29.
8) Knowledge. “Increasing in the knowledge of God.” Colossians 1:10.
9) Fruits of righteousness. “increase the fruits of your righteousness.” II Corinthians 9:10.
10) Christ. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30.
Bad things that increase are:
i) Harlots increase transgressors among men (Proverbs 23:28), and
ii) Profane and vain babblings increase unto more ungodliness. (2 Timothy 2:16).
Keith Piper – The Answer Book