I have left the verses showing so that you can see them as we briefly look through this passage coming to a close of this amazing letter of Philippians.
“Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Philippians 4: 14-20)
The following are bullet points and brief purposely wanting us to pause and consider what God might be saying to you individually on certain matters.
Giving to need is sharing in the problem of the need, v14
- You are there even when you cannot physically be. (Paul was in prison far away)
- You feel the weight of the burden
Just because it is a Church doesn’t mean it is generous, v15 (note Paul mentions churches who didn’t give)
- The spirit of entitlement can live in the pulpit and the pew but the centre of the world isn’t there.
- The spirit of poverty that develops in the Church can cripple its mission.
Giving means new churches can be established, v16
- Paul was planting Thessalonica and was able to do so because of a giving church 100 miles away.
- One of the reasons why new churches are not planted is because of a lack of financial budgeting for such.
It is more blessed to give than to receive, v17
- Jesus said these words though it’s not quoted in the gospels, but Paul knew the quote (Acts 20:35). Jesus who gave his all knew what this exactly would mean.
- The joy of seeing others happy because of what we have given is a feeling like no other.
Giving is an offering that is a sacrifice which pleases God, v18
- We may think we are giving to people but the gift goes to God
- Giving means God receives.
Giving results in our needs being met, v19
- If God receives then God is going to meet every need of your life.
- God has riches more than you could ever possible have by holding on to yours. Release yours and receive His.
Giving glorifies God, v20
- Throughout generations God will be seen through a giving Church.
- So let it be. Amen. Let it happen. Get right with your giving today.
Missions Paul 