Giving that Honours God
Text: Philippians 4:14-23
Core Idea: The gospel inspires us to give because that’s what Jesus did for us – He became poor so that we might become rich in Him. Then knowing that our God will continue to meet all our needs according to His riches, let’s give generously and joyfully for it will advance the gospel, bless us, and glorify the Giver of all things.
INTRODUCTION
Good morning, Lighthouse. It is good to see you. Well, it took some time but after 14 sermons, we’ll finally bring this sermon series to a close. It’s been a huge blessing for me to study this book – and I pray that many of you were encouraged and challenged by it as well. Now, the main point of this book is that we ought to live a life worthy of the gospel with great joy in our hearts. Because we’ve been forgiven and adopted as God’s children through the work of Christ on the cross, we now have the privilege and duty to magnify the Lord and advance this life-giving message of the gospel to the world. That’s what we’re called to do. Of course, this is not going to be easy because the world we live in is hostile against Jesus and all that He has to offer – which is why we were called to stand firm in the Lord. How do we do that? We do so by protecting the unity of the church, rejoicing in the Lord always, laying down our anxieties in prayer, guarding what goes into our minds, and applying the gospel truths to every aspect of our lives. Then let me ask you, “Are you making every effort to live a life worthy of the gospel today? Are you pressing on to take hold of Christ and know Him better? Are you choosing to stand firm in the Lord no matter the cost? In your context, are you preoccupied with the details of your circumstances, or are you preoccupied with Christ?” My prayer for you is that you won’t stop trusting the Lord, that you won’t stop making Christ the treasure of your life, that you won’t stop fighting the good fight of faith knowing that your sin, not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross and you bear it no more. Immerse yourself in the gospel always because this will make a massive difference not just in your life today but also in the days to come.
Well, last week, we saw Paul sharing one of the main reasons he wrote this letter – which was to express his gratitude to the Philippians for their generosity toward him. Now, he did clarify that he wasn’t saying all this because he was somehow trying to flatter them and manipulate them to give more – no, he let them know that he wasn’t in need because he has learned to be content in Christ. But at the same time, he still goes on to explain the importance of financial giving – that they should continue to give for the cause of the gospel. Now, it’s true that many pastors are often hesitant to talk about money because we live in a cynical world where a sermon on giving could easily be viewed with suspicion. Many people assume that pastors must be motivated by self-interest when they talk about giving – and to be honest, I can’t blame them because the truth is that there are pastors who are driven by greed for money and power. They teach prosperity gospel (which by the way is no gospel at all) – deceiving people to think that God’s ultimate goal for our lives is to make us healthy and wealthy. And if you’re not getting richer and healthier, there must be something wrong with you – and that you must not be doing something right. These false teachers abuse their power and manipulate people to make a name for themselves and get richer – no wonder people often respond with great suspicion when a pastor talks about giving. Now, what adds to this struggle is the fact that we live in a materialistic culture where money occupies an enormous prominence. So, people get very defensive. “Don’t tell me what to do with my money – I earned it.” All that to say, there are countless reasons as to why pastors may be reluctant to address the topic of giving. But while pastors should always be careful in the way we communicate, I firmly believe that we shouldn’t be apologetic or scared to preach on this because this too is part of God’s Word. We must speak with confidence knowing that the authority of this truth doesn’t lie on us but on His Word. So, that’s exactly what I want to do today. I want to lead you to see the beauty and the importance of giving – but more importantly, I pray that the Holy Spirit will wash away any cynicism and suspicion that might hinder you from hearing this truth so that you’ll know and experience the joy of giving as well. So, with that in mind, please turn your Bibles to Philippians 4:14-23. Let me read this for us.
14 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. 21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Amen. This is the Word of God for you today.
Let me share three things from this passage.
· PARTNERSHIP
· PERSPECTIVE
· PROMISE
1) PARTNERSHIP
The relationship between Paul and the Philippian church was a very special one, in that, they weren’t just good friends, they didn’t just like each other – but their lives had been interlocked through the work of Christ on the cross. And as a result, they had now become partners in the gospel. Paul said in Philippians 1:3-5, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” Now, the word “partnership” in Greek is koinonia which is more commonly translated as “fellowship” in the NT. Then I think it would be beneficial for us to clarify this term because today, the word “fellowship” has come to mean nothing more than just a meaningful time spent with other believers. It could be going to a meal or coffee after service – or it could be participating in an activity that you both enjoy like playing board games or going on a hike. All that to say, if two or more believers come together to hang out, we consider that a Christian fellowship. Now, I’m not in any way saying that that’s not fellowship but we have to understand that that’s not how this word was used in the first century. D.A. Carson explains it this way, “The heart of true fellowship [in ancient times] was self-sacrificing conformity to a shared vision. Then Christian fellowship is self-sacrificing conformity to the gospel. There may be overtones of warmth and intimacy, but the heart of the matter is this shared vision of what is of transcendent importance – a vision that calls forth our commitment.” If you’re still not sure what this means, think of the movie, The Lord of the Rings. I shared this example before but if you know the storyline, you’ll remember that the fellowship of the ring was made up of individuals of different origins – four hobbits, two men, one wizard, an elf, and a dwarf. These nine members of the fellowship really had no affinity for each other – but they were bound together by their mission to defeat the forces of darkness. That’s the kind of fellowship that Paul’s talking about here – a partnership that brings people together for a purpose greater than them. Then what was the purpose that brought Paul and the Philippians together? Their mission to advance the gospel. Now, it doesn’t take much reading of Paul’s letter to recognize that the gospel was the singular passion of his life – he was all about Christ. Then what about the Philippians? Well, Paul tells us that the reason why they persevered, the reason why they preached the gospel in the midst of fierce opposition, the reason why they earnestly prayed, the reason why they sacrificially supported Paul financially was all for the advance of the gospel. In other words, they didn’t just celebrate the gospel – they wanted to make the gospel known. Because their lives had been transformed by the gospel, they longed to see others transformed by the gospel as well. Everything they did testified to their shared vision of the importance and priority of the gospel – and they were willing to sacrifice everything they had to achieve that goal including their finances.
In our passage, we see Paul sharing that the kindness they showed through their generous giving was good and important. Listen to what he says in verse 14, “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 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; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.” It’s clear that the Philippians were very intentional in the way they supported Paul. In fact, Paul praises them and uses them as an example to inspire the Corinthian Christians to become cheerful givers – 2 Corinthians 8:2-3, “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty [talking about the Philippians] welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.” They gave in the midst of severe trials; they gave in their poverty; and they gave even if it hurt them. No wonder Paul shares that they were not like others – they were willing to share in his troubles and affliction. They weren’t trying to protect their comfort – no, they gave beyond their ability. They weren’t just consumers of Paul’s ministry. They were co-laborers with Paul – working together to advance the gospel at all costs. Then what we learn from this is that there’s an inseparable relationship between financial giving and gospel partnership. Their giving was a sign of their partnership – evidence of their commitment to seeing the gospel advance.
Then this relationship between Paul and the Philippian Christians should form a model for us to emulate as well – in that, our partnership in the gospel should cause us to give sacrificially, generously, and joyfully. If you’ve been transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ, if you’ve been blessed by the gospel ministry of this church, if you truly believe in the mission and vision of this church, if you’ve been ministered by the people of this church, you have the privilege and responsibility to partner with this church in advancing the gospel through giving. Pastor Kent Hughes puts it like this, “If we’re not giving to the gospel ministry of the local church, we have no part in it.” Again, I pray that your cynicism and suspicion will not blind you from seeing this truth. Please don’t misunderstand – I don’t say this because I’m motivated by self-interest. I’m not out to get your money to somehow make myself rich and famous. No, I say this because that’s what the Bible says – that’s the only reason. I say this because I want to be faithful to the Word – and because I want you to faithfully live out the Word. Then let me ask you, “Are you giving to the work of the gospel today? Are giving generously, sacrificially, and joyfully?” If you’re not giving, please don’t let this message guilt you into giving – no, let the gospel inspire you, move you, and even provoke you to give knowing that you’ve been blessed abundantly by Christ and this church. If the gospel has captured your heart, I invite you to give so that this wonderful message can go out to the world through our ministry. Don’t remain as consumers – be co-laborers in the gospel. Become a gospel partner. Sure, gospel partnership involves a lot more than money, but money is an important aspect because we can’t carry out the mission with just pure sympathy. We live in a world where money is needed to get things done. Then just as the Philippian Christians gave generously, may we do just that – may we learn to give joyfully because we want to see the gospel advance.
Now, the truth is that many of you have been doing just that since this church was planted – you’ve been so generous in your giving that we were never concerned about finances. So, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you for your generous financial support as an expression of your partnership and commitment to see the gospel advance and this church grow. We wouldn’t be where we are without you – so, again, thank you for responding to God’s call to faithfully give. I simply pray that we’ll continue to do this for the glory of our Savior.
2) PERSPECTIVE
As I mentioned before, financial giving is important in gospel partnership because it makes it possible for the church to operate and offer ministries that will advance the gospel. In one sense, you’re investing in the mission of a local church – supporting and enabling the church to do what it was called to do. Now, this is not new information, in that, we all know that our giving sustains the gospel ministry. But in our passage today, Paul gives us a different perspective on giving – two other reasons as to why giving is important. First, financial giving is important not only because it supports the ministry but because it also blesses the giver (as in us). Verse 17, “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.” Again, Paul makes it clear that he wasn’t motivated by self-interest – that he wasn’t coveting their gifts in any way. Then why does he continue to emphasize the importance of giving? Because he wanted them to be blessed. Paul’s concern wasn’t for himself – he was thinking about the Philippian Christians. Paul was thankful for their giving not because of the relief it would provide him but because of what this would mean for their relationship with God – he knew that by giving, their faith would grow. When we give, we’re making a conscious decision to trust God. We’re intentionally choosing to say, “Money is not my source of security – God is. I will not be enslaved to money for my life now belongs to Christ. I can joyfully give away everything I have for the advancement of the gospel because I no longer live but Christ lives in me. In fact, I can do this because I believe that God will continue to provide all that I need in my life.” All that to say, sacrificial giving offers us an opportunity to depend on God. Then our generous giving is evidence of grace, evidence of growth, evidence of spiritual health, and evidence of maturity – it reveals to us that the gospel is bearing fruit in our lives.
Now, what makes this even more amazing is that we won’t just grow but we’ll be rewarded for our generosity as well. That’s what Paul teaches here – it’ll be credited to our account. In fact, Paul explains this idea more clearly in 1 Timothy 6:17-19 where he says, “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” In other words, when we invest in the gospel ministry, we’re investing in ourselves as well – we’re investing in our future, in that, God will bless us with a reward that we’ll be able to enjoy forever. Now, what’s the reward? Could it be that we’ll live in a bigger house in heaven – live closer to the throne of God? Maybe – honestly, I don’t know because the Bible doesn’t tell us. But what I do know for certain is that God will commend us. He’ll say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matt. 25:21). Isn’t this what we long to hear? In one sense, we don’t need any other motivation – this should be enough for us. But at the same time, I’m sure there will be many more rewards waiting for us – things that go beyond our imagination. So, I’m sure we won’t be disappointed. You’ll receive it and say, “All my sacrifice was totally worth it.” Then let me ask you, “Are you intentionally investing in the life to come or is your mind solely preoccupied with your life now here on earth? Are you bearing fruit by giving financially to advance the gospel? Do you perceive your giving as a way to mature in your faith and invest in your eternity or simply as a meaningless ritual?” Randy Alcorn said, “What’s the biggest misconception that Christians have about giving? It’s that when we give money away to a church or ministry or to help the needy, it’s gone. While we hope others will benefit from it, we’re quite sure we won’t. We think we’re divesting ourselves of money – disassociating from it. Once it leaves our hands, we imagine it has no connection to us – no future implications relevant to our lives. We couldn’t be more wrong. What we think we own will rudely be taken from us – some of it before we die and anything that’s left will be taken the moment we die. But now is our window of opportunity not to divest ourselves of money but to invest it in heaven. We don’t have to have everything taken from us – we can give it before disaster or death strikes. Now is our chance to give what we can’t keep to gain what we can never lose.” That’s what you can do today.
One more thing. Second, financial giving is important not only because it supports the ministry and blesses the giver but also because it glorifies the Giver of all things. In talking about their giving, Paul says in verse 18, “They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” Here, Paul informs them that the gift they give functions as an offering to God. In other words, when we give to the mission of the church, we’re actually giving to God – He is the One being honored. To God, it’s like a fragrant aroma that He loves – it brings pleasure to His heart. Why? Is it because He needs it? Of course not – everything that exists is His. Then it must be because we’re declaring He is our master, not money. When we give, we’re saying that God is enough – that He alone is the treasure of our hearts. Then let these realities transform your perspectives and inspire you to give joyfully, sacrificially, and generously today knowing that this is how we honor God. In fact, whenever you give, lift a short prayer and say, “God, it’s only by Your grace that I can give like this. Thank you for Your abundant blessings in my life. May I learn to give joyfully and generously knowing that everything I have really belongs to You.”
3) PROMISE
In verse 19, Paul informs the Philippians of this magnificent promise – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” They supplied Paul’s needs sufficiently – and now, Paul assures them that God will supply all their needs out of His infinite resources. In fact, we see this kind of promise evident everywhere in the Bible. So, for example, Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Malachi 3:10, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” Now, I do want to clarify that this is not a general promise for all Christians – the context of this verse makes it clear that this is only for those who generously and sacrificially give for the advancement of the gospel. Paul doesn’t promise the church that God will provide for the purpose of their personal prosperity but for their need. So, if you’re joyfully giving to the mission of the church, this promise is for you – and I pray that you’ll be comforted by this truth today. Brothers and sisters, your faithfulness will not go unnoticed – so, there’s nothing you need that God will not supply. In fact, this goes beyond material provision – He’ll supply every spiritual need as well. As Paul pointed out in the previous passage, God will provide His peace in the midst of suffering and teach us contentment in the midst of prosperity or poverty. And if you ever feel like you don’t have what it takes to stand firm in the Lord, He’ll provide you with the strength to do just that. In other words, He’ll give us everything we need to live a life worthy of the gospel.
Now, as much as this is incredibly comforting, the truth is that we still have a lot of fears when it comes to money. Our anxiety prevents us from giving – “What if God doesn’t provide? What if I’m left with nothing? How am I going to survive?” These are real struggles – so, I’m not in any way taking these concerns lightly. But at the same time, the only way to fight against our worries is to cling to the promise of God – to remember that God is our Father who cares for us and loves us. In fact, listen to what Jesus said in Matthew 6:25-34, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will He not much more clothe you – you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Brothers and sisters, cling to these words today. Believe that God will provide. And if you’re still in doubt, listen to what Paul said in Romans 8:32, “He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” Brothers and sisters, God gave us His one and only Son. What makes this shocking is that He is the King of the universe – and yet He entered our world as a humble servant. He is holy, completely without sin, but He became sin for us. He is the only One deserving of praise and worship, but He was humiliated and rejected by all. He alone is the rightful Judge of all humanity, but He was judged by God for us. He is the Creator and the Giver of life, but He gave up His life for you and me. Then think with me. If God gave up His own Son whom He loved with all His heart to save sinners like us, why wouldn’t He give us all things to sustain us – to keep us alive in Him? Friends, the wealth of God Himself has been made available to us through Christ. Then trust that God will take care of us always.
Verse 20, “To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” As Paul thought about the riches of God that were made available for us in and through Christ, he couldn’t help but burst into praise. This is the only appropriate response to the promise of God – it should cause us to shout and praise His name. We should thank Him and worship His beautiful name for He alone is worthy to be praised. Then that’s what we should do as well. As we cling to this promise, let’s spend some time worshiping the One who is able to meet all our needs.
CONCLUSION
Lighthouse family, the gospel inspires us to give because that’s what Jesus did for us – He became poor so that we might become rich in Him. Then knowing that our God will continue to meet all our needs according to His riches, let’s continue to give generously, sacrificially, and joyfully for it will advance the gospel, bless us, and glorify the Giver of all things.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) What are some common reasons people might be cynical or suspicious about sermons on giving? How can the church address these concerns while faithfully teaching about generosity?
2) According to Paul, how does generous giving bless the giver spiritually and eternally? How does our perspective on money and giving change when we see it as an investment in eternity rather than a loss? How does financial giving function as an act of worship and bring glory to God? How can we cultivate a heart that sees giving as a way to honor and please God?
3) What promises does Paul highlight to assure the Philippians (and us) of God’s provision? How can we overcome fears and anxieties related to money by trusting in God’s promises?
4) Reflect on your own giving habits: Are you giving generously, sacrificially, and joyfully for the advancement of the gospel? What steps can you take to become a co-laborer in the gospel through your financial support of the church?