Connections that Make us Generous

Philippians 4:14–23 KJV 1900

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Responsible adults work hard to make sure their money is budgeted wisely. Bills must be paid, needs must be met, and the future must be accounted for. But God's view of money management adds an uncomfortable element: giving generously to others in need.

Paul gave details about the Philippians' gifts over the years and offered insight into how believers can give to others without fear. As we become increasingly insecure in today's world, generosity with our material possessions becomes more difficult. Without the correct perspective, anxiety can keep us from giving generously. Before we decide we are unable to give, we should consider the size of our bank accounts in relation to our riches in glory through Christ.

Teens are entering a stage of life where money management becomes more relevant. It may not be easy for them to give up part of their hard-earned money to help someone else. Use this lesson to help your students understand Christ's call to generosity. Challenge them to include in their plans support of those who are spreading the gospel in the world as well as assistance to those who have physical needs.

This lesson again addresses the belief that a career and wealth guarantee happiness. No one can deny the fact that having financial stability relieves a certain amount of anxiety in our lives. We know that material possessions don't guarantee a happy, contented life, but we count ourselves blessed if we do find ourselves in a comfortable financial situation. In times of comfort, we are wise to remember that God calls us to be generous, just as He has been generous with us. And in sharing our material goods with others who are in need, we can find a true sense of satisfaction and happiness. As Paul quoted the words of Jesus, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

Introduction

Option I—BiblicaI Paradoxes

Gather

• Paper and pencils.

Steps

1 . Define a paradox

Paradoxes are statements that seem contradictory but may actually be true on closer examination. The Bible contains many true paradoxes that show us that a human perspective is often far different than a heavenly one.

2. Assign the following passages to groups of students, one verse per group: Matt. 10:39; 23:1 1; 2 Cor. 12:10; Phil. 3:7. Have them record the paradox and its meaning.

3 Allow pairs to share their thoughts. Provide additional help as needed.

4. Discuss the paradox of giving and receiving.

Luke 6:38 KJV 1900

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

ASK: What is the paradox in the verse? Does it make sense to you?

5. Transition to the Bible lesson.

The Bible has a lot to say about giving. In a society that emphasizes accumulating possessions, it is often difficult to embrace the opposite concept, the idea of giving generously. Christians are called to emphasize giving, and in Christ, we can adopt a heavenly perspective and find the motivation to be generous. The Philippians had the right perspective. In today's lesson, we'll see how Paul commended the believers for their generous giving.

People's Gracious Giving

Comes from compassionate hearts

Philippians 4:14 KJV 1900

Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

ASK: Why did Paul commend the Philippians? He commended them for showing concern for him in his time of trouble.

Paul assured the Philippian believers that he had learned contentment regardless of their support (4:1 1), yet he did not want to belittle their gift. Paul again drew attention to their fellowship with him and underscored their willingness to partner with him even in difficulty. Though Paul was grateful for the monetary support, their sympathy and fellowship meant more than any physical gift. Gifts for those with pressing needs communicates heartfelt compassion. The gifts encourage and strengthen the recipients.

The Philippians were known as giving believers. They realized that the riches which accompanied their relationship with God were of superior value, so they were able to give freely of their temporal wealth. As the recipient of their support, Paul was blessed. But he knew that, as the givers, the Philippians would receive even more blessing, for as Paul quoted Jesus, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

Indicates devoted support

Philippians 4:15–16 KJV 1900

Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

ASK: How were the Philippians different from other churches? They consistently gave when other churches did not.

Although it was their attitude of concern Paul appreciated most, he also commended the Philippian believers on their habit of giving. The Philippians did not bounce from cold to hot, giving generously in one situation but not in the next; they were consistent. Evidently, Paul did not receive gifts regularly from any supporting constituency as our modern missionaries do.

Ten years earlier, after Paul had established the Philippian church, he had set out for Thessalonica, a much wealthier area. As he ministered to the Thessalonians, he did not receive payment from them but insisted on supporting himself (1 Thess. 2:9; 2 Thess. 3:8). However, the Philippians had continued to send him help as a supplement, perhaps because Paul faced opposition and trouble while he was there (Acts 1 7). In fact, the Philippian Christians sent gifts twice while Paul was in Thessalonica (Phil. 4:16). When they heard about his need at Rome, they sent financial support again. Through the years they were constant and dependable in their care for Paul's needs.

ASK: What does consistent giving say about the giver's heart toward the recipient? The giver thinks regularly about the needs of the other person. The giver is willing to sacrifice repeatedly to meet those needs.

Consistent giving communicates genuine support. It says the giver has bought into God's work for the long haul.

Brings satisfactory results

Philippians 4:17–18 KJV 1900

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

ASK: What might be the fruit Paul referred to? Spiritual fruit, meaning souls saved because of preaching the gospel or spiritual contentment gained from generosity.

Again, Paul was careful to explain that he didn't habitually ask for the Philippians' support.

ASK: What mental alarm bells sound when we hear of religious leaders asking for money? Some wicked leaders have used money for persona/ gain or to spiritually manipulate their followers.

Some religious leaders accused Paul of preaching the gospel only to make a living from it, but that was never Paul's motivation or his habit (I Thess. 2:9; 2 Thess. 3:7-10). For Paul, the eternal spiritual fruit received by the Philippians held far more value than the temporary monetary gift he had received from them. Paul wanted the Philippians to give, not for his own selfish reasons, but so they would experience the spiritual fruit that accompanies generosity (Phil. 4:17). He wanted their heavenly bank accounts to accumulate spiritual rewards because of their service for Christ. Their sacrificial giving played an important role in Paul's ministry of spreading the gospel, and Paul knew God would reward their efforts.

ASK: How do Paul's words emphasize the satisfaction the gift brought to both him and to God? He described his receipt of the gift in terms of fullness and as being more than enough. He described the gift as a pleasant offering to the Lord.

Paul assured them that he had received their entire gift, and he considered it a generous one (4:18). Indeed, their gift delivered by Epaphroditus left him well supplied. The Philippians were to consider their gift to Paul as a sacrificial offering to God. By using terms associated with offering sacrifices, Paul drew attention to the immense value of the Philippians' gifts in the sight of God. The reference to a sweet fragrance would remind the readers of burning incense in the temple along with the sacrifice (Luke 1 :9), which was pleasing to God. Although the believers no longer lived under the Old Testament sacrificial system, the idea of sacrificial service to God held even greater meaning because of Christ's sacrifice. The offerings of the Philippians' lives, and that of all believers, are acceptable to God only in Christ (1 pet. 2:5).

Hebrews 13:16 KJV 1900

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

ASK: How does this verse parallel what Paul told the Philippians in 4:18? The writer of Hebrews also describes good works and sharing with others as sacrifices that are pleasing to God.

ASK: What are some works or acts of generosity in your life that you might consider sacrifices to God?

God's Gracious Giving

Philippians 4:19 KJV 1900

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

ASK: How do you think the Philippians would have been encouraged by this truth? God would not let their needs go unmet, even if they had given away something they thought they needed.

Although Paul could never repay the Philippians for their generosity, he knew that God could. Because they had given consistently and generously, God would supply for all their needs in return. "Supply" is the same Greek word translated "l am full" in verse 18. God would return their investment in proportion to what they gave. They needn't fear that their giving to Paul would cause lack in their own lives. God could easily make sure they, too, were "full" from His infinite riches in

Psalm 104:24 KJV 1900

O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: The earth is full of thy riches.

Ephesians 2:4 KJV 1900

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

ASK: In light of these verses, what do you think Paul meant when he wrote that God gives according to His riches?

God is the Creator, so the whole earth is full of his riches, but He is also rich in grace, mercy, and love toward His children. God longs to give out of His abundance to those who love Him and serve Him.

ASK: Where else in the Bible can we find assurance of God's provision? Among others: Psalm 55:22; Matthew 6:25; 7:7, 8.

Philippians 4:20 KJV 1900

Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Recalling God's faithful supply and infinite riches, Paul burst forth into a doxology, or expression of praise. In his writings, Paul often erupted into such praise following the presentation of truth about God (see Rom. 1 1 1 Tim. 1:17). This doxology in his letter to the Philippians flows naturally from the theme of joy seen throughout the epistle, so it seems quite appropriate that Paul would include it as part of his conclusion.

Paul's Gracious Closing

Philippians 4:21—23

ASK: Which group of people listed in Paul's greeting seems most surprising? People from Caesar's household.

Paul concluded this personal letter by exchanging greetings and giving a benediction. He first urged his friends at Philippi to greet all the saints. Second, he sent greetings from his coworkers. Third, he relayed greetings from all the saints in Rome. Fourth, he extended greetings from those of Caesar's household. This designation probably identified believers engaged in imperial service—slaves, soldiers, and freedmen. Evidently a number of Caesar's soldiers and servants had come to know Christ as a result of Paul's witness.

Notice that Paul does not mention individuals but refers to " every saint" and "all the saints." Perhaps he wanted to reiterate his message of unity among the believers, promoting a loving spirit and avoiding any jealousies that might result from naming individual church members. Just as he addressed "all the saints" at the beginning of his letter, Paul showed his equal love and appreciation for all the believers in Philippi. All the saints mentioned in the greeting, regardless of their station in life, were one in Christ.

Many of us do not think of ourselves as saints because of the way the word is often used today. But if you are a true believer in Christ, you are a saint just as those first-century believers were saints. And in Christ, all saints are connected. We are not perfect by any means, but we are all striving toward the goal to become more Christlike each day.

Paul closed his letter with a benediction, or blessing. He asked that Christ's grace be with all of the Philippians. Grace can be defined as unmerited favor—something that we don't deserve. The Philippians owed their spiritual lives to Christ's grace, just as all believers do. Because of His generosity and grace, God is willing to supply our greatest need, salvation through Christ, even though we don't deserve it. It is through grace that we can partake of God's generosity in Christ, which motivates us to give generously of ourselves in ministry to others. And it is through His grace that all believers are united together. Paul said, "Amen" to what he knew God's grace had accomplished, was accomplishing, and would accomplish in the future.

As Paul concluded his letter to the Philippians, he thanked them again for their generosity, not only in their latest gift but also in consistent giving over the years. While he appreciated their gifts, he also highly valued their willingness to partner with him in his struggles. He didn't want gifts from them to pad his own pockets, but he greatly desired for them the spiritual fruit that would result from their generous giving. He emphasized that he was fully satisfied on receipt of their gift and that God was pleased with their offering as well. He assured them that God would faithfully provide for them as they had faithfully provided for him and that God has an infinite storehouse of riches, both physical and spiritual. Paul concluded with greetings from other believers, especially from those in Caesar's household, and a blessing of grace for them.