Rethinking Generosity

Welcome

Well, good morning Lifepoint! If we haven’t met yet, my name is Dan and I serve as the teaching pastor here for the Worthington campus.

First Time Guest Into

If this is your first time here…

Series Intro

We’re finishing up our series in the New Testament letter of Philippians today. If you’ve got a bible with you, meet me in Philippians 4.

And while you’re turning there…

Introduction

Any musicians in the room?

Back in the day, I was a musician. I played the trombone.

And I was pretty good - I loved playing, especially in the jazz groups…but, to say it kindly, my parents weren’t bankin’ on a scholarship!

Now, you may already know this, but there are different categories of instruments, right? There are the string instruments like the Violin, Viola, Cello. You have percussion instruments - the things you have to hit to make a sound like drums, xylophone…the piano.

And then you have the wind instruments - the ones that you have to move air through in order to make sound - Saxophones, Trumpets, those kinds of things.

When I was learning how to play the trombone, or really any one of the wind instruments, you have to go through this process of learning how to breathe in a certain way. Obviously, you can expel the air that you first take in…and how fast or slow you force air through the horn impacts the volume, the tone, the pitch. Learning to breathe correctly is one of the most foundational lessons for playing any wind instrument and it a technique that requires ongoing development and mastery.

How many of you are familiar with Kenny G? (The patron saint of “On Hold” music)

He may be one of the most recognized names, not just in Jazz, but in modern western music. But aside from hearing every time you’re put on hold over the phone, one of the reasons he’s famous is because he currently holds the record for the longest held, continual note.

45 minutes and 47 seconds.

But Kenny G.

Several of you are going to try it right now - to see how long you can exhale. If we’re good…most of would find that we are absolutely spent by 30 seconds!

So how on earth does Kenny G play a single note without stoping for 45 minutes?!

Well, it’s not because he has freakishly large lungs.

See, one of the breathing techniques that separates the greats from the truly extraordinary is a technique called Circle Breathing. It’s the ability to breathe in through your nose while at the same time forcing air out of your mouth continuing to move air through the instrument so that it makes sounds. In other words, your air is being continually resupplied so you can continue playing with out a break.

Why am I talking about this?

Well, as we’re finishing up our series in Philippians, I think this process of circle breathing perfectly encapsulates Paul’s main point as commends the example of the Philippian church to us.

You see, the Philippians had developed the ability to, in a sense, circle breathe…they were able to give out while at the same time taking in. They were able to engage in a lifestyle of generosity — of freely giving out — not because they had an over abundance but because they could draw on something outside themselves.

And in the closing of this letter, Paul is going to invite them and us to rethink generosity - to examine what it is and what it looks like in our lives

And if there’s anything I want you walking away thinking about today, it’s this: generosity is a lifestyle, not an action.

So if you’re not there yet, open with me to Philippians 4. We’ll start in v. 10. I’ll read the passage, pray, and then we’ll get started.

Philippians 4:10–20 ESV

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Let’s pray.

PRAY

What is Generosity

Alright, let’s go ahead and get started.

Remember, I said Paul’s going to invite us into the process of rethinking generosity.

So let’s start with the obvious question.

What is generosity?

What are we even talking about here?

Well, let’s take a look at the passage again, because we get a pretty good idea of what Paul’s got in mind. Look with me at v. 14.

Philippians 4:14–16 ESV

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.

Just as a reminder, Paul is writing to the church he started in Philippi - meaning they’ve got a history…they’ve all been through some things together - and he’s drawing from some of their shared story here.

And he reminds them, that when things first got started in Philippi and even as he continued to other churches, it was only the Philippians that took it upon themselves to provide financially for Paul.

They take it upon themselves to set aside portions of what they have and send it over to Paul - allowing him to continue the work God has called him to.

As far as we can tell, from Paul’s own letters, this is not something he asked for…this is not something he demanded from them…in fact in other cities, like Corinth, he had a day-job to financially provide for himself so he wouldn’t be a burden on the church…

We know from the ancient world that that there we all kinds of traveling intellectuals who would go from city to city, peddling ideas for a fee…and Paul intentionally distanced himself from that practice.

But there’s something different about the way the Philippians are thinking about this.

They recognize one very tangible way…not the ONLY way, and not the most important way….but one way they can join God’s activity is through their finances.

And actually, I think if you wanted to boil down the essence of generosity, it would follow this same pattern from the Philippian church - joining God’s activity by freely giving a portion of what you have.

Generosity is joining God’s activity by freely giving a portion of what you have to that work.

And this broad on purpose - because you can be generous with a lot of aspects of your life - you can be generous with your time…you can be generous with your skill-set…you can be generous with your possessions…AND you can be generous with your finances.

Why is it hard to talk about money?

Now, At this point, you might be thinking, “Okay - so we’re talking about money today.” You might even make the connection that a message on Generosity is conveniently placed right before Black Friday.

But I think if we leave this in the category of a “money” conversation, we’re going to miss the full force of what Paul is trying to get across to us. You see, generosity is not about what we give..it’s not about how much we give…it’s about why we give. It’s not about our money - it’s about our hearts.

And this is why a message on Generosity can be personally challenging to us - because in rethinking generosity, we have to first admit that there is something about the way money impacts us that is really unlike anything else we know of…and whether we recognize it or not, there are a whole bunch of defense mechanisms that kick in the moment we start to talk about it! There’s just something powerful about money.

This is why Jesus says:

Matthew 6:24 ESV

24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

While he could put in a whole host of other alternatives here…there is something about the power money has over us that is so foundational, universal, and controlling.

Think about it this way, maybe more than anything else we engage with in our lives, money has this ability to mimic a savior, doesn’t it?

Sure, as the modern proverb goes, money can’t buy happiness…but it can buy a lot of things that promise to make us happy. Enough money can get you out of a lot of trouble…money can get you some pretty comfortable things! As the 21st Century Prophetic Jester, Daniel Tosh, says,

“No, money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you a jet-ski and it’s pretty hard to frown on a jet-ski.”

The point is, the story money often tells is that the more you have, the more options you have…the more options you have, the more problem solving power you have.

And here’s the really messy part. We don’t even really mean this in nefarious ways - I think most of the time, we have great intentions!

I can’t be the only one whose thought - if I only had a million dollars…I would [fill in the blank]. Drop it down…if I only had an extra 100k…I would [fill in the blank]…the amount doesn’t matter here…what matters is what we fill that blank in with.

And we fill in that blank with a lot of good things…things we might want for our families…setting them up well…making sure they’re taken care of…making sure they have something they need or want…we fill in the blank things we want to enjoy…or even things we’d be able to do for other people.

And yet…

This is what Im talkin’ about when I say money has the greatest ability to mimic a savior in our lives! Because in all of those visions - it’s our money providing for us…it’s our money protecting us…it’s our money giving us a chance and setting us up…it’s our savings saving us from something else.

And so I think this is why, in inviting us to rethink Generosity, Paul is focusing in our financial generosity. Because to meaningfully engage in Generosity - meaningfully join in God’s activity through our finances - it will inevitably be a declaration of war against some of our most base level defense mechanisms!

And as we work through this passage, I think we learn several key principles about financial generosity from the example of Philippians, key things that help us to rethink generosity.

Generosity is Sacrificial (Phil 4:14)

Here’s the first principle: Generosity is Sacrificial. Financial generosity is sacrificial.

Now, I know that may not sound too revolutionary…but hang in there with me. Look again at v. 14. And keep in mind, this is how Paul is choosing to talk about their financial partnership. V. 14.

Philippians 4:14 ESV

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

That word “trouble” right at the end, in the original language which is Greek, not English, is a word that usually means something like affliction…or tribulation. It’s a kind of suffering.

And in sharing in his affliction, Paul is saying that in their financial generosity, they joined him in being afflicted. And it might be a little hyperbolic to get his point across, but what he’s commending them for is that the level of financial generosity was not easy for them.

The Philippians felt it.

In giving financially, they’re choosing to go without - and make a sacrifice to give up something else, in joining God’s activity.

So, what does this principle mean for us?

Let me start broadly here - they way most people think about generosity is that it comes out of abundance. This is why financial generosity is a fixture through out most civilizations - that people (however few people it might be) with the most would give out of their abundance to the public. Greek and Roman society had this built into the whole social structure - Patrons and Benefactors who bankrolled public works…they get their name attached to something. And it still works the same way today - right? You give enough money, you’ll get a hospital wing, a lecture hall, a public park named after you.

But it was the earliest Christians who came along with a very different idea of generosity - not something tied to abundance, but willingly giving up what they needed, joining in on God’s activity with what they had…in such a way that they felt it.

So again, how does this work for us today as we follow Jesus? Is there an expectation that we practice financial generosity today?

Yes.

Now, there’s no passage that we can pull up that says: you must give to your church. Nothing like that exists.

But again, like we said earlier, for followers of Jesus, generosity is not really about the money…it’s about our hearts. And in the practice of Generosity, we are engaging in real heart work - opening our selves up to join in God’s activity in very meaningful ways.

I love how one theologian put it:

The habit of giving, of giving generously, is not an extra option for keen Christians. It is absolutely obligatory on all [followers of Jesus] — because our whole calling is to reflect God the creator, and the main thing we know about this true God is that his very nature is self-giving, generous love.

In other words, in following Jesus, we practice generosity because God is sacrificially generous.

He is the one who is first generous towards us - openly and freely engaging in a sacrificial giving on our behalf. The very story of the Gospel is the story of God’s generosity towards us, for us!

Gospel

And so we, in turn, as his people reflect his generosity - sacrificially giving as a way of joining His activity in this world.

Here’s the question we need to be asking…do I give to the extent that I feel it. Am I giving only out of surplus, or am I giving out of sacrifice?

This is the question you have to answer for yourself…that you may have answer with your spouse. And the answer may be yes. This is not a trick question. But the answer may also be…if we’re honest…no.

Now, of course the obvious question is what are we giving to.

But we’ll come back that in a moment. The first principle from Philippians 4 is that generosity is sacrificial.

Generosity is fueled by God’s Generosity

Okay, here’s the second one: Our generosity is fueled by God’s generosity.

Our generosity is fueled by God’s generosity.

Now, let me be clear here. I am not saying that what is promised in the Christian life is that God will give us more money as we engage in greater generosity. That’s not at all the case.

However - Paul does make it clear that God responds to our generosity. Look with me starting at v. 18.

Philippians 4:18–19 ESV

18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Right at the end there, Paul makes a promise to them, “God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory…”

And I think this hits at the very fear we have with financial generosity

You see, like we talked about earlier, money, more than anything else has the ability to mimic a savior…or our savings mimics a savior. So we when talk about sacrificial financial generosity, we are threatening the thing, that so often is functionally what brings us comfort…what we functionally believe will provide for us.

Doing what Paul is talking about here actually starts to sound more and more absurd. And while we are okay with giving out of our surplus…sacrificial giving feels like it’s not really possible. You might even have already thought through what that might mean for you - and you’re thinking about specific things you’d have to change in your spending habits. Some big things right.

And if you think back to how we started today, it’s almost like trying to following along with Kenny G…holding an unbroken note for 45 minutes…and under any normal way of trying to go about that, it’s not possible right?

Unless you learn how to circle breathe.

Unless you learn how to take in at the same time you give out. And this is what Paul is talking about here - in saying in v. 19 that, “God will supply every need of yours…” he is not just speaking aspirationally - hoping that this might be the case, but he is looking over the vast scope of all of who God is what he knows to be true of him…

That as the creator of All Things…as the One who Knows all things…as the one who Psalm 50 says, Owns the cattle on a thousand hill…who as, Jesus says, sees YOU as more valuable than the birds of the air - whom He feeds, and the flowers of the field - whom He clothes…Paul looks that this God…who has already given his One and Only Son…and says “Then HOW MUCH MORE will THIS ONE supply EVERY. NEED. OF. YOURS.”

You see, this is what I’m talking about with circle breathing…we learn to trust the one who knows what we need before we even open up our mouths to ask…and we choose to trust that IF He knows, that He will continue, once again to show that like a Good Father, he delights to provide for us…He delights to meet our needs in exactly how we need!

This is the circle breathing idea…we give out…freely, joyfully, sacrificially, joining God’s activity while we learn to take in from the one will supply our needs.

And in this way, our generosity is fueled by God’s generosity.

Generosity is a lifestyle, not an action

Finally, and this is what’s all over this passage is that for the Philippians…what Paul is commending to us through their example…is the idea that generosity is a lifestyle, it’s a not an action.

Generosity is a lifestyle, not an action.

Paul says it this way in another letter.

2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV

7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

God loves not the gift…not the amount…He loves the cheerful giver…the one who sacrificially joins His activity.

He is not so concerned about a moment in time when in which we give a specific amount of money. God doesn’t need our money. If He needed it, he’d just take it.

No God’s desire is to produce generous people…who in many aspects of their lives are seeking to live open handedly to His activity.

Now, here’s where we can get practical. Because I know there have been some questions about what this could look like in your life.

Personal and Family Decision:

And I actually think this same page in second Corinthians is a good place to start.

2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV

7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Notice, not 10%. But a sacrificial decision based on where you are at.

Giving To:

The Local Church

(And the church should be generous! He’s a story of how we’ve tried to do that at Lifepoint Worthington).

Blessing Others

-A Blessing Fund -A Feast and Celebration Fund