The Joy of Generous Partneship

Philippians 4:14-23

Announcements

EvangElism Challenge

Next Wednesday night the Light of the World Event

Invite your friends and family. Parents included

Sunday the 15th we will be having a Christmas Program and play. Be here and invite a friend. It will be a great time!

The Wednesday Night after that, the 18th we will be having Christmas Dinner and youth Night. from 5:30-7. Have games and all the things. Be here for that.

Also just for you all to know, we will not haver services on December 25th or January 1st

Introduction (5 minutes):

Story or Hook:

Scene: The climactic battle in New York where the Avengers come together as a team. Each hero has unique strengths—Iron Man’s tech, Captain America’s leadership, Thor’s power, Hulk’s strength—but they combine their abilities to save the city.

Explanation: None of them could have defeated the enemy alone. Their victory required teamwork, sacrifice, and using their resources to fight for a common goal.

Tie-in:

Just like the Avengers worked together to accomplish something bigger than themselves, the Philippians partnered with Paul in his ministry to advance the Gospel.God calls us to use what we have—time, resources, and talents—to make a difference, not just on our own but by working together.

Transition to Text:

Highlight how the Philippians supported Paul, not just financially but as a team working for the Gospel.

Main Idea:

God calls us to partner with others in generosity, and in doing so, we grow closer to Him and make an eternal impact.

Philippians 4:14–23 “Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 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. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 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. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

1. Generosity Shows Care (vv. 14-16) – (8 minutes)

“It was kind of you to share my trouble” (v. 14):

The Philippians didn’t just give—they shared in Paul’s struggles.Giving isn’t just about money; it’s about showing you care.

Support Scripture:

Galatians 6:2: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Generosity is one way we help carry each other’s burdens.

Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”

Our care for others reflects God’s love for them.

Illustration for Students:

Examples of how students can “share” in others’ struggles: offering encouragement, helping a struggling friend, or donating to a cause.

Challenge:

Who around you could use your support? How can you show care this week?

2. Generosity is an Investment in Eternity (vv. 17-18) – (8 minutes)

“Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit” (v. 17):

Paul wasn’t looking for stuff; he was looking for spiritual growth in the Philippians.Generosity is like planting seeds—it grows into something much bigger.

Support Scripture:

Matthew 6:19-20: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy...but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

What we give in this life has eternal rewards.

2 Corinthians 9:6: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”

Generosity leads to spiritual abundance.Illustration for Students:

Compare giving to something they know: investing time studying or practicing a sport pays off later. Similarly, investing in others has eternal rewards.

Practical Example:

Talk about giving to missions, helping someone go to camp, or giving up time to serve

.Challenge:

Ask: How can you invest in something bigger than yourself?

3. Generosity is Fueled by Trust in God (v. 19) – (7 minutes)

“My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Trusting God gives us the freedom to give without fear.When we focus on helping others, God meets our needs.

Support Scripture:

Matthew 6:31-33: “Therefore do not be anxious... But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Trusting God frees us from worrying about our own needs.

Proverbs 3:9-10: “Honor the Lord with your wealth...then your barns will be filled with plenty.”

When we give, God provides abundantly.

Illustration for Students:

Think of a time when you gave something up (time, money, or help) and saw it come back in an unexpected way

Encourage Faith:

Remind students that God’s resources are endless—they can trust Him to provide for what they need.

4. Generosity Brings Glory to God (vv. 20-23) – (5 minutes)

“To our God and Father be glory forever and ever” (v. 20):

Giving isn’t just about us—it points others to God. Generosity reflects God’s character, showing His love to the world.

Support Scripture:

2 Corinthians 9:11: “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”

Generosity inspires gratitude and worship of God.

Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Our generosity brings glory to God and points others to Him.

1 Corinthians 10:31 “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Illustration for Students:

Share a story of how generosity impacted someone and brought them closer to God.

Challenge:

How can you live in a way that points people to Jesus through your actions?

Conclusion (5 minutes):

Encourage students to look for ways to give this week—time, encouragement, or resources.Suggest a group project, like collecting items for a food drive or raising money for missions.