Reaching the Lost through Giving

Stewardship 2025  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented
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Philippians 4:10–11 KJV 1900
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Philippians 4:12–13 KJV 1900
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:14–15 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.
Philippians 4:16–17 KJV 1900
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.
Philippians 4:18–19 KJV 1900
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.
Philippians 4:20 KJV 1900
Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Introduction

This morning, we see in this passage a practical example of generous stewardship. God has given to us and we should give to others as we saw in Luke. Here, Paul addresses the gifts of the church at Philippi toward his preaching of the Gospel.
Stewardship is the careful and faithful accounting and investment of the character, talents and possessions that God has given us. Good stewardship is the result of a choice to follow the commands of Scripture and the pattern of our Saviour. Generous stewardship is the outcome that results from complete surrender of our lives to the work of the Holy Spirit and His plan for us.
Where are you in your stewardship? Where am I? None of us are where we ought to be, but in this series, we can move forward to where we can be. Will you commit to being a generous steward today?
Luke 6:35 KJV 1900
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
The letter of Paul to the Philippians is a epistle written to the church in that city. We studied the letter to the Ephesians last summer and fall. Paul was directly connected to starting this church in Philippi. He had come to this city as a result of the Macedonian call while in Asia Minor. On his second missionary journey, Paul took the news of the Gospel to a new continent, Europe.
In the structure of the letter to the Philippian church, we come this morning to his final words before he sends it to them. The church at Philippi surely needed joy in their spiritual lives. Twelve times in the letter, he mentions rejoicing. Here in our passage, we find that Paul begins with rejoicing as well.
One characteristic, however, that those in Philippi did not need to be commanded to do was be generous in their giving. Those in Philippi and Thessalonica are known throughout the Scriptures as generous givers. We will see them again in a few weeks in 2 Corinthians. What is the connection between rejoicing and generosity? Some of us are better at doing things for Christ than being things for Him. There ought to be a balance as we see this morning in the life of Paul.

Declaration

God wants us to be generous in our giving toward reaching the lost. Paul was content with where God had him. Believers ought to participate in their own spiritual growth and the preaching the Gospel. There is a progression here by Paul through three emphases.

1. Giving Reflects Contentment

Philippians 4:10–13 KJV 1900
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
What is the greatest cure for the discouragement of a friend? Surely it is an encouraging word or deed. Such is the case of Robert Robinson…
Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 377 Hymn Writer Loses Joy of Salvation

Robert Robinson, author of the hymn “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” lost the happy communion with the Savior he had once enjoyed, and in his declining years he wandered into the by-ways of sin. As a result, he became deeply troubled in spirit. Hoping to relieve his mind, he decided to travel.

In the course of his journeys, he became acquainted with a young woman on spiritual matters, and so she asked him what he thought of a hymn she had just been reading. To his astonishment he found it to be none other than his own composition. He tried to evade her question, but she continued to press him for a response.

Suddenly he began to weep. With tears streaming down his cheeks, he said, “I am the man who wrote that hymn many years ago. I’d give anything to experience again the joy I knew then.” Although greatly surprised, she reassured him that the “streams of mercy” mentioned in his song still flowed. Mr. Robinson was deeply touched.

The woman in the carriage with Robert reminded him of the importance of joy. Sometimes, others are the only ones that we can receive that reminder from. This faithful woman spoke a word for the joy that she had in Jesus. Paul, though in a prison cell as he writes this letter, had great joy because of the faithfulness of others. Do you bring joy to others through your faithfulness?
This joy that Paul experienced was directly connected to the gift of the church at Philippi to his needs. They had desired to give but had been unable to do so for some time. Now, Epaphroditus had brought a gift to Paul. However, the focus of Paul is not the gift but his own contentment.
Verse 11 gives an important application for the believer in Jesus. Despite our circumstances or our possessions, we ought to be content. Paul did not come about by this guidance as a result of specific commands or personal resolve. The experiences of his life has caused him to learn to be content. Because of the acceptance of Christ, he is able to grow in his Christian life. What does David say about the circumstances of life?
Psalm 23:4–6 KJV 1900
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
David gives the spiritual truth that Paul has learned: despite our circumstances or our possessions, we ought to be content.
What if we should be demoted at work? What if someone should embarrass us in public? What if our reputation is threatened? Be content. So Paul, “I know both how to be abased”.
What if we get a raise or a bonus without any connection to what we have done? What if everything goes smoothly when we worry it will not? Be content. So Paul, “and I know how to abound.”
Luke 15:17 KJV 1900
And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
This word “content” is found commonly in the writings of contemporary philosophers to Paul. They used it to refer to a reliance on yourself and what you could do or be. How often we live our lives as “self-made men.” We ought to be content as Paul was.
It is found only here in the New Testament. Unlike the contentment of the self-worshipers, Paul is able to say that he has a settled confidence and provision in his life but not inside himself. His contentment has come by Divine instruction.
Paul uses a term here connected to the pagan initiation of those who desired greater depth of religion. They would learn new secrets that previously only the “deity” had known. Paul brings this truth into the Christian realm. The believer ought to be content to be instructed in the way of Jesus. In 1 Corinthians, Paul tells them,
1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV 1900
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Paul has been brought into an experiential knowledge of the sufficiency of Jesus. Jesus is self-sufficient. We are Jesus-dependent. When we walk with Him, we learn in the trials of life how to depend on Him. When we are full, when we are hungry, when we are abounding, when we are suffering without necessities, we are content.
So Paul can say,
Philippians 4:13 KJV 1900
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Giving reflects contentment. Paul is connecting this guidance that he has learned in the Christian life to how he has received their gift. Are you content? Paul did not need what they gave, they did not need to give their gift. Giving reflected contentment.

2. Giving Follows a Principle

Philippians 4:14 KJV 1900
Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
The second emphasis of Paul is on a giving principle. In studying the writings of Paul, we encounter a specific theology of stewardship. More than other New Testament writers, Paul is careful to explain both the need to and the process of giving. Last week, we were reminded the importance of the heart in giving.
What is the principle that Paul wanted the Philippians to remember as he closed his letter? It is good to give toward those who give the Gospel. Here Paul was the missionary who had started their church. He is now in prison, likely in Rome. There were surely needs in his life and in his work. In his first letter to the Corinthian church, Paul reminded them
2 Corinthians 11:8–9 KJV 1900
I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
Why would Paul want to be sure to mention this principle? The previous verse gives us the answer. Though often taken out of context, there is a promise here for those who are dependent on the care of the Saviour.
Philippians 4:13 KJV 1900
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
God is the One who provides for those who are serving Him. Again, David is instructive regarding the blessings of God. The picture of God’s leading are reminiscent of what we read in Ps 23.
Psalm 37:23–26 KJV 1900
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: And he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: For the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; And his seed is blessed.
The principle that Paul is pointing out is that through giving, we are able to have a part in the afflictions of those who serve the Lord. Those in Philippi could not travel with Paul. There was no way for them to be an encouragement daily to him. But through their gift, they were able to communicate or fellowship in all that he was doing to spread the good news of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection. For that is what the Gospel is,
1 Corinthians 15:1–4 KJV 1900
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Have you ever put your complete trust and confidence in Jesus’ death for your sins? He has died for you! He lives today to give new life to those who believe in Him. The greatest moment of your life is the one that you accept the free gift of salvation!
Giving follows a principle: God is the one who provides for those who give the Gospel. We can be a part of that provision. Paul is providing a principle and he tells them, “Well done!”

3. Giving Abounds in Blessings

Philippians 4:15–20 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. 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.
The final emphasis of Paul for the church at Philippi is the most important for the outcome of giving. What is God going to do for the giver? What is the interaction of God in our giving? Paul gives an answer to these questions in this final section.
The church at Philippi was not just a church that gave toward one big campaign. They were habitual givers. They were not confining their giving to caring for those who were visible in front of them preaching the Gospel. When Paul was first beginning his missionary work in the area of Europe, this church had chosen, alone among the churches that Paul had started, to send a gift to him.
Paul is thankful for the gift, not because he wanted it, but he wanted them to grow in their blessings from God. To illustrate the spiritual significance of this gift, he gives three connections.
First, Paul connects the gift to financial standing. Both the word “concerning” in verse 15 and “account” in verse 17 are connected to adding to a bank account. What will be found in your account with God? In Romans, Paul used this word to show what will be the content of our appearance before God at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
Romans 14:12 KJV 1900
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
There is also a connection here to the fruit of a tree that has been cultivated. This was visible results of their work and their efforts. Paul wants them to have fruit for their service to Jesus. In verse 17, the word “abound” is different from the other uses of this English word in verse 12. Here, Paul wants the Philippians to have fruit that is growing more each day.
John 15:8 KJV 1900
Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Finally, Paul connects the gift to a sacrifice that was offered to God at the Temple. He uses a description of the gift in verse 18. He calls it “an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.” God accepts the gift that they gave to Paul. When Noah offered sacrifices after the flood, Genesis tells us of the reaction of God.
Genesis 8:21 KJV 1900
And the Lord smelled a sweet savour; and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
Paul is able to say that he has what he needs. “I have all”.
Paul is able to say that he has more than he needs. “and abound”.
Paul is able to say that he has been bettered by the gift of the church at Philippi. “I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you”.
What is the summation of the final emphasis of Paul? In verse 19, he brings in the new topic. God is the One who will bless those who give. Paul is taken care of. The Philippian church is taken care of too.
Philippians 4:19 KJV 1900
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Throughout the book of Ephesians, we see this same word for riches. Jesus is both rich in possessions and in grace for the Christian life. Whatever your need is, God will supply for it from His riches. Is it emotional? God supplies. Is it financial? God provides. The blessings of God are not bound or restricted to one area. God will supply all your need. For the giver, God promises blessings. For the giver to the preaching of the Gospel, God provided to supply for their needs.
Giving abounds in blessings. Paul had experienced abundance because of their gift. They will experience because of the supply of God in their lives.

Conclusion

God wants us to be generous in our giving toward reaching the lost. Paul was content with where God had him. Believers ought to participate in their own spiritual growth and the preaching the Gospel.
What part do you have in getting the Gospel out in your community? What about you family or workplace? What about where you go on vacation this summer? God wants us to be a part of giving the Gospel. One of those ways is through giving.
Paul was not just someone looking for charity. He mentioned multiple times here that he was content with what God had for him. In the trials of his life, he had learned something from his walk with Christ: despite our circumstances or our possessions, we ought to be content.
Are you content? Are you rejoicing? How do you deal with the good times and the bad times? Paul says, “in whatever state I am, therewith to be content.”
Paul teaches principles on stewardship throughout his letters to churches. One of these is found here: It is good to give toward those who give the Gospel.
Could Paul say that you have well done your giving? What would he say about your faithfulness to providing for the preaching of the Gospel? Fellowship is always available to those who seek it. Fellowship with those in the afflictions of preaching the Gospel.
Paul ends his message here for the church at Philippi with the proper emphasis of our entire lives, the Person and Work of Christ. What is God’s part in our giving? God supplies the all the needs of the giver.
Have you ever experienced the supply of God in your life? Have you seen His grace for your salvation? Has there ever been a time where He came through financially for you? For God, the supply chain will never experience disruption.
One of the biggest personal lessons that I have learned in planting Revival Baptist Church is that God will always supply for the needs of those who are faithful to Him. I could tell you about the provision of a sending church to go and plant RBC. I could tell you about how God allowed us to meet in the school at the very last moment. I could tell you about how God had already taken care of allowing us to put up our sign at the Citgo station. Through it all, I can confidently say that God is the supplier for me. Is He the supplier for you? Be faithful today!
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