Philippians 11 - Thanks Giving

Reading: Philippians 4:10-23
I have received full payment and even more; 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. Philippians 4:18 (NIV)

I.   Generosity shows God is at work

     A.  Paul Rejoices in the Lord! (10)

           1.  Paul had just gotten done telling us to rejoice in the Lord always.

                 a.  Here he gives us an example of what he means.

                 b.  He doesn’t simply tell people to do something, he models it too.

           2.  He does that here in response to the Philippians’ giving.

                 a.  When they gave to him, Paul saw fit to praise God!

                 b.  When we receive something from someone, we know Who it comes from

           3.  He does that because it is evidence of God at work among them.

                 a.  Paul also sees God’s hand at work among them.

                 b.  God’s fingerprints are on the gifts, but also on the Philippians.

                 c.  He rejoices more in the fact that God is at work among them, than in the gift!

     B.  They give Without being asked

           1.  They were the only ones who gave (15).

                 a.  The Philippians were alone in this

                 b.  They gave because they wanted to.

           2.  Paul wasn’t looking for a gift (17)

                 a.  He didn’t lay out for them the necessity of giving, or lay a guilt trip on them.

                 b.  He didn’t even expect them to give.

     C.  They give Selflessly

           1.  They give when Paul is ministering in Thessalonica (16).

                 a.  They don’t simply give because they are getting something out of it.

                 b.  They gave so others could benefit from what they had gained from Paul

           2.  They gave to Paul in Corinth too

And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. 2 Cor. 11:9 (NIV)

                 a.  Thessalonica was a neighbor, Corinth was a long ways away.

                 b.  Philippi was in Macedonia: Paul said they were alone in giving.

II.  Sharing is an act of Love

     A.  They give More than was needed

           1.  Paul acknowledges that he did not have a need for them to give (11)

                 a.  The beauty of their gift was in part because it wasn’t necessary.

                 b.  They gave because they wanted to give, not because Paul needed to have.

           2.  He says their gifts were more than enough to amply supply him (18)

                 a.  Their gifts were targeted to help and encourage.

                 b.  It worked!

     B.  They give to Show love

           1.  They gave as an act of concern (10)

                 a.  They thought about Paul and were concerned for his well being.

                 b.  They were watching out for him.

           2.  It was good of you... (14)

                 a.  You can almost hear the pleasure in Paul’s voice.

                 b.  Paul felt cared for by them.

     C.  Their giving is a Partnering

           1.  This was a way of sharing in Paul’s troubles (14)

                 a.  It seems they took on Paul’s troubles as their own.

                 b.  A certain sign of friendship and love is sharing not only joys, but troubles.

           2.  This was a sharing in Paul’s ministry (14)

                 a.  They were partners with Paul from the first day until now (1:5)

                 b.  Now they share his troubles as partners

                 c.  They were partners and thus their lives were interwoven

           3.  In sharing in Paul’s ministry they share in God’s work in the world.

                 a.  Our greatest privilege is to share in God’s great mission on Earth!

III. Giving is an act of Worship

     A.  These gifts are an Offering to God (18b)

           1.  Giving is like an altar sacrifice.

                 a.  Sacrifice isn’t primarily about giving something up, but of handing it over.

                 b.  Thought their gifts were to Paul, their offering was to God.

           2.  Giving is an act of personal devotion.

                 a.  We give in the context of worship, because giving is an act of worship

                 b.  We give out of gratitude for all God has given us.

                 c.  We give to advance of God’s Kingdom.

     B.  These gifts Please God

           1.  It is no small thing for us to be able to do something that pleases God.

                 a.  It is difficult to accomplish things for God — if not impossible.

                 b.  But we can offer our Thanks to God in the form of gifts for His use.

           2.  These gifts please God because they were given with a sincere heart.

                 a.  The Philippians felt compelled to give and listened to God’s voice within them

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9:7 (NIV)

                 b.  God blesses a cheerful giver too (19)!

     C.  Giving Glorifies God

           1.  Paul concludes this thank-you note with a doxology.

                 a.  Paul’s response to seeing God at work among them is to praise God!

           2.  Giving glorifies God when giving is motivated by God’s Spirit at work within

                 a.  Not when our motive is guilt or self-interest.

                 b.  All that God motivates in us ultimately displays his glory!

           3.  Giving glorifies God when those gifts are used to spread the good news of the Kingdom.

                 a.  More and more people turn to God in praise.

                 b.  Not that money changes people. Money sets people free to minister to people.

The Bottom Line:

(GHoF #341 Something for Thee vv 1, 4)