Lessons On Faithful Giving

Philippians 4:10-23

Last week, I consulted with Pastor Brad on the topic or passage of today’s sermon. He suggested me to preach something controversial. Well, I decided to teach on Philippians 4:10-23 because I have been going through Philippians in the Youth Sunday school, and we will be wrapping up the series today. Speaking of controversy, I will have to give you a warning: it just so happens that the message is about money and giving. Your heart might be racing and you’re trying to hide your wallet. I do understand money is a sensitive topic and sometimes it is hard for preachers to address this subject matter on the pulpit lest the congregation accuses the pastor for wanting money from them. However, as Christians, I hope talking about money is not something controversial or to be terrified because the Bible has much to say about money. Let’s pray.

Introduction

The Bible offers 500 verses on prayer, less than 500 verses on faith, but more than 2,000 verses on money and possessions. In the Gospels, and one out of ten verses deal directly with the subject of money. Our Lord Jesus Christ talked much about money. 16 of the 38 parables were concerned with how to handle money and possessions.

He also talked about the importance of giving. He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

How much, how little, or how often you give to the church is none of my business. That business is between you and God. If you think I’m talking about you and you feel guilty about it, then perhaps the Holy Spirit is convicting you because I have no information of how much or how often you give, but God does! You could give me a fake smile and I’ll probably just believe that you give regularly, but you cannot fool God. Again, I chose this passage not because I want to talk about money, but because I want to be faithful in teaching through Philippians. The benefit of going through a book in the Bible is that I am forced to address difficult and sensitive topics.

Context

Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians during the time when Paul was in prison at Rome. He wrote the letter to the Christians at Philippi because of their partnership with Paul’s ministry, and this letter shows his joy to God for their partnership in the gospel. So, today’s passage is actually Paul’s “thank-you note” to the Philippians and for their generosity in meeting his needs while he was in prison.

With the your Bible in hand, we will walk through Philippians 4:10-23 and we will learn eight lessons about faithful giving.

Lesson #1: Faithful Giving reveals our values (v.10-13)

Faithful Giving reveals our values (v.10-13)

Is it not true that how we spend our money, however little we have, still reveals what we value? We show what we value with our wallets.

For the Philippians, they value Paul and his well-being. The Philippians finally have the opportunity to show their love for Paul by sending him gifts through Epaphroditus.

We show what we value with our wallets. For the Philippians, they value Paul and his well-being. The Philippians finally have the opportunity to show their love for Paul by sending him gifts through Epaphroditus.

Epaphroditus was a messenger and minister of the church in Philippi. He was the one who delivered the gifts to Paul. In Philippians 2:27, Paul tells us that he was ill and almost died for carrying Paul’s gifts from the city of Philippi to Rome. But praise God that He kept him alive. The distance between Philippi and Rome is about 1300 km. Paul commends Epaphroditus’ Christlikeness because he risked “his life to complete” the service on behalf of the Philippians.

In verse 10, Paul rejoices in the Lord because the Philippians have revived or renewed their concern for him. Paul is not accusing them of not being concerned for him before. They were concerned for Paul when he was experiencing persecution in prison. They had not forgotten about him because they were praying for him. From first day since they became Christians, the Philippians supported Paul in his gospel ministry. However, there was a specific circumstance where they had no opportunity to help him.

How come the Philippians “had no opportunity” to help Paul?

Paul does not tell us why they had no opportunity. I choose not to entertain various interpretations, but most commentators would agree that the circumstance remains a mystery. Paul understands that whatever happened to the Philippians, it prevented them from supporting him. He knows that the Philippians loved him. So, the lack of support does not equate to decaying of friendship.

Even though they were not able to help him, Paul clarifies to the Philippians that his joy is not found in the satisfaction of financial needs or the generous gifts. In verse 11, “Not that I am speaking of being in need.” It may make Paul sound passive aggressive in making the Philippians feel guilty to give him gifts. But, that’s not the case. Paul understands their situation, and he assures them that he’s telling the Philippians pity him, and he assures them that he was not neglected. During the time when the Philippians had no opportunity to help him, Paul learned the secret and art of contentment.

In verses 12-13, biblical contentment is not facing circumstance by our own innate strength nor by our self-sufficiency, but it is relying on God’s strength to face our various circumstances. Paul is clearly saying that he is able to deal with all situations because of the powerful act of God who makes him sufficient.

Verse 13 is one of the most popular quoted verses in the Bible, but it is also one of the most misquoted verses in the Bible. So, what does it mean?

It does not mean that a person would receive supernatural power to do all activities and achieve success in their work. It seems that it is used before competing in sports. So what does it mean?

Notice the phrase, “all things.” “All things” is grammatically connected to the preceding verse: “in any and every circumstance.” It is specifically talking about the fullness and hunger, abundance and lack in the midst of doing ministry. He is able to handle these strikingly different circumstances through God who strengthens him when he’s experiencing weakness.

READ

READ

READ

READ

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 ESV

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

So, our ability to be content does not arise from our own strengths, it is from God’s strength when we humble ourselves in weakness. We do not need self-sufficiency; we need God-sufficiency.

Lesson #2: Faithful Giving communicates partnership in the gospel (v.14-16)

Without sounding ungrateful, Paul thanks the Philippians for partnering with him in ministry, even to share in his trouble. You may have heard of the Greek word for fellowship: Koinonia. “To share” and “partnership” are the same group word for fellowship. They desire to contribute to the gospel ministry because they want to actively participate in the vision of spreading the gospel to the whole world. Paul makes a statement that the Philippians alone entered into partnership/fellowship with Paul ever since the beginning of the gospel, which means when the gospel first landed on European soil. And Philippi was the 1st city where the gospel reach the European continent during Paul’s second missionary journey.

And Philippi was the 1st city where the gospel reach the European continent during Paul’s second missionary journey.

After some of the Philippians became Christians, they formed the church. And the Philippians are going to be the ones who would support Paul in bringing the gospel wherever he goes. Verse 16 tells us of their support and help when Paul was in Thessalonica. It was the Philippians who were faithful givers in partnering and supporting gospel ministries.

I want to read because it is very important for you to know about the Philippians’ financial circumstances. Before I read, let me give you a geographical background.

2 Corinthians 8:1–5 ESV

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

2 Corinthians 8:1–5 ESV

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

Philippi was located in Northeast of Greece, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia. I suppose you can view Macedonia as a province of a country, and Philippi as a city of that province.

Philippi was located in Northeast of Greece, which is the leading city of the district of Macedonia. I suppose you can view Macedonia as a province of a country, and Philippi as a city of that province.

John MacArthur said that “this was basically an impoverished province that had been ravaged by many wars and even then was being plundered by Roman authority and commerce.”

In other words, the Philippians were generally poor.

READ 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

2 Corinthians 8:1-5

With that background in mind let us read 2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Paul says that the churches of Macedonia, including the church of Philippi, were extremely poor, yet they still gave out of their own generosity. Although they were in poverty, these churches BEGGED Paul and others to participate in the relief of the saints, which tells me another lesson about giving...

Lesson #3: Faithful Giving demonstrates a level of trust in God

Despite their poverty, the Philippians would be a leading example to the Corinthians in their generous giving. Why? Corinth was located in Southern part of Greece, in the district/province of Achaia. And that province is generally more wealthy. So, Corinth was a well off church.

You see, back in , Paul says that no church entered into partnership with Paul in giving and receiving except the Philippians. Really? The poor church partnered with Paul? What about the well off Corinthian church? There is a backstory regarding Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians.

READ tells us this.

2 Corinthians 11:7–12 ESV

Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s gospel to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way. As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do.

Paul was accused by the Corinthians of doing the gospel ministry for money just like the false apostles. It’s kind of like the TELevangelists of our days that beg and pressure viewers to give them money. To avoid any suspicious motive, Paul refused to accept money from the Corinthians because it was necessary that he distinguish his ministry from the false apostles who taught in Corinth out of greed. Although Paul had every right to receive financial compensation because it is biblical, Paul did not exercise his rights and did not want to burden the Corinthians to support him financially. In fact, the Macedonians (the Philippians) supported Paul so that he can serve the Corinthians and preach the gospel free of charge. He went back to the Corinthians not for money, but for the Christians. It’s about the people, not financial gain! Doing the work of ministry is about serving the Lord and people, it is not about gaining money.

Lesson #4: Faithful Giving is a fruit of Christian maturity (v.17)

Paul clarifies that he is not “eyeing” on the gift/money. He denies that he was in need (v.11) and he affirms that he was content with God’s strength. Now, he denies that he seeking and desiring money and he affirms that he is seeking the fruit. I use the ESV, and NIV says, “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account” which I think is an unfortunate translation because it takes away the word, “fruit.” In this letter, Paul uses the word “fruit” to describe the work that will produce righteousness and godliness.

Jesus uses that same word to talk about bearing fruit to prove that we are His disciples. Certainly, the fruit (i.e. righteousness, godliness, and Christlikeness) is connected to generosity. One of the marks of a Christian is faithful giving. Why? Our God is a giver. Our Lord Jesus Christ gave up riches in the heavenly places and became poor so that by his poverty we who were spiritually poor would become spiritually rich. If we are exemplify Christlikeness, then we are to give.

For the Philippians, their generous gifts to Paul’s ministry is a sign of their growing spiritual maturity. In their early stage of being a Christian, Paul may have taught the Philippians on the importance of faithful giving to support those in Christian ministry, because soon after he left Philippi, they sent gifts after him when he was in Thessalonica. They would have been just a few months old in the Lord, but they were already faithful givers.

Let me say three misconceptions you may have about money and the church. First, the church is not after your money; God wants your money. Second, God does not just want your money, He wants HIS money. Your money does not belong to you, it ultimately belongs to God. Third, God does not just want His money, He wants YOU. Your Life. Your Heart.

Abraham Kuyper said,

Abraham Kuyper said, “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!”

There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!

The money that you have in your wallet or bank account is loaned to you by God, so I hope you stewarding it right because one day you will have to give account to God for how you used His money.

Jesus taught His disciples about storing up treasures in heaven. We are to give generously of our wealth for heavenly and eternal matters. When we give, we are also investing in eternal reward. For the Philippians, the more they invest in ministry, their eternal reward or their heavenly credit will continue to grow. So, what Paul is seeking is not money, nor specifically the generosity of the Philippians, he is seeking their growing Christlikeness that increases their heavenly reward.

Lesson #5: Faithful Giving is investing in heavenly riches (v.17)

Lesson #6: Faithful Giving is motivated by worship (v.18)

Through the gifts, Paul is well supplied and more. We don’t know exactly what is in the gifts…but it certainly met Paul’s needs and they were enough for him. But notice that the Philippians’ gifts were given directly to Paul to meet his needs, but their gifts were also an act of worship that pleases God. Faithful giving brings glory and honour to God because we are walking in obedience to Him by meeting the needs of Christian workers and missionaries. And as a result, we come to verse 19.

Lesson #7: Faithful God will supply the needs of faithful givers (v.19-20)

Again, this is another popular verse that could also be taken out of context. Verse 19 is the result of faithful giving to meet the needs of others without any strings attached. Let me clarify, this is not health, wealth, and prosperity gospel. This verse may sound like TELevangelists and preachers begging for money or else their ministry will go off air. TELevangelists take this verse out of context by pressuring people to give and God will multiply or increase their money in their bank account. And people fall for that.

None of that! Paul did not pressure the Philippians to give. From their perspective, their giving is out of generosity to meet Paul's needs. Paul is so thankful and gives glory to God for their obedience. The Philippians’ partnership with Paul in the gospel is in some sense reciprocal. Just as the Philippians’ met Paul’s needs through their faithful giving, so will God supply the Philippians’ needs, whatever and whenever that may be, ACCORDING to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. That is a bold and promising statement.

Do you know what’s the difference between out of his riches and according to his riches? An employee finds himself in a desperate need. His boss learns about it and he gave him a $1000 cheque. Well, $1000 might not seem much, but that could help this employee. You see, this boss gave OUT of his riches. Let’s rewind the story a little bit.

His boss learns about it and he gave the employee a cheque with his signature on the bottom right and the employee’s name. But the amount is blank. Which means that the employee can write any amount he wants. This boss gave ACCORDING to his riches.

In other words, God has infinite riches and resources to meet the needs of the Philippians. Because they have been generous with their gifts, God will be generous with them. I believe that verse! because my God is the faithful one who will provide for our daily needs. I assure you! If I did not believe that, then I wouldn’t even be preaching this passage. I have experienced God’s generosity and blessing in my life when I faithfully give to see His kingdom advance forward. Don’t take my word for it. Take Paul’s word for it who’s under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to pen down this authoritative and inspired Word of God. You can bet your faithful and generous giving on this promise. But, if you are not faithfully giving, then don’t expect verse 19 to happen in your life.

[Slide 14]Lesson #8: Faithful Giving brings the gospel to people where you least expect. (v.21-23)

Lesson #8: Faithful Giving brings the gospel to people where you least expect. (v.21-23)

We may often be tempted to skim over the greetings, but don’t miss out on the riches of sacred Scripture. Even when Paul was in prison, he had the opportunity to evangelize to the household of Caesar. They were the guards and battalions or anyone who’s serving the emperor. Back in Philippians 1:12-13, Paul assures the Philippians that his imprisonment served to advance the gospel so that the gospel became known throughout the whole imperial guard and even those in prison. As a result, some of Caesar’s household became followers of Jesus. Paul includes them in verse 22. And they are greeting the Philippians, possibly thanking the Philippians for their generous gifts to Paul’s ministry so that they could hear the gospel.

Let me make it more personal in our church context. How has your faithful giving further the gospel? In the youth ministry, your faithful giving helped subsidized the costs of the youth retreat. 20 youths attended the youth retreat so that they could hear the gospel message and be challenged to enter the narrow gate and follow Jesus.

Your faithful giving allowed some of the members to go to Poland on a short-term mission trip, not only to teach English, but to teach the Bible and share the gospel. You may remember Pastor Brad spoke about this, but the Poland missionaries, Czarek and Eva, deeply appreciate OBC for sending members there. They mentioned that they feel like they have a family on the other side of the world supporting them. Without your giving, we would never hear and know how our ministry has impacted them.

Your faithful giving met the needs of James and Lois in the Vietnam ministry. As we have learned last week, our contribution assisted in the building project, so that people can come learn more about Jesus and hear the love of God.

Your faithful giving allowed the Chinese ministries to host an outreach event, so that more people can come and hear the gospel. As a result, some of those people are getting baptized next Sunday at the combined service.

Conclusion

If you’ve been a Christian for a long time and yet you’re not giving faithfully, then I hope you would learn from the Philippians. I’m not forcing or pressuring you to give. Scripture is crystal clear about this: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” God loves cheerful givers! Cheerful giving to God is the fruit of loving Him. The motivation for giving is to respond to what God has done for us through Jesus Christ, and to see the message of salvation reach to more people in our community.

To grow in Christian maturity, you must discipline yourself in generous giving because it would grow your trust and dependence on God, not on the riches of this world. Make it your commitment to budget your finances. One of the things that I learned from my pre-marriage counseling is that the first thing on your budget list should never be food, clothing, housing or entertainment, it should always be your tithes/offering to the local church. You could consider supporting gospel ministries outside of OBC so that your giving can help further the gospel.

If you are a faithful giver, then just like Paul, I want to express my pastoral gratitude to you. Thank you. Thank you for faithfully giving and meeting the needs of this church. Thank you for your generous gifts. Thank you for entering into partnership with us so that more people can hear the message of salvation. As a result of your faithful giving, “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.” Let’s pray.