Generosity and Contentment: Christian Birth Marks

CIT: How does Paul sign off his letter? He thanks and blesses them for their generosity.

CIS: Generosity and Contentment are marks of mature Christian character.

SO: Apply: We grow content by rejoicing and reflecting on God. Our contentment will motivate our generosity, our generosity will fuel our contentment.

Intro

Context

Themes

Paul

Epaphroditus

Philippi

Content

The Strength of Contentment is Christ (v.10-13

Exp

The church had a long period where they could not demonstrate tangible concern for paul

What might that be?

Contentment is appropriate for any situation for Christians (v.11)

An appropriate reflection on our dependence on God and his control

Not an annihilation of the will

Laziness

Fatalism

The strength of contentment comes from Christ

App:

Where in our lives are we less than content?

How does knowing that … God knows the begining to the end?

Is not the author of evil

Will use it for good? (eg. Joseph)

Is a good God?

What sort of emotional reaction might we (should) have when we realize that God is not stopped by our seemingly impossible situations?

Rejoice / Relief/ Trust

Christian generosity is given (ultimately) to God.

Exp

Where did Paul go after Philippi?

[Thess Acts 17 > Berea :10] > Athens :16 > Corinth 18 (2 years)

2 Cor 11:8-9 “8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9 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.”

Paul is concerned with the “fruit that increase to your credit.”

Maturity in the faith

The gift to him is counted as sacrifice to God.

Paul’s blessing: God will supply their needs

Paul sign’s off with Grace

App:

They gave out of concern and it increased their credit.

We can give out our maturity in Christ, it will increase your credit.

As we grow more mature and reflect our Christ our contenment grow.

As our contment grows we will be able to give generously our of our maturity

As we give more we will grow more content and rejoice

Where in our lives can we give our of concern?

Charity

Sickness

Need

Where in our lives can we give out of our maturity?

Ministry

Tithes and Offerings

Missionary organizations

Work stuff?

Let’s do it

Response:

Salvation

Believers

Are we discontent? - Reflect and search out how God’s in control of that and that he will make good come out of what you are dealing with.

Are we stingy - Let’s find an area of concern for us to give. Its easier that way, and rejoice with the benefits. Let’s progress to giving out of maturity

Are we sour? - Let’s look back on what God has done and who he He is? When you reflect on the Lord’s work in your life it will make you shout. Ask the Lord for help and he will if you struggle with this.