This sermon given by our pastor, Jon Porter, is based on Philippians 4:10-23. Paul, the writer of the letter to the church in Philippi sends this to remind the people there how much their gifts mean to him.
Paul has lived in times of plenty and times of want and has learned to be content in the circumstances he finds himself. They have not always had the opportunity to supply him with his needs. After all, he’s writing this letter from prison. That he feels content in that situation at all is quite a statement. Faith plays an important role in his contentment.
Preaching on giving is not always a popular topic and not one that we want to hear when it prompts us to dig in our pockets to give more. But that’s not the heart of this sermon, nor is it the sentiment of Paul’s letter. It’s more about the blessing we receive when we give.
Paul didn’t get a paycheck from the church, but he was able to carry on his ministry due to their generous giving.
16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 17Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18I 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. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:10-23
I can remember a sermon given by a pastor from a few years ago. We were challenged by Shawn McMullen to see the blessings we’d receive if we gave cheerfully. This prompted my husband and I to increase our giving, trusting that God would multiply our gift to support the church. About a month later, our unattached garage caught on fire and we lost everything in it. A car, lawnmower, all of Todd’s tools, chainsaws, bicycles, and much more.
This prompted a conversation with God that went something like this…
“God, this is how you repay our trust that giving more is a blessing?” His reaction was, “wait.”
I realized several months later what He meant. As the old tools and other items were replaced by insurance, I began to see the way he was working. The old things were gone, to be replaced by brand new items and a new garage replaced the old one with more space and made with better materials.
God works in ways that we would never imagine. You can’t put God in a box. He can use the smallest gift given with a pure heart to further our ministries.
We’ve had two families in our church that have started businesses that have succeeded in a big way. They put the work in to learn the skills needed and to research the needs in their particular area of expertise, and prayed about what He had put on their hearts. God has blessed it all in a big way. Don’t believe me? Check out Lowdoller Motorsports and Rollin Roosters. They are blessing people through their giving hearts and I know God will bless this more than they could ever expect! You can’t out give God!!!
God will give us everything we need to get it done if it’s for him.
5”I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
These are Jesus’ words as he speaks to the people. This is reassurance that we need to stay in relationship with Jesus to receive his blessings. Such encouragement!
God blesses the giving when we give in the sense of giving everything. If you’re not giving, you’re not receiving the blessing. Remember the poor woman who gave the last pennies she had to help others?
Godly giving does more good for the giver than the receiver because it taps into the spiritual. It’s easier to give than receive, too.
To give willingly out of our own need, takes immense faith. Giving out of ourselves. Giving our lives to live as Christ is the way we show our faith to others. Others should be able to tell you are a Christian by the way you live your life, not just by the words that come out of your mouth.
If the church functioned in the world as it was intended, there would be no need for welfare or social service programs. The church was a community of believers that supported those in need out of their own pockets. They all had what they needed. No more, no less. They trusted God to provide what they needed when they needed it.
“Thoughts and prayers” aren’t enough. We need to give more because we believe in God.
19My God will meet all your needs, according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
- This promise from God is about our needs, not our wants.
- Sometimes God knows we need to hear “no”.
- Our needs, not our wishes.
- This promise is not for everyone.
- Partnering in the Gospel is an investment in our relationship with God.
- Give and it will be given.
- To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. – Phil. 4:20
- Paul believed anyone can be given the blessings if they have faith.
We are created to give. How is God calling you to give? It may be to give your time to the church, to help a neighbor, to sit with the elderly or help a student learn something they’re having trouble with. Our giving doesn’t have to be money. We give out of the gifts God has given us. What are you good at that you could help others with?
So good to share this message with you. I hope it is a blessing to you and helps you find ways that you can be a blessing to others.
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 