Sermon on 28 March 2021 by Ps Justin
Introduction
Christian joy is about your relationship with God. We are not joyful only in comfortable circumstances. It is not dependent on your situation. Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Philippians, talking about joy. You abide in Him; you will always be rejoicing.
Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. – Philippians 4:4
Message
These scriptures talk about Paul’s response to the generosity from the Philippians.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lack opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. - Philippians 4:10-20
Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. - Philippians 4:15
The ability to make money comes from God. It is by the grace of God that we are able to do what we do. In Matthew 6:24, God said that we cannot serve two masters – we either serve God or we serve money. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. 1 Timothy chapter 6 tells us that all who desire to be rich will fall into temptation.
1. Show concern by taking action generously
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lack opportunity. - Philippians 4:10
The Philippians were under the oppression of the Roman empire. They could only show concern through prayer. Paul used the term “flourished” when describing the care from the Philippians. It is like a plant sprouting up, indicating prosperity and abundance. Be generous in the act of giving. Biblical prosperity is about how you sow. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 tells us that if we sow sparingly, we will reap sparingly. If you sow generously, you will reap generously. Each one of us should give willingly, according to the purpose in our hearts. God will bless those who give generously. If you sow, you reap. When you give, be a cheerful giver. It is more blessed to give than to receive. You are called to be a blessing. Be a blessing to others.
And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. – 2 Corinthians 9:8
Your generosity is a proof that you are obedient to the gospel of Christ. – 2 Corinthians 9:13
Showing concern without action is not a true concern. James 2:15-16 tells us that if a brother or sister is without clothes and food, showing concern and wishing them well only without action, does nothing. The bible tells us that faith without works is dead.
2. Generosity through the secret of contentment
Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: - Philippians 4:11
1 Timothy 6:6-8 tells us that godliness and contentment is of great gain. We ought to be contented with what we have. There is no reason for us not to share and honour God with what we have. There is no need for us to check whether the recipient is really poor or in need. Simply give from your heart.
Luke 21:1-4 accounts the poor widow with two copper coins, blessing others out of her poverty. True generosity does not come from our excess; it comes from sacrificial hearts, because they have learnt the secret of contentment. It takes time to learn this. Paul learnt contentment in prison. God will put us in difficult circumstances, for us to learn contentment. When you hold that secret of contentment, you will be so generous in giving.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. - Philippians 4:13
3. Maturity through generosity
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. - Philippians 4:17-18
God delights in your sacrifice. Hebrews 13:16 tells us that doing good and sharing with others pleases God. Let us be a blessing.
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:19
Paul did not use this for his own riches. This verse is only for people who give generously. This is an assurance that God will provide for you; God sees that a generous giver will never suffer needs.
Closing
Are you living a life of generosity? Are you having the mark of maturity through generosity? Are you generous because you are living of life of contentment? Live a life so that we can demonstrate He is in control. Let us be generous in giving; this is a calling. Let our actions towards handling money be the fulfilment of Christ’s work in us.
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