Generosity from the Philippians - this is a GOOD ONE - keep reading please!
1/11/2012 12:07:09 AM
Jan 10, 2011~Philippians #41 in series
Generosity from the Philippians-**this is a good one—keep reading to the second page. Philippians 4.14-20
As Paul wraps his letter to his fellow Christians in Philippi, he commends them for their generosity toward him—take a look:
“I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances . . . Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 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. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
I wonder if the Philippians had access to Paul’s writing to the church at Corinth—did they know what he had taught about sowing and reaping generously? Is that why they had given so generously to Paul, and taken care of him? Or did it just feel right to them, to take care of the one who had brought them the Gospel of Jesus Christ? From 2 Corinthians chapter 9--
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
I do not write too much about money—how people spend and whether or not they give to God, unless the Scripture passage warrants it, and the finishing out of Paul’s letter to the Philippians certainly does. His commendation of the Philippians’ financial consideration of him as their pastor, their shepherd and teacher, has broader application than for just the first century believer.
I am not a religious person; if I were, then I would tell you what my religion requires as the proper amount or percentage that I should give of my income. I am, however, a God follower, and a Bible believer and teacher. Accordingly, in short, here is MY disposition toward giving to God, and also what I tell those who ask me, which is more frequent than you might guess.
It is my understanding that the Old Testament mandated a ten percent tithe from the first fruits of what was earned. There is no such percentage given in the New Testament. I believe in the principle of Luke 12.48--that ‘to whom much is given, much will be required’. I have been given much. I do not believe that ‘much’ is confined to financial resources, however; I believe ‘much’ refers also to our time, our talent, and yes, our treasure. Ken Blanchard and Truett Cathy added ‘touch’ to that—which is brilliant!**
I believe there is great reward for those who give to the work of the Lord faithfully. In Galatians 6, Paul teaches that we should support those who teach us the Word of God. My friends, God rewards obedience by meeting our financial needs. The amount given is not the important part, but faithfulness and generosity of heart are both crucial. Honestly, where would this (non-profit) ministry be without its several supporters? “Thank you so kindly” to those who give; I am so very grateful. Your giving is what supports the ‘Google Ads’ that attracts global readers to the PastorWoman website and adds them to this distribution, free of charge, of course. Your (tax-deductible) giving is what supports the website that spreads the Gospel in this information-driven era in which we live. Only in this day and age could the gospel spread in such a manner—isn’t it remarkable?***
But here’s the thing—when we realize . . . when we remember that all good gifts are from the Father, our gratitude to him compels us to want to give, to love, to touch, to bless, does it not? I believe it was gratitude to Paul and to God that moved the Philippians to action; I believe it was their love for God, and their love for Paul that compelled them to make sure his needs were met, to make sure that the Gospel continued to go forward through Paul. Our gratitude must cause our hearts to swell with generosity as well, my dear ones~
Grace and Peace to you,
Christine
**The Generosity Factor – Ken Blanchard and S. Truett Cathy
***Should you wish to contribute to PastorWoman ministries, you can do so through the website: www.pastorwoman.com, or by mailing your tax-deductible check to PastorWoman Corp., P.O. Box 1195, San Clemente, CA, 92674.