Giving Generously Series

Generous Giving

Philippians 4:10-20

Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567

Sitting in a dark dreary prison for five years, chained to a Praetorian Guard, totally reliant on others for the necessities of life and yet still have an attitude of unspeakable joy, would require an abundance of faith! Though Apostle Paul likely had Luke and Timothy by his side this in no way reduced his outburst of joy when Epaphroditus arrived from the church of Philippi. He had a “love offering” not only of risking his life to take a three-month journey from Philippi to Rome but also a substantial monetary gift to help Paul feed, clothe, and take of himself. While the money would somewhat “ease the harsh conditions of his imprisonment,” what gave Paul tears of joy was that such a selfless act was proof that the Philippians were not just a financial partner but were continuing their partnership in the Gospel message (1:5). The church’s concern for Paul was truly indicative that they had learned to put others first (2:3-4)! With likely tears of gratitude Paul was now faced with the challenge of how to thank the church properly. On the one hand he did not want to flatter the Philippians and risk them becoming “puffed up” or have his thanksgiving be seen as a manipulative “request for more money” like the Charlatan philosophers of his day. Paul was not preaching the Gospel message for money but to serve the Lord! On the other hand, those who give, especially out of likely poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-2), deserve to be honored for bearing fruit that pleased the Lord! To say thanks Paul began with first rejoicing in the Lord, “the ultimate Provider of all good gifts.” “This central focus on God transforms the transaction of giving and receiving among Christians from a human, horizontal exchange to a divine-human, triangular interaction. God initiates giving, empowers givers, supplies gifts, and meets needs. Participating in the activity of God by giving and receiving leads to rejoicing greatly in the Lord.” Using a “botanical image of a plant blooming again” Paul publicly praised that Lord that He once again granted the Philippians the means, the faith, the love, and concern to show their renewed support.

Reflection. When another believer does something nice for you do you stop and give the Lord thanks for giving them an opportunity to share the gifts that they have received from God with you? How does Jesus’ statement, whatever you did for one of the least of the brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me” govern to whom and with what frequency you give to others?

Being Content in all Situations

To make certain his gratitude for the Lord’s provision to the Philippians and their subsequent faithful giving were not seen as a manipulative act to beg for more money Paul told the Philippians, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (4:11). While Aristotle defined contentment as “possessing all things and needing nothing” and the Stoics defined contentment as a “deliberate attitude of the mind” of complete self-sufficiency regardless of one’s circumstances; Paul boldly redefined this Greek philosophical term to mean something entirely different! While Greek philosophy sees contentment either as independence or the derivative product of the attitude of the “temporal self,” for Paul contentment was not found in self-sufficiency but on utter dependence on Christ-sufficiency! It is not more or less stuff, or an easy or difficult life that determines contentment but making one’s requests to God and seeking His kingdom first that one receives peace that surpasses all understanding! While it is easy to be content when on the mountaintops of blessings, it is not so easy to rejoice in valleys of trials and tribulations! People tend to “complain about their homes when thousands have no home. People gripe about work when many have no jobs. They fuss about their cars when many have never seen a car.” What Paul is saying is that “Christian contentment is a mystery to those on the outside and can only be learned from the inside by those who are in Christ.” It was Christ who enabled Apostle Paul to be content during the difficult times when he was beaten with rods, pelted with stones, and shipwrecked; and the times of incredible blessings such as being caught up to the third heaven (2 Corinthians 11:24-29, 12:1-6). Over the last 30 years of ministry Paul learned the key to joy was to trust in the Lord who empowers His own to be content in all situations. Paul finished this section by bolding stating, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (4:13)! While this is one of “the most highly quoted verses in the Bible, but unfortunately, it’s one of the most misapplied verses in the Bible.” Paul is not saying that through Christ you become superhuman by rubbing Him like a genie in a bottle! Faith in Christ will not enable you to golf with scores below 70 or bench press twice your weight, but instead by one’s faith and His grace you can do anything that God wills for your life! In the context of this passage, however, Paul is not talking about our accomplishments but instead how Christ will strengthen us to be content in both good and bad times.