What Is Hilarious Giving? Series

Now That’s a Good Question: What is Tithing?

Philippians 4:14-23

Chenoa Baptist Church

Pastor Jeff Williams

03-06-2022

Let it Walk!

A pastor was preaching in the deep south and told his congregation, “This church is like a crippled man, he’s got to get up and walk!” And the congregation responded, “Yes, amen! Let it walk!” Then he added, this church like Elijah on Mt Carmel, has got to run.” Let it run, pastor!” “This church has got to mount up on wings like eagles and fly.” “Let it fly! Let it fly!!” Then he added, “If this church is going to fly it’s going to take money.” To which a older man in the back shouted, “Let it walk preacher, let it walk!”

Many people are turned off when the pastor preaches on money and finances.

Many pastors are afraid to teach on this subject. Who has not heard someone say “All they ever want is my money?” Mark Twain once said that he was so tired of appeals for money that he never put anything in the plate but he always tried to take a bill out!

This morning I am not here to coax you out of your cash or swindle you out of your savings. I do not know how much or how little you give. I do know that I am honored to serve a church that is so generous with their giving.

But two weeks ago we proposed a very aggressive budget and the congregation approved it unanimously. If we are going to meet this budget, and do what God has called us to do, we are going to have see a marked rise in attendance and more hilarious and generous giving.

Both the Old and New Testament have much to say about how money and possessions can be used to further God’s Kingdom or how it can literally destroy a person’s joy and hope. This morning my goal is to allow the Scriptures to teach us some basic principles related to giving.

This morning we will look at the closing verses of Philippians, which just happen to be about giving. If you are visiting, stick with me. You may be surprised by what you hear. By the end of our time together today, I hope to convince you to be extravagant worshipers of God in the area of your finances.

Turn with me to Philippians 4.

Prayer.

Thank you Notes

We tried to teach our boys to write thank you notes. When they received a toy for their birthday or some money for Christmas, they needed to say thank you. I was not taught to do that growing up but I have learned over the years to write thank you notes as soon as I receive something.

It is a small way of showing appreciation for the gift.

Philippians 4:14-23 is Paul’s thank you note to the Philippians for their generous giving. Let’s listen in as he shares his heart of gratitude with this church he loves.

“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.” (Philippians 4:14- 19)

I believe we can glean four basic principles from these verses as they relate to giving.

The four points will spell out the word GIVE. The first principle is…

God owns it all

The church in Philippi was about six months old when they begin to support Paul’s missionary endeavors. He left Philippi and traveled to Thessalonica where he preached the Gospel. The Philippian church sent money to him several times to aid his efforts to win people to Christ.

Paul then traveled to Athens and Corinth. The Philippians had given so much that they were unable to give while he was ministering in Corinth.

Paul starts this section out by saying it was good of them to share in his troubles. They partnered with Paul. In fact, they were the only church that joined in Paul’s missionary adventures. Their giving showed their heart for Paul and the fellowship they felt with him. To them, it was like a joint business venture. They supplied the needs of Paul so that he could minister freely.