My dear Philippians
Philippians 4:15”You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone..”
You know what, this is going to be really difficult to type; nevertheless, I would do so that many understand the art of giving. I was so attracted to this epistle of Philippians from the beginning of this year that I wanted to read it again and again so that the effervescence in that book with just 4 chapters bounces on me. When I read it for the first time ( I had read it earlier though) I got heaps of revelations and this encouraged and stirred me to read it every day ; however, the days that followed were not that exciting – I persisted though, to read the four chapters daily that took me neat 20 minutes. I type this message today after reading it 50 times! Yes 50 times, my eyes ache……
Let me explain to you my emotions when I sat to read the book of Philippians for the 51 st time, I was very forlorn and depressed because of the huge needs of the ministry, especially Abide School because we are in urgent need of a building. Thoughts of all the people who had not stretched out to help during this time flooded me and I was feeling very low. Even though I could have skipped reading the Bible in the night, I determined myself to read the book of Philippians again besides my other Bible reading portions. Count 51. In the concluding fourth chapter, the words of Paul riveted me and answered all my questions that were nagging, pestering and harassing me the whole day. This is going to help many people serving the Lord today. Apostle Paul looks at the church in Philippians and tells them, “no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but YOU (Philippians) alone!.” Imagine, the very people who were blessed spiritually through the teachings and nurturing of Paul did not support him with their offering. Did Paul not care? Yes of course, you can feel his sadness in the above words……however, if you scroll down you will read more of what he said, Philippians 4:19”…my God will supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” When this revelation hits you then all darkness got to flee! Awesome! The other churches ought to have helped Paul but they ducked, friends, brothers and sisters ought to help their spiritual mentor but not many remember. Look what Paul wrote: “For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus.”( Philippians 2:21) Selfish world.
THERE IS A NEED THAT NOT MANY KNOW OF: Paul did write the benefits of giving which I would like to emphasize today and urge people to open your wallets for God. Remember Paul is in prison when he writes this epistle, look at Paul’s emotions: “..I rejoiced in the Lord greatly…..you have revived your concern for me……you have done well to share with me in my affliction..”, ( these words brought tears in my eyes) (Phil 4:10,11)There were great needs for Paul but only the church in Philippi stretched out to help Paul (without being asked for). One particular missionary who is also my spiritual son, wrote to me one day, “ sister, only after moving into a new city on my own as a missionary did I understand the great needs of people serving God.” There is school fees, provisions, clothing, medicines, transport and a lot more which only the believers got to fulfill – do we do that or least think of?? Tell me.
BENEFITS WE RECEIVE THROUGH OUR GIVING: Apostle Paul said, “I seek for the profit which increases to your account.” (Philippians 4:17) When you sow into the ministry of God it is like doing a fixed deposit, God would never ignore or forget, He is in fact thrilled about your giving. The first thing I taught all my friends after leading them to salvation is give their tithes and offerings to God. A lover of God becomes a giver and server! The offering that the Philippians sent was like “ a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.’ Amen. God is like enjoying it…….Stingy people cannot experience the magnificent presence of God while they hide their money from God, anybody listening?
My daughter Shalina, B.Tech computer Engineer, MBA, resigned to join us in ministry, a couple of weeks back, we gave her some money for her expense, she promptly emptied her purse and gave away everything to other pastors. Your anointing jumps on your children too……..Fire spreads!
Many bondages, demonic attacks, marital problems, financial crisis, property disputes, curses, mental illness can be solved through sacrificial offering to God. What do you mean by sacrificial offering? Giving more than what you can afford like the church in Philippi. Anybody listening? The moment Zacchaeus started releasing his money for the poor and God, the curses left his house and his entire household were saved. Did you see that? Preachers and pastors hesitate to speak on tithing and offering for fear of being called greedy; however, this is important subject as the enemy is keen on sucking the finances away through lavish squandering of money.
IT IS NOT A CHOICE BUT A COMMAND TO GIVE GOD: I want to take you’ll back to the book of Leviticus where God said: "Command the sons of Israel that they bring to you clear oil from beaten olives for the light, to make a lamp burn continually. He (the priest) shall keep the lamps in order on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD continually.”
(Leviticus 24:2,4) The oil for the Holy sanctuary is to be brought by the people of God, did you see that?
Read also:
Numbers 28:2” "Command the sons of Israel and say to them, 'You shall be careful to present My offering, My food for My offerings by fire, of a soothing aroma to Me, at their appointed time.'
My conundrum is why people give peanuts to God while God has written SO MUCH about offering? The answer is here: LACK OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD.
BALA SAMSON
Co-leader at Shiloh Revival Church
Principal, Founder of Abide School
Preacher, Teacher, Writer, Mother and Revival Speaker
