Introduction

A little girl once planned to give her father a pair of slippers for his birthday. When asked where she would get the money, she confidently replied, "Father will give it to me." Although it may seem strange for a father to buy his own gift, the father appreciated the gesture and the love behind it. In a similar way, when we give sacrificially, it pleases God and opens up blessings in our lives.

Text

Philippians 4:14-20 (NIV)

"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 more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. 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 the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Body

I. Giving sacrificially puts credits in your account in heaven.

The Philippians demonstrated sacrificial giving by supporting Paul in his ministry. This act of generosity not only brought joy to Paul but also earned them spiritual rewards in heaven. It is important to note that these rewards do not earn salvation but are a result of already being saved. When we give sacrificially, even if we have very little to give, God sees our heart and rewards us accordingly.

II. Giving sacrificially is a pleasing offering to God.

Paul describes the Philippians' gifts as a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Just as we enjoy the aroma of our favorite foods, God takes pleasure in our sacrificial giving. It is not the amount of the gift that matters to God, but the heart behind it. When we give cheerfully and sacrificially, it brings joy to God and aligns us with His will.

III. Giving sacrificially allows God to meet our needs.

Paul assures the Philippians that their sacrificial giving will not go unnoticed by God. He promises that God will meet all their needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. When we trust God enough to give sacrificially, we open ourselves up to His abundant provision. Just as a farmer sows seeds and expects a bountiful harvest, we can expect God to bless us when we give sacrificially.

Conclusion

Imagine the vast riches of God's kingdom. Everything belongs to Him, and He delights in giving good gifts to His children. As believers, we are part of God's family, and He desires to bless us abundantly. When we give sacrificially, it not only puts credits in our heavenly account but also pleases God and allows Him to meet our needs.

I encourage you to embrace the power of sacrificial giving. Trust God with your finances, time, resources, and life. Remember that you cannot outgive God. He is faithful to reward those who give cheerfully and sacrificially. Let us be generous and experience the blessings that come from aligning our hearts with God's heart.

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