Philippians 4:15-16 – Generosity advances the Gospel
Devotions based on week 12 of Joy in the Journey: Generosity (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 4:15 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; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.
The Gospel is powerful.
From the time Paul was privileged to share the Gospel with the Philippians, they desired to respond by supporting the spreading of the Gospel. Here’s the reality:
Generosity always flows from the impact of the Gospel and generosity that flows from the Gospel supports the spread of the Gospel.
Thessalonica was the next stop for Paul after he was in Philippi on his second missionary journey. He didn’t have to write back to the PHilippians desiring a gift, the Philippians just responded by sending their support to take care of Paul’s needs.
The result? The Gospel advanced in Thessalonica and beyond.
This is true for us today as well.
But we sometimes forget.
It’s easy to view our generosity as “paying for church.” Generosity often is encouraged when the “budget is short.” Generosity can sometimes be motivated by a tax break or an engraved plaque of “gold level” givers.”
The Bible does not speak of giving in this way. However, the generosity of God’s people has always served to advance the spread of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 9:13 Paul writes, “Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.”
Generosity is always a response to the Gospel. The gifts that are given as a result are gifts first to the LORD. The most common recipient of those gifts is the local church. The leaders of the church are then asked to steward those gifts for the advancement of the Gospel.
In the Old Testament, gifts brought to the temple were given to the Lord. The recipient of those gifts was the priests at the temple. They were then to steward the gifts as God had directed, some of which was used to support the priests and the upkeep of the temple.
Generosity which results in giving to the Lord through your local church is your act of worship in response to the grace of God given in his Gospel. The blessing to your church and church body is your generosity allows ministries and ministers of the Gospel to work to bring Jesus to more souls.
As the Spirit grows your heart of generosity, he is using you to grow the kingdom of God through those resources. What a blessing that God would provide you with an invitation and opportunity to use the resources he has given to you to return to him for the advancement of his kingdom through the Gospel.
Generosity advances the Gospel!
Apply: Prayerfully consider your heart. Has it been generous in giving to the Lord through your local church? Consider the blessings God has given to you through the Gospel. In faith respond with a heart of generosity in your action of giving.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the privilege of giving. Continue to work the power of the Gospel in my heart so I might be generous in all situations for the advancement of your kingdom through the power of the Gospel! AMEN.
PS: If you are moved to generosity and would like to financially support this devotional email ministry through Crosspoint, CLICK HERE to give!
Philippians 4:14: What does it mean to be generous?
Devotions based on week 12 of Joy in the Journey: Generosity (WATCH HERE)
“Wow! That was really generous!”
In what situations have you found yourself making this comment?
Was it when you heard of a $500,000 donation to a charity or church?
Was it when you saw a driver hand a bottle of water to a homeless person?
Was it when you were treated to dinner out by a friend?
Maybe in all of these situations, but perhaps the giving of a water bottle wouldn’t be seen as overly generous.
Often we measure generosity based on the quantity of what was given. Usually the greater the amount, the greater the generosity.
But is the quantity of what is given the measure of generosity?
The short answer is “No.”
Generosity is a reflection of the heart, not a quantity or amount.
Just like contentment was not based on the external circumstance, so generosity is not based on the amount that is given.
In this week’s section from Philippians, verse 14-20 of chapter 4, Paul reflects on the generosity of the Philippians. At the center of his reflections is that the generosity of the Philippians was a generation of their hearts.
After speaking about contentment in 4:10-13, and reflecting that whether the Philippians sent aid or not, he would be content. However, he continues and says: Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles (Philippians 4:14).
The opportunity for generosity starts when we see and are moved to respond to a need. The Philippians became aware of Paul’s need and were willing to share in his trouble. They couldn’t go and spend time under house arrest. They couldn’t lobby before the court of Rome, but they could respond with material gifts to take care of Paul’s physical needs during his time under arrest.
They shared a common concern and desired to share in it.
Similar to the Corinthians of which Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
Why would the Philippians and the Corinthians respond to the opportunity to share in the concern of Paul.
Simply because generosity reflects the power of the Gospel. True generosity comes from a heart of faith that has been affected by the generous gift of forgiveness. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Sure people can give, but true generosity starts with the power of the Gospel affecting a heart, because at the heart of the Gospel is the generosity of God who gave us his all, his Son.
Apply: What challenges your generosity? What has the truth of the Gospel done in your life? How might that spur on your heart of generosity?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the generosity you showed to us. Lead us to be motivated and empowered by your generosity to be generous in all situations. AMEN.
Philippians 4:11-13: The Secret to Contentment Part 4
Devotions based on week 11 of Joy in the Journey: Contentment (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Secret # 3: Trust is a Must!
Stuff can be our security. If we have funds in the bank, it gives us a level of security that we will have enough to cover the rent or mortgage and put food on the table. Contentment is easier when you have a financial cushion. For those readers who have been down to the last few dollars in your account, it’s perhaps harder to trust, although sometimes that is all you can do.
Paul learned to be content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry, having plenty or not knowing where his next meal would come from.
What was his secret?
“I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”
While this passage is on plaques and daily verse lists and has broad application, the immediate context puts the strength to be content squarely on the shoulders of the Lord. Discontent will easily creep back into our hearts if our strength for contentment is based on external circumstances or realities. When our heart is grounded in the Lord, we have the strength to realize that whether the bank account is empty or full, we have a powerful God who will enable us to find contentment.
But why? What are some of the realities that strengthen our heart when we struggle with contentment?
First, trust God’s promises. Here’s one in Hebrews 13:5, Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” This is a promise that can be trusted. Wealth may and will eventually leave us, but God never will. We don’t have to sell our heart to stuff for peace, we can allow our heart to rest firmly in the promises of God.
Second, trust God’s provision. King David penned in Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.” With the Lord at our side, we have the Creator of the universe at the ready to provide for us as he does for all of his creation. Sure he gives us the ability to work, a mind to think, and skills to use. These are part of his provision plan for us to use faithfully and be a blessing to others. When others pay us for the value we add, we simply give thanks that the Lord, Our Shepherd, has once again provided.
Third, trust God’s peace. The prophet Isaiah spoke God’s truth in Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.” When we trust, our heart can rest in God’s peace. It is not disrupted by plenty or panicked by lack. With the Lord taking care of all our needs, but especially the most important in our salvation, our heart, no matter what the circumstances can have peace because it trusts firmly in the power of the Lord.
Paul learned that contentment came from trust, not treasure. I pray that we all can learn the secret of contentment and experience this reality play out in our lives, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Apply: Reflect on the three areas of trust. Which is most challenging for you? What is one way you can practice trust in that area?
Prayer: Lord, continue to teach me the secret to contentment. Lead my heart to trust you, your promises, your provision, and your peace. AMEN.
Philippians 4:11-13: The Secret to Contentment Part 3
Devotions based on week 11 of Joy in the Journey: Contentment (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Secret #2: Glance past the circumstance
Repentance turns us around…but then where do we look?
Our sinful nature challenges us to look back to the same thing that caused us to be discontent, but we have to look past what we might be experiencing to find contentment.
So where are we to focus to be content no matter what the circumstance?
First, focus on godliness, not greediness. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
Once the Spirit of God has worked faith in Jesus in our hearts, our purpose in life shifts. No longer are we living to gain all the world has to offer, but living to give all the Lord has to offer the world. We are here to let the light of Jesus shine to make lives brighter and to be the salt of the earth to make lives better. Accumulation of wealth is not the goal, godliness is.
Second, focus on the future without stuff, but with your Savior. Paul in the verse above reminds us that we started this life without a diaper to our name. We leave this world by giving up all our earthly possessions. So hold onto them with a very loose grip. Never have I seen a hearse with a dead person’s possessions in tow behind it. Sure, some cultures bury possessions to be used in the afterlife, but every grave robber or archaeologists finds those very items still in the place of burial. Keep our heart from finding contentment in earthly gain by focusing on our heavenly reward.
Third, focus on God’s promises and provision. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:26 “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Discontent leads to worry because we are always uncertain as to if we have enough. Look at God’s track record. The creation he made, he also provides for. Nearly every day, I see birds at our feeders and am reminded of this promise. So, if the birds enjoy the provision of their heavenly Father, can I not expect the same? When tempted to worry and discontent, focus on God’s promise and his faithfulness to provide.
Fourth, invest your heart and life in following the Lord. King Solomon had all the riches of the world, yet he wrote this with his God-given wisdom, Proverbs 19:23 “The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” Contentment that rests in the Lord always is confident that their life is secure in grace. Sure, earthly trouble may find us, but eternal trouble will not. Our biggest need and problem is solved in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
So glance past the circumstance and remember that contentment is a state of mind not a state of mind not a state of being.
Apply: Which of these focal points will help you overcome discontent and life with stronger contentment?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power of your promises and provisions. Lead me to always rest in you to find contentment no matter what my earthly circumstances. AMEN.
Philippians 4:11-13: The Secret to Contentment Part 2
Devotions based on week 11 of Joy in the Journey: Contentment (WATCH HERE)
Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Secret #1: Repent of Discontent
Learning to be content means to first recognize what leads me to be discontent. Just like learning to play a sport and become more proficient at it necessitates a coach pointing out what is getting in the way of you improving. So, if we are to learn the secret to contentment, we must recognize the barriers to contentment and repent of discontent. Stop the habits of our heart that causes discontent and allow our heart to be led by God’s Spirit into contentment.
Reflect on these four things. All of them are indicators of discontent in our hearts:
First, is your heart captivated by material things? Perhaps at first read, your reaction is “No.” Great…however, let’s look a bit deeper. Do you find yourself unsettled by what you make at work and often think about making more? Do you find yourself being anxious about financial things and find it hard to stop that worry? Do you scroll social media and become fixed on what you wish you could buy or experience? These are just some of the symptoms of discontent. King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:10 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.
Second, do you find yourself tempted to dishonesty to gain materially? This doesn’t mean just outright stealing, but it may mean taking a few things from work because they “owe” you for extra time you put in. You maybe tempted to fib on a performance review, or unnecessarily speak against a coworker to gain a raise. Maybe you engage in a shady business deal to make more money or are tempted to overstate the work you actually did. It’s time to repent like John the Baptist called soldiers to repent from extortion: Luke 3:14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” [John the Baptist] replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”
Third, do you find yourself compromising your faith or the nurture of it to pursue material gain? Again, our quick response might be “No! Of course not!” However, is it a temptation to not spend time in the word because you have to get to work early? Do you take a promotion that takes you away from church most Sundays? Do you have to work so long that you have little time to nurture your family in the Word? A heart after money fails to be a heart after the Lord! Paul wrote to Timothy, 1 Timothy 6:10 Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Finally, do you find yourself discontent with how others perceive you? Do you find yourself chasing a status, a “like,” or the approval of people? Do you feel “less than” if the right people don’t give you accolades or recognition? Do you find yourself expending a lot of effort to please people, but feeling like it’s an impossible task? You might be discontent because you don’t have the status you think you should have. Paul wrote in Galatians 1:10 “Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
It’s time to repent of all the things in your heart that cause discontent. Remember this truth: Stuff and status don’t satisfy.
Repent of discontent is secret number one to finding contentment!
Apply: Search your heart today. Which of the four things above resonantes as an issue in your heart? Take time today to repent. Confess your sin and turn from it and to your Savior. In him you have all you need!
Prayer: Forgive me for my discontent and all the ways my heart is captivated by stuff and status. Lead me away from a love of stuff to a greater love for you. Lead me to trust that I can turn from the sin of discontent to find contentment in your grace. AMEN.