The Joy of Giving

Phil. 4: 10 - 20

3.  Principles of Giving in Philippians 4:10-20:

1: Giving flows out of spiritual contentment (vv. 10-13): “I can do all things through Christ…”

I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. (The Message)

2: Giving is an act of partnership not paternalism (vv. 14-16) God provides so that we can be a blessing to others, not to own them.

Philippians 4:14-15   Yet it was good of you to share (fellowship – koinonia) in my troubles.  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;

There is always what we can give

Giving and receiving can be a testimony of God’s providence can be a testimony of God’s guidance. (My testimony of God’s provision having spent all the money for the children’s ministry).

3: Giving is an act of Worship (vv.17-20):

Life is all about God.

Giving is more than meeting other people’s needs.

It is participating in what God is doing.

Philippians 4:17-18  ¹⁷ Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.  ¹⁸ 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.

Some people ask how I can become “Kingdom minded”. One of the ways to be Kingdom minded is to invest financially into kingdom work.

Jesus said… Matthew 6:19-21   ¹⁹ "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

2 Corinthians 9:10-11  ¹⁰ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.  ¹¹ You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.  

Philippians 4:19-20  ¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.  ²⁰ To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Note the doxology at the end!!

God’s provision for our needs is an outflow of worship. It is like other forms of blessings that come out of our worship to God: healing, empowerment, joy, renewal…

God owns everything. As we meet the needs of others God meets our needs too (now there is no formula to this – the assurance is that God will supply all your needs)…

As we give we participate in the preaching of the Gospel. Giving opens a door for spiritual and eternal investment.