Faith to be Generous
ICS Daily Devotions
Philippians 4:15-19 (NKJV) Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
In Philippians 4:10-20, the Apostle Paul expresses gratitude to the church of Philippi for their support, acknowledging that no other church had shared its resources with him. He would have been entirely neglected in his needs if the church of Philippi had not supported him and his ministry by sending him necessities. As their spiritual father, he had the right to be supported by the churches, but he never demanded it (1 Corinthians 9:3-18). Instead, he rejoiced when the church of Philippi supported him and was confident that God would supply and multiply back to them. This is a biblical financial principle that remains relevant to us and the church today.
It is easy to become indifferent to the needs of the church and the missionaries in the field when we are busy with our own lives. Many churches have also slackened in their support for missions by prioritising self-interest over outreach. However, God will hold us accountable because we are stewards of His resources.
One reason for this is “out of sight is out of mind.” We tend to forget about the missionaries when we do not see or hear from them. As a result, many of them feel burnt out, discouraged, and depressed after they have given the prime of their lives to the mission. Yet, there is not much for them when they return. They feel abandoned, just like soldiers returning from war, finding no welfare to care for them. Missionaries do not receive high pay and depend on the church’s generosity. Just like us, they face worries about their children’s education and their family’s healthcare.
The other reason is a poverty mindset. Despite being well-off, some people always have a sense of insufficiency, fearing they won’t have enough. Thus, they hold onto money because they place their trust in money rather than in God, who provides abundantly for them. We need to have faith in God so we can be generous givers to the church.
Just like fasting, practising tithing and giving may be difficult at first, but it becomes easier once we establish the godly habit of expressing our love and worship of God through giving. Therefore, let’s apply this biblical financial principle in our lives, trusting that as we give, God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus, and live out a spirit of generosity.
Sermon Series: Christian Generosity
