Sermon Nuggets week of Nov 15 2010 Giving and Receiving Phil 4:14-23
Giving and Receiving.
I find it hard to believe but some very organize people are all done with their Christmas shopping. They beat the black Friday rush and purchase their gifts throughout the year when there are sales. They buy the wrapping paper and boxes at the post Christmas sales and take advantage of the discounts at seasons when stores are wanting to make room for other stock.
Our culture makes much of giving and receiving at holiday times. Most retail stores will tell you that from 1/3 to 1/2 of their sales and some more are between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The focus of Christmas is not so much how many gifts we give or receive, as it is the reflection on the gift of God to our world by giving us his son Jesus Christ.
I was delighted in the gifts that came in for Christmas in October for our missionaries. But we have learned to give at other times as well.
As we conclude the book of Philippians this week we see Paul writing a thank you note to the Philippians for their gifts. He wanted them to understand that ultimate contentment and satisfaction is found in a right relationship with Christ, in living a holy life, in faith knowing Christ will give strength in all circumstances and the importance of focusing and thinking on positive things. Criticism, sex, rudeness, and discouraging news, violent and obscenities will obviously affect us in negative and destructive ways. Think on good and true and right and just things, it will make a difference.
But when it comes to giving we can do the right things with the wrong motives. Some give thinking their gifts will make them acceptable to God. Others might give in the offering plate in order to get favors, or pride, or glory. There are stories in the Gospels of many who give out of their riches and make a big show of their offerings so as to get attention of men. But others who humbly and quietly give to God out of hearts of love and worship which is honoring to our Lord.
The Philippians collected a love gift of money in addition to other regular giving to share with the apostles Paul to help meet his needs.
Sometimes when I study a passage of Scripture I find meaning in looking at the same passage from a different perspective. The focus of one idea is expanded when re-read with the emphasis with a different focus.
As I read the purpose of the passage I am first impressed with the expression of gratitude and appreciation for the love and help that was given to Paul.
If nothing more is said expressing thanks to others in how they have been an encouragement and help is important for both the giver and the receiver. The giver is blessed to be used of the Lord; the receiver sees how the partnership is displayed through the works of God.
What would God have you do this thanksgiving? Who might be a recipient of your gifts? Who has blessed you for whom a word of thanks might be given?
Sermon Nuggets Tues Nov 16
Phil 4:14-18
14 Yet it was good of you to share 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;16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.
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.
Words concerning the Gift.
Five phrases seem to identify the gift in different ways.
I looked at all the phrases and words referring directly or indirectly related to the offering that was being collected. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. The word is sharing. The KJV says, "Communicate with my affliction. The Greek word gives the idea of being partners together. It is more than business adventure, it is an identification with the word in gift and love.
When you give unto the Lord, do you see is as a partnership-A sharing of yourself as well as resources? We are partners together with other churches in the Baptist General Conference that have over 14 ethnic ministries here in the US and 18 different fields in the world. We give toward the support of 10 missionary units. Because of our gifts we have part of that ministry as well and take more interested in those areas that others as a church.
Sharing can mean more than money however. I am so grateful to many who volunteer time and gifts to keep our facility working and clean. We had to have people working on furnace, snow removal, cleaning, painting, putting in carpet, banner making, and many others tasks. Your gifts helps us partner together toward that end.
We are interdependent one with another as we are dependent together on Jesus Christ. We need each other as God allows the body to work together to accomplish his purpose and needs.
B. Verse 15 highlights giving and receiving as part of sharing. Related to that is sending aid. (v 16) KJV has sent unto my necessity, Amplified says sent me contribution for my needs, the NKJV has aid for necessities, and NAS has sent me a gift more than once for my needs. The Greek is literally you sent to my need.
In other word they send to help him to give him aid. Helping is seeing someone need and seeking to assist them. If a person gets stuck in their car one helps them by pushing it or towing it out. If someone is carrying a heavy load you help by taking part of that load. Financially the Philippians helped Paul and his team by giving money It was a gift out of concern for another.
One cold winder in Birmingham a preacher wife notice a small body selling newspapers without shoes an stood bare food on a grate where hot air vent outside a bakery. "Son, where are your shoes. "Lady I ain't go not shoes." She invited him to come with her as she bought him some heavy shoes and socks. He looked at her with tremendous surprise. Lady, I wanna ask you a question. Are you God's wife?" She was taken back and stuttered "Why ah no, I'm just one of His children." He smiled and says, "Well, I knew you must be some kin of His." Giving is helping.
We have people coming to the church looking for help. What they means is they need money to buy things. We usually do not give any money to people who are not part of our church to know that it goes to where we intend it to go. Gas and food are the two most typical gifts. They can charge up to a certain amount and we pay that bill at the end of the month. It is a practical way of distributing money in purchase of getting to where they need to go for a job, or food on their table. Sometimes rent or utility bills are paid in part or full.
C. There is a third word vs. 17 gift, And everyone translates it all the same way for that word. Giving and it is from the same word. Whenever someone gives something it is a gift when there are no strings attached. There is nothing expected in return. It would not be a gift if you paid for it in your service, or expected it as part of your pay, It would seek to work it off. A gift is not something we give in order to get something in return that is an investment. They didn't expect Paul to repay him. They wanted to help and a get of money is they meaning of sharing themselves in the work.
The Philippians shared jointly in Paul's distress. They sent Epaphroditus with a timely gift. The gift arrived at an opportune time. The gift was just what he needed while in jail. We do not send a refrigerator to an Eskimo. Their gift was appropriate. Some missionaries receive tea bags -- that have only been used once!!
The free worship of God is giving out of love, without the thought of getting something tangible in return. There is a place for fund raising opportunities to raise money for above and beyond budget needs. Youth missions teams, or a special contribution to help jump start a ministry, or helping in social needs, but the idea of a gift to the Lord is from a free heart with worship. Bingo parties, sales of dinners, raffles for afghans or bake goods might be successful means of raising money but they are not gifts. They are exchanges for good or gambling for goods. A gift is done freely out of a grateful heart to God and God honors that type of gift.
D. There is a fourth word which is "fragrant offering". V. 18. Fragrant aroma, fragrant ordor, or an odor of sweet smell. This comes from the Old Testament When Adam and Eve were around they didn't give money. They had animals and fruit which in a way were really all given to them by God anyway.
Gen 8:21 says, The Lord smelled the pleasant aroma of the burned offering and said in his heart. Never again will I curse the ground because of his heart. And this is often called a fragrant odor or offering. Offering was a gift that was appealing in odor- symbolic of pleasing God. We give money to the Lord and it is the same fragrant acceptable because it is offered freely from the works of our hands, or the gifts of others people that we pass on.
E. The last phrase I want to identify is acceptable sacrifice. We come into the world not owning a thing so everything is a gift from God. Fruit didn't cost them anything but after they sinned, there was a need for a sacrifice as a means to atone for their sin. But an offering was not the same as a sacrifice. Sacrifice cost them something. The old testament saints had offered bulls, lambs, sheep, doves, The gifts to Paul were of greater worth and higher significance when they were seen as an offering brought to God and not just to him It was to the Lord.
Sacrifice means it costs you something. There were two types of sacrifices in the Old Testament: Sacrifice for sin, and sacrifices that bring worship. The second usage (worship) is the idea in this passage. God accepts our contributions to his cause as praise and thanksgiving to his name. We worship when we give to the work of Jesus Christ. That is why it smells sweet to God. Do you please God by giving to his work as an act of worship? When you drop your offering into the offering plate, are you consciously doing it as an act of worship? When you write a check to a servant of God, are you doing it as an act of worship? It affects how you live or what you deny yourself in order to give. Most gifts we give are out of our plenty.
There is a story of a chicken and pig walking down the road an they saw this hungry farm boy. The chicken turned to the pig and said, "Let's provide him breakfast." "What do you mean?" "We'll give him bacon and eggs." The pig looked at the chicken and replied. "For you that is an offering. For me it is a sacrifice."
That is part of the way the Philippians gave to help Paul it was a willing sacrifice unto the Lord.
Sermon Nuggets Weds Nov 17 –
Words concerning the Receiver.
Part of the equation for a gift is a receiver or recipient of that gift.The Philippians realize that the Apostle Paul was not only in prison, but out of money and resources to carry on his work of spreading the Gospel in and throughout Rome. He needed materials and he needed money to live and work.
Paul realized that in Christ's hands he has all his needs, but as we discussed last week, he also knows that God works with others to help us in our provisions and in our fellowship.
As we look at receiving v. 10 tells us Paul felt joy. He rejoiced greatly. That is brought about with excitement and happiness that they thought of him and prayed for him and loved him in this material way. It is a great feeling to be thought of. It is something special when you are in need and you see how God is providing just when you need it.
One Stanchfield lady told me how she gave a matter before the Lord in prayer and was so excited to see how He marvelously provided. It was available just at the time of her need. That brought joy and excitement and glory and rejoicing to expect and with anticipation see what God is going to do and how he is going to do it. It is something special when you are in need and you watch how God provide that need, at just the right time.
I remember being asked by a former church to give a gift to a young lady who was in the Lord's service. She had needs and was living frugally. When we saw the amount the people donated she jumped up and down and hugged me because of the timing that meant so much to her. I wish each person who had a part in that gift could have seen and experienced her response. It was a time for rejoicing in the Lord. It was exciting. It was meaningful because it was a direct answer to prayer.
Every so often I am asked to give an anonymous gift on the part of someone. I often thought that giver misses out on the delight of the receiver.
The second word describing the receiver is thanksgiving. V. 14. Paul says to have a thankful heart for all that we receive. You remember when Paul is giving glory to God for the provisions he doesn't want them to think he is ungrateful to the Philippian givers. Indeed he is thankful and so leaves us a good example. It is a blessing to both.
One farmer listened to a sermon on Isa 1:3 The ox knows his master, the donkey his owner's manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand." The Lord brought this to mind one day when he was giving food to his cattle. One of the beasts licked his bare arm. He burst into tears with conviction of soul, and exclaimed; "yes, it is all true. How wonderful is God's Word. This poor dumb brute is really more grateful to me than I am to God. Yet I am in debt to Him for everything. What a sinner I am."
It is with this appreciation that Paul acknowledges his thanksgiving to the Philippians and makes them aware that it is to and for God that one who meets all our needs according to his glorious riches in Christ.
A third word we note is filled. V. 18 Full payment, or abounding, abundance. That doesn't just describe the gift, but the recipient. He felt blessed to overflowing. He had an ample supply. We have that feeling that something great just happened and we are filled, satisfied, content. We realize the need it met and God faithfully uses others.
When I was a senior in college I went as a summer missionary to work with Youth Development Inc run by Jim Vaus, the gangster who was saved at the Billy Graham crusades in L.A. My job was to work with boys from Harlem and East Harlem area at a camp. I did not receive any money as I volunteered my time believing God would provide for my senior year in college. Some people sent $50.00 from my church. Others helped pay for my expenses getting there. But toward the end of the summer I realized I also needed to get home. I wasn't sure if the Lord would lay upon anyone heart the desire to give me some money, but there was a writing contest which I found later was sponsored by the Billy Graham organization. The winner of the article explaining the ministry and our experience with YDI would receive a gift of $50.00. I submitting my story and sure enough God provided the needed money to drive my VW home again. And even stop for some food along the way. I discovered later they printed my article in one of their publications. I was so filled with blessing, not because I won, or because I got $50.00 but I saw God's provision in my life. I received what I needed when I needed it. A receiver can trust in God, thank others, and testify to the relationships with both church and our Heavenly father.
Sermon Nuggets Thurs Nov 18
Words Concerning the Giver.
There are also some thoughts that are expressed about the giver. We already discussed this somewhat but v. 14 emphasizes that he is a partner in the ministry. NIV translates the word sharing but KJV and RSV have partner used. The gifts that mean the most to us at Christmas time are not necessarily the amount or the price, but rather the relationship of the giver-that in and of itself is a gift.
But sharing is a response of loving obedience, not as a bargain one makes with God. That is investment. Sharing is taking what is yours and out of love dividing a portion of it for others.
I worked for a man who was blessed of God financially and also very generous with gifts to faith organizations and mission groups. He marveled sometimes at the church services and at newsletters that would make heroes of the individuals who went on their mission and lived by faith. That means they didn't know how or when they would get support or needs met. He asked me if someone lived by faith does that mean they are more spiritual? "What do you mean?"
"When they have no means of support but live depending on the churches and individuals to give money to support them does that make them more spiritual?
I knew what he was asking. There is a gift; there is a giver. Wherever there is a receiver there is a giver, and there is a gift. All three are of God and none is considered more holy or righteous than the other, if they all belong to the Lord. The love of money is the root of all evil, yet there is not a church, missionary, a pastor , Bible school, and Sunday school that can exist without the gifts of money given.
When my boss who gave to the faith missions he found blessing from God in his own life. First he had a generous heart and God gave him more than he gave away. But he was as much part of the work and realized the people who were ministered to he had part in that. By giving and praying to our missionaries and special outreach opportunity we have a involvement and participate as partners in that ministry.
The believers in the early church were encouraged to support the needy. They were reminded of the words of Jesus,’ It is more blessed to give than to receive ’. Giving opens a way to receive God’s blessing.
The Corinthian church was encouraged to minister to the saints. They were taught that those who sow bountifully shall reap bountifully. They were exhorted not to give grudgingly or of necessity but cheerfully because God loves a cheerful giver. Their giving not only met the needs of the saints but enabled them to experience God’s abundance and be fruitful in every good work. In return they were also supported by the prayers of the grateful recipients of their giving. We must give generously and cheerfully to experience God’s abundance and reap a bountiful harvest.
This the Philippians did over and over again for Paul repeatedly. They were especially thankful for they shared what they had. The more we become like God the more we share and give and the more that God places his riches at our disposals. God uses all together for his glory.
I think of the sacrifice of many who made this church possible. Anything we do is because others helped provide for it. And now we lay down opportunities for future generations whomever that may be that carry on the work after we are gone.
The Philippians joined with Paul in spreading the Gospel in a spiritual way. He provided the preaching and the teaching and the discipleship, but they provided the prayers, the financial support, the letters of encouragement, and even gave their pastor to short term missions to serve with Paul. Paul is making it clear to the Philippians that their generosity toward him was valid.
The second phrase is “credited to your account”. There isn't anything that we do for the Lord that He is not aware of. God knows our heart. We gain by giving. Giving and receiving refers to a double transaction. In the first transaction, gifts moved from the Philippians to Paul. In the next transaction, the blessings of having done that flow back to the giver. "If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things?" (I Cor 9:11).
I have never understood that attitude that some Christians and some churches have that you can do God's ministry as cheap as possible. They don't pay preacher, they grip about having to put any money into buildings, or advertising or evangelism. They don't see giving and receiving as part of an exercise of faith and ministry, but a business.
The Philippians were unlike some of the other churches. They gave out of love and gave out of their need. They caught the vision for lost people and now have interest accruing to their account. This is the result of their growth in character. Periodically their account gains interest. It accumulates dividends and will be paid at sometime in the future. It is added to their spiritual bank account up in heaven. It is as if God is a banker and depositing the money and giving them interest on their treasures of various sorts. God places this payment to the account of the Philippians. This account grows with each fresh demonstration of love. The Divine Accountant will keep good records of your account. He will say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." What a difference from some methods of fund raising today! Paul says, "I am glad to get your gift, not for what it does for me, but for what it does for you. I want fruit to abound to your account."
Sermon Nuggets Fri Nov 19
Verses- Phil 4: 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.
21 Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings.
22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
GOD, The giver of all good gifts
The last word about principle of giving is you can't out give God . He will meet all your needs in Christ Jesus according to his riches. Not just materially, but emotionally, psychologically, spiritually. God is a bigger giver. He always has been and always will be. What are his kids like?
When he sent the Israelites into the wilderness he provided a way their food. Deut 29:5 tells us that even the clothes didn't wear out until they were in the position of getting more. I've see this in my own life. Luke 6:38 Give and it shall be given unto you. Paul was saying your giving helps you more than it does me. For God will bless you for your attitude, spirit and love and obedience and worship.
God had provided for Paul. He chose to do provide different ways at different times to different people. Remember Elijah was told to go to the brook and ravens would bring him food. That was a miraculous feeding.
The people of Israel were in the wilderness where there were no provisions. Amazingly God intervened and gave manna from heaven. When they went out they found these flakes of break like substance and ate for 40 years.
But Gods' grace was just as evident when Elijah was sent from the brook which dried up and then instructed to go to a house of a widow with a son and she would take provision and give them to him. God also instructed the widow to give of her meager oil and flour to make bread and first give them to Elijah. She did so and each day had enough oil and flour to see them through the famine.
When the people of Israel entered into the Promised Land, the manna stopped. There was no more. They had provision from God by the fruit and land in which God would give them through their work and labors and cooperation with one another.
The lesson of Paul is that we need each other to do what God wants. We are independent of things and circumstances. We are dependent on Christ. But that dependency calls us to interdependency to carry out his work as fellow servants together.
God keeps account of both credit and debit. If God were to ask you what column, credit or debit, is the biggest, what would you say?
Paul closes this letter with the blessing, “To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” The ultimate test of whether something is worthwhile is whether it brings glory to God. Paul's jail term brought glory to God. With a special touch Paul concludes the book of Philippians with emphatic emphasis upon God's sovereign work in spite of his adversity in jail. He singles out the Praetorian Guard for special mention. Caesar's household is not the members of the family of Caesar. They are not his kin. The imperial guard was the institution that chose the Caesar. Paul led many of these men to Christ while in prison. The Philippians had a part in their salvation by their support of the apostle. Even the Praetorian Guard gives greeting to this motley little church in Philippi!! No wonder Paul could say that what had happened to him advanced the gospel. If the Praetorian Guard could live for Christ in that institution, we can live for Christ in school, business, police force. God uses the weak to win the strong. If God can use the Philippians to facilitate world evangelism in the first century, he can do that through us in the twenty-first century.
Paul makes his final and crowning comment -- he wants them to experience the grace of God day by day. The Lord Jesus Christ is the source of grace. NO wonder he can write from prison with Joy for grace abounds and God's kingdom advances. What about now? And what about your part in it?
Pastor Dale
