The Heart of Christian Giving
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Introduction
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Remind what Paul is doing in this postscript: Thanking the Philippians for their gift to him.
EXPLAIN THE FIRST PART OF THE POSTSCRIPT DISCUSSED LAST WEEK.
After qualifying his joy in v.11-13 Paul now resumes his treatment of the main theme of the section in recalling his gratitude for the church’s support for him.
In this section of Scripture Paul outlines one of the most extensive examples of Christian giving found in the New Testament.
In this section we are taught not only the heart of Christian giving, but also through the apostle Paul we see the Heart of Christian receiving.
I. Christian Giving is an Act of Support (v.14-17).
I. Christian Giving is an Act of Support (v.14-17).
Marquis de Lafayette was a French officer who provided invaluable assistance to George Washington and the struggling American army. After the war was over, he returned to France and resumed his life as a farmer of many estates. In 1783, the harvest was a terrible one, and there were many who suffered as a result. Lafayette’s farms were unaffected by the devastating crop failures. One of his workers offered what seemed to be good advice to Lafayette, “The bad harvest has raised the price of wheat. This is the time to sell.” After thinking about the hungry peasants in the surrounding villages, Lafayette disagreed and said, “No, this is the time to give.”
God blesses us not just for our own benefit, but also so that we can be a blessing to others in need. The tendency to hoard and try to build up more and more is a dangerous one, and the best antidote to greed is to be a generous giver. There is certainly no shortage of people in need today, and while we cannot meet every need, if we do what we can, God will multiply resources so that it is enough.
II. Christian Giving is an Act of Worship (v.18).
II. Christian Giving is an Act of Worship (v.18).
III. Christian Giving is an Act of Trust (v.19-20).
III. Christian Giving is an Act of Trust (v.19-20).
Application
This text tells us that giving is a fundamental part of the Christian life.
This text tells us that we are our brother’s keeper.
3. This text reveals that a fear to give is a failure to trust.