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A Gospel-Generous Life
Sunday, July 16, 2023
Pastor Jojo Ma
Weekly Bulletin | Worship Lyrics
Philippians 4:14-23
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
The Bible is big on Christian contentment. God is pleased with His children who are satisfied with having a heavenly Father and His provision for them in life.
Are you content? Are you grateful? Are you generous? How you answer these three (3) questions is a big indicator of your spiritual maturity and spiritual health.
I. Christian generosity spreads the gospel [vv14-15]
II. Christian generosity provides for missionary needs [v16]
III. Christian generosity reaps lasting fruit [v17]
IV. Christian generosity pleases God [v18]
V. Christian generosity trusts God to meet your needs [v19]
VI. Christian generosity brings glory to God [v20]
I. Christian generosity spreads the gospel [vv14-15]
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.
2 Cor 8:1-4 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints.
Let us consider it a privilege and a priority to be generous financial givers. Whether you have much or you have little, let us be cheerful in our giving because we know the gospel is being advanced.
It’s not enough for us to promote inward fellowship, we need to also promote outward partnership.
We have been called to go into all the world with the gospel. We have to play our part. We must be a praying church, a sending church, and a going church.
II. Christian generosity provides for missionary needs [v16]
16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.
III. Christian generosity reaps lasting fruit [v17]
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
Paul is saying this: You will reap what you sow and your debits will become credits.
Giving to gospel ministry and missions is not spending but investing.
How is your heavenly account doing? How’s that investment going? For where your treasure is there will your heart be also. Where is your treasure? And are you storing it up in the right place?
IV. Christian generosity pleases God [v18]
18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
Lev 1:9 And the priest shall burn all of it on the altar, as a burnt offering, a food offering with a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
V. Christian generosity trusts God to meet your needs [v19]
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
You can’t outgive God. So don’t be scared to give, be scared not to give. Your heavenly Father will take care of you as you live a gospel-generous life.
VI. Christian generosity brings glory to God [v20]
20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.