This is the manuscript of the first in a sermon series that will continue through the New Year's Day 2025. Because as we are now in the holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year, I want us to be thankful for not only what we receive, whatever it is, but also thankful for the opportunity to give.
The wisest thing we can do is to give ourselves away. Let us first give ourselves to God. Let us give ourselves, our time, our talents, our energy, and our words of affirmation and encouragement. Let us determine to be contributors to the well-being of those around us rather than just being consumers of God’s blessings.
Scripture Reading:
Philippians 4:10-20 NIV [10] I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. [11] I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. [12] I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. [13] I can do all this through him who gives me strength. [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 more than once when I was in need. [17] Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. [18] I have received full payment and have more than enough. 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. [19] And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. [20] To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Introduction
Because as we are now in the holiday season of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year, I want us to be thankful for not only what we receive, whatever it is, but also thankful for the opportunity to give. So the title of my sermon today is "What Giving Does for You"
Paul’s letter to the Philippians has been called the epistle of joy. In it, which he wrote from a prison cell by the way, he expresses his gratitude for their fellowship and partnership with him in the gospel ministry. They had sent a gift to meet his pressing needs, and this had made it possible for him to concentrate on sharing the good news of God’s love even as a prisoner. As a matter of fact, His imprisonment had served to advance the gospel.
Philippians 1:12-14 NIV Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
While Paul thanked them for their gift he said that he knew that even if they hadn’t sent it the Lord would take care of him.
Philippians 4:10-13 NIV I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
So when he wrote them, he was thinking more in terms of the benefit that giving brings into the hearts and lives of the givers.
The gift from the Philippians to Paul serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of Christian community, love, and support, particularly during times of hardship. It is a timeless example of how believers can come together to encourage and strengthen one another.
So here’s our text for today;
Philippians 4:17 NIV Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.
Here is the way the text is rendered in the Easy-to-Read Version paraphrase
Philippians 4:17 ERV Really, it is not that I want to get gifts from you. But I want you to have the benefit that comes from giving.
You see, Satan tries to make us think that God is trying to take something from us to somehow impoverish us when God teaches us to be givers.
Matthew 6:19-21 NLT “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.
Satan will twist this scripture in a way that makes it look like Jesus or more specifically the church, is using scripture as a gimmick for receiving an offering or getting people to give for a special project.
That is not what Jesus was saying, nor is it what Paul was saying in our text for today.
In essence, Jesus is urging His followers to seek a life of balance, where material possessions are seen as tools to serve God and others, rather than as ultimate goals. By prioritizing spiritual wealth, we can experience true fulfillment and lasting joy.
Now this doesn't mean to avoid saving or providing for yourself and your family. Instead, it's a warning against making earthly possessions the primary focus of your life.
God does not need your money. God is no pauper. He is not a thief. He is not a beggar. Our gifts do not enrich him.
Just listen to what it says at;
Psalms 50:9-12 NIV [9] I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, [10] for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. [11] I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine. [12] If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.
Satan always uses deception to cause us not to be givers but to be takers.
Have you ever stopped to think about the benefits of being a generous giver?
Here at Christ Church, we are big on giving to ministries here in Los Angeles, and throughout the nation and world. We even have Mission Sunday the third Sunday of every month where we take an offering over and above our regular offering that is targeted for missions and ministries locally and internationally. In addition to that every Wednesday we have a ministry where we give to the unhoused. This generous giving gives us the privilege of entering into partnerships with God’s servants here at home and around the world.
Matthew 25:37-40 NIV [37] “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? [38] When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ [40] “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
This refers to the marginalized, the poor, the sick, the oppressed, and anyone who is vulnerable or in need. Jesus identifies with these individuals, emphasizing that acts of compassion towards them are acts of compassion towards Him. Jesus equates serving others,giving to others, with serving Him directly. By giving to care for the needs of the marginalized, we are demonstrating our love and devotion to Him.
This underscores the importance of compassion, empathy, and service in Christian faith. By helping,by giving to others, we are not only fulfilling a moral obligation but also participating in the divine work of love and redemption.
Generous giving increases our capacity to receive both the blessings of God and the favor of others
Luke 6:38 NIV Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
The first word in that verse, “Give” is both a command and an invitation. The rest is the promise. It tells us how God will bless us and how other people will also bless us. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This emphasizes the idea that when we give freely and joyfully, we are not only helping others but also expanding our own capacity to receive blessings. By practicing generosity, we can cultivate a mindset of abundance and gratitude, which can lead to greater fulfillment and joy in life.
It's important to remember that this doesn't necessarily mean material wealth or possessions. It can also refer to spiritual blessings, such as peace, joy, and fulfillment. Ultimately, Luke 6:38 encourages us to live a life of love, compassion, and generosity, trusting that God will reward our efforts.
This great principle is often called sowing and reaping and is a fundamental concept found in the Bible as something designed by God.
It is an indication of the natural law of cause and effect, where actions have consequences.
Galatians 6:7-10 NIV [7] Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [8] Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. [9] Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. [10] Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
The principles of good farming and gardening apply in the realm of the spirit as well as in the realm of agriculture. Those who are stingy with their seed will reap a small harvest. Those who sow an adequate amount of seed have the hope of an abundant harvest. Those who give generously can expect the blessings of a gracious God to be upon the work of their heads, their hearts, and their hands.
This spiritual principle is true in the business world as well; businesses that sow or prioritize excellent customer service often reap the rewards of loyal customers and positive word-of-mouth. This principle is true in family life; and in every other area of life. Treating others with kindness, empathy, and understanding fosters strong and meaningful relationships. The more you give, the more you will increase your capacity to receive.
God is the great giver, the greatest giver
He gave His best
John 3:16 NIV For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
And as scripture tells us that God loves those who imitate him.
Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV [1] Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
As children of God, we should strive to reflect His character and actions in our own lives. This includes qualities like:
Love: God is the epitome of love. We are called to love others unconditionally, as Christ loved us.
Grace: God extends grace and mercy to all, even when we don't deserve it. We should strive to be gracious and forgiving.
Holiness: God is holy and pure. We should strive to live a holy life, avoiding sin and pursuing righteousness.
Justice: God is just and righteous. We should seek to uphold justice and fairness in all our dealings.
Compassion: God is compassionate and caring. We should show compassion to those who are suffering.
By imitating God, we can live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. It's a high calling, but one that is possible with God's help, with the help of the Holy Spirit we can develop and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
As we give we should see ourselves as channels through which God's blessings can flow to others.
Conclusion
Jesus taught that “it is more blessed to give than to receive”
Acts 20:32-35 NIV “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
The most important thing in our giving is our motivation.
1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV [31] So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
Colossians 3:23-24 NIV [23] Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, [24] since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
God has an eternal reward for those who are motivated to serve Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NIV [24] Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. [25] Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
Even seemingly small acts of service don't go unnoticed by God.
Matthew 10:40-42 NIV [40] “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. [41] Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. [42] And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
The wisest thing we can do is to give ourselves away.
Let us first give ourselves to God.
Matthew 16:24-25 NIV [24] Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. [25] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.
Let us give ourselves, our time, our talents, our energy, and our words of affirmation and encouragement. Let us determine to be contributors to the well-being of those around us rather than just being consumers of God’s blessings.
Today's message has challenged us to consider the transformative power of giving. We've seen how generosity, both material and spiritual, can enrich our lives and the lives of others. As we've explored the biblical principles of giving, it's important to remember that true fulfillment comes not just from giving to God, but also from giving ourselves to Him.
Let’s pray
Sovereign Lord, we want to learn to imitate you. We want to be able to walk away from the petty things that the world tempts us with. Lord, help us see the needs that are always around us. Give us a more kind and gracious heart, that we might be of some use to those who are around us so that we are not fixated upon our own desires.
Thank you that we have a joy that the world cannot rob us of; we have a treasure that the world cannot take from us; we have something that it is not in the power of man or devil to deprive us of, and that is the joy of the Lord which is our strength.
Amen.
