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
慷慨的信心
腓立比书 4:15-19 腓立比人哪,你们也知道我初传福音,离了马其顿的时候,论到授受的事,除了你们以外并没有别的教会供给我。就是我在帖撒罗尼迦,你们也一次两次地打发人供给我的需用。我并不求什么馈送,所求的就是你们的果子渐渐增多,归在你们的账上。但我样样都有,并且有余。我已经充足,因我从以巴弗提受了你们的馈送,当做极美的香气,为神所收纳所喜悦的祭物。我的神必照他荣耀的丰富,在基督耶稣里使你们一切所需用的都充足。
在腓立比书4:10-20中,使徒保罗向腓立比教会表达感激之情,承认在他需要时,唯独他们持续用物资支持他的事工。作为属灵父亲,他本有权接受教会供养(哥林多前书9:3-18),却从未强求。他因腓立比人的奉献而喜乐,并深信神必加倍供应他们。这历久弥新的圣经财务原则,对今日教会依然适用。
当我们忙于自己的生活时,很容易对教会和宣教士的需要漠不关心。许多教会也因优先考虑自身利益,逐渐松懈了对宣教的支持。但神必追讨我们的责任,因我们只是祂资源的管家。
首要原因是”眼不见,心不念”。当我们看不见宣教士的身影,就会渐渐遗忘他们。许多人在黄金岁月奉献给宣教,归来时却精疲力尽、灰心沮丧,发现无人问津。他们像退役士兵般感到被遗弃,而宣教士薪资微薄,全靠教会供应。与我们一样,他们也为子女教育、家人医疗忧心。
其次是贫穷心态。有些人虽衣食无忧,却总觉不足,因他们将安全感建立在金钱而非丰盛供应之神身上。我们需要对神有信心,才能成为教会的慷慨供应者。
如同禁食操练,十一奉献起初或许困难,但当我们建立以奉献表达爱神敬拜的属灵习惯时,就会愈发甘甜。让我们活出这圣经原则,深信我们既播种,神就必照祂在基督耶稣里荣耀的丰富,满足我们一切所需,活出慷慨的生命。
讲章系列:基督徒的慷慨与奉献
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