“Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only” (Philippians 4:15).
TEXT — Philippians 4:15-20
Message
A poet wrote, “What I gave away I saved, what I spent I used, what I kept I lost. Giving to the Lord is but transporting our goods to a higher floor. In defiance of all the torture and malice and might of the world, the liberal man will ever be rich, for God’s providence is his estate.” The verses under consideration reveal Apostle Paul’s commendation of the Philippian church for ministering to his needs. Members of that church gave sacrificially and supported the apostle’s ministry heartily. Paul appreciated the gifts, and the spirit of love and devotion with which the brethren gave.
Missionary, evangelical outreach support and welfare giving to the needy in the church is honoured and acceptable to God. What Christians give in support of missionary and evangelical work is regarded as an offering brought to God. When you remember what Christ did on the cross for you, it should not take long preaching before you give willingly to the Lord. Believers are called and constrained to give their best to God and His work as a mere expression of love for what He has done for them.
However, like the Philippian brethren, God expects you to give yourself to Him first. You must accept Christ as your Lord and personal Saviour; and then give the best of your time, talents and treasures to Him. Your giving should not be limited to special funds and church projects but to the needy. The Lord Jesus Christ commended givers, revealing that whatever we give to the brethren, the needy and the poor, is lent to Him. He also promised that we will not lose our reward in time and eternity.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
Good morning to ever devoted ministers of God. May God continue to renew your strength to do more for the Lord in Jesys name. But, please, note the audio version of Higher Everyday is the one for the adult ” The Spirit of Giving ” as against “David Defeats Goliath”. Thanks and God bless you all.
2 Thess 3:6, 10-12. Makes it clear to us that if someone is able but unwilling to work and is disturbing the church for support, it is not right. We should focus on giving to the people who are truly unable to work or because of certain condition, don’t make enough money to take care of themselves.
2 Thess 3:6, 10-12. Makes it clear to us that if someone is able but unwilling to work and is disturbing the church for support, it is not right. We should focus on giving to the people who are truly unable to work or because of certain condition, don’t make enough money to take care of themselves.
Great piece
Good morning to ever devoted ministers of God. May God continue to renew your strength to do more for the Lord in Jesys name. But, please, note the audio version of Higher Everyday is the one for the adult ” The Spirit of Giving ” as against “David Defeats Goliath”. Thanks and God bless you all.
How can we differentiate between lazy people and the needy? So that the lazy ones will not be taking advantage of our generosity.
2 Thess 3:6, 10-12. Makes it clear to us that if someone is able but unwilling to work and is disturbing the church for support, it is not right. We should focus on giving to the people who are truly unable to work or because of certain condition, don’t make enough money to take care of themselves.
2 Thess 3:6, 10-12. Makes it clear to us that if someone is able but unwilling to work and is disturbing the church for support, it is not right. We should focus on giving to the people who are truly unable to work or because of certain condition, don’t make enough money to take care of themselves.