Active Faith: Embracing Mission, Contentment, and Generosity
Summary
Today, I began by emphasizing the critical need for laborers in the mission field, reflecting on how despite centuries since Christ's sacrifice, many have yet to hear the Gospel. I stressed the importance of supporting those called to spread the word, whether through direct involvement or by providing for those who go. This led to a discussion on the nature of giving and support within the church, highlighting that while God provides, our contributions are valuable and necessary for the ministry's progress.
I shared personal reflections on starting in ministry with little, yet being content. This contentment, rooted in faith, was contrasted with the worldly dissatisfaction that often comes from comparing our lives to others, especially in this era of constant media exposure. I used the example of Paul from Philippians, who learned to be content in every circumstance, a lesson that is vital for us today.
The sermon moved into a practical application of these principles, focusing on the act of giving—both financially and spiritually. I discussed the dual nature of giving as both unnecessary (because God will provide) and essential (because it supports God's work). This paradox highlights our role in God's plan: while He doesn't need our help, He chooses to involve us in His work.
I also addressed the congregation directly about their personal commitment to giving and living contentedly with what they have, urging them to evaluate their own lives in light of biblical teachings on stewardship and support for the ministry.
Finally, I concluded with a call to action, encouraging everyone to not only give but also to actively participate in the mission field, whether locally or globally. This was tied back to the initial discussion on the need for laborers and the church's role in supporting mission work both spiritually and materially.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Urgency of the Mission Field: The world is vast, and many have yet to hear the Gospel. It's not just about knowing the truth of Jesus Christ but actively sharing it. We are called not to comfort but to go forth and preach. This requires a shift from passive to active engagement in our faith. [46:52]
2. Contentment in Service: True contentment comes not from material abundance but from fulfilling the call to serve. Paul's example of learning contentment in every situation, regardless of physical circumstances, teaches us that our spiritual journey should also reflect a trust in God's provision and timing. [51:08]
3. The Role of Giving in Ministry: While God can operate without our financial contributions, our giving signifies our participation and investment in the Kingdom's work. It's a practical expression of our faith and a testament to our trust in God's provision. [49:29]
4. Personal Reflection and Commitment: Each believer must reflect on their personal commitment to Christ's mission. Are we content with what we are giving, not just in terms of money but in time and spiritual resources? This introspection leads to growth and a deeper engagement with our faith. [01:01:46]
5. Active Participation in God's Work: We are reminded that our faith is not passive. It calls for active participation, which includes supporting missions, being involved in church activities, and even preparing ourselves for potential mission field work. This active role strengthens our faith and broadens the impact of the church. [01:08:12]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
27:12 - Introduction and Announcements
30:56 - Reading from Philippians 4
35:41 - The Power of Contentment and Support
41:23 - Revival of Support and Its Impact
46:52 - The Need for Laborers in the Mission Field
49:29 - Understanding the Role of Giving
51:08 - Learning Contentment in Ministry
57:38 - Facing Challenges with Christ's Strength
01:01:46 - The Necessity and Impact of Giving
01:08:12 - Closing Call to Action and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Philippians 4:10-19 (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. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 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; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 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. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul express gratitude for in Philippians 4:10-19?
2. How does Paul describe his experience with contentment in various circumstances? ([30:56])
3. What does Paul say about the role of the Philippians in supporting his ministry? ([41:23])
4. According to Paul, what is the significance of the gifts he received from the Philippians? ([33:29])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that he has learned to be content in all circumstances? How does this relate to his faith in Christ? ([51:08])
2. What does Paul mean when he says, "I can do all this through him who gives me strength"? How does this statement apply to the challenges faced by believers today? ([55:29])
3. How does the act of giving, as described by Paul, reflect the spiritual health and commitment of the Philippian church? ([49:29])
4. In what ways does Paul’s teaching on contentment challenge modern views on material wealth and success? ([52:14])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you struggle with contentment? How can Paul's example help you find peace in those areas? ([30:56])
2. How can you actively support the mission field, either locally or globally, in practical ways? What steps can you take this week to get involved? ([46:52])
3. Consider your current level of giving—both financially and in terms of time and spiritual resources. Are you content with what you are contributing? If not, what changes can you make? ([01:08:12])
4. How can you cultivate a mindset of contentment in your daily life, especially in a culture that often promotes dissatisfaction and comparison? ([51:08])
5. Think about a time when you felt God’s provision in your life. How did that experience shape your understanding of giving and contentment? ([49:29])
6. Identify one specific way you can support your church’s mission work this month. Whether through prayer, financial support, or volunteering, what will you commit to doing? ([01:01:46])
7. How can you encourage others in your small group or church community to embrace a lifestyle of contentment and generous giving? What practical steps can you take to foster this culture? ([41:23])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Urgency of Evangelism
The world is vast, and the need for the Gospel remains urgent. Many people across the globe have yet to hear the message of Jesus Christ, and it is the responsibility of every believer to actively participate in sharing this life-changing truth. The call to evangelism is not merely an option for the few but a command for all who follow Christ. This urgency should stir us from complacency to action, moving us to engage more deeply in our faith and to reach out beyond the comfort of our immediate communities. Evangelism is not just about speaking words but living them out in our daily interactions. [46:52]
Matthew 9:37-38 says, "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
Reflection: Who is one person in your life who has not heard the Gospel? How can you begin to introduce the message of Christ to them this week?
Day 2: Finding Contentment in Our Calling
True contentment in life comes not from material possessions or status but from fulfilling our God-given purpose. Reflecting on the Apostle Paul's journey, we see a man who learned to be content in every situation—whether in abundance or in need. This lesson is crucial for us today as we navigate a world filled with constant comparisons and dissatisfaction fueled by media and societal pressures. By focusing on our spiritual journey and trusting in God's timing and provision, we can find a deeper sense of peace and purpose. [51:08]
1 Timothy 6:6-8 states, "But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content."
Reflection: In what ways have you been comparing your journey to others? How can you shift your focus to the contentment found in Christ this week?
Day 3: The Dual Nature of Giving
While it is true that God does not need our financial contributions to accomplish His work, our willingness to give financially and spiritually plays a crucial role in the advancement of His kingdom. This act of giving is both a testament to our faith and a practical expression of our commitment to God's work. It reflects our trust in His provision and our desire to be active participants in the ministry. Understanding this dual nature of giving helps us see our contributions as both valuable and necessary. [49:29]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 explains, "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: How does your current giving reflect your trust in God’s provision? What changes might God be calling you to make in your financial or spiritual contributions?
Day 4: Reflecting on Personal Commitment
Each believer is called to reflect on their personal commitment to Christ's mission. This introspection is not just about assessing how much we give but also considering whether we are living out our faith fully and actively. Are we content with our level of engagement in God's work? This self-examination leads to spiritual growth and a more profound engagement with our faith, pushing us to not only be hearers of the Word but also doers. [01:01:46]
James 1:22-25 says, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel you've been only a hearer of the Word and not a doer? What steps can you take to change this?
Day 5: Active Participation in God’s Plan
Our faith calls us not to passivity but to active participation in God's work. This involves supporting missions, engaging in church activities, and preparing ourselves for potential work in the mission field. Such active involvement strengthens our faith and expands the impact of the church globally. By stepping into active roles, we not only grow spiritually but also contribute to the broader mission of spreading the Gospel. [01:08:12]
Hebrews 13:16 reminds us, "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
Reflection: What is one way you can increase your active participation in the church or mission field this month? How can you start making this change today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We learned early on to be content where the Lord had us. And this passage came to life in our ministry. And we had very little. And there were times that there was one house that we moved into. And it was right before we went into ministry. But we were doing music ministry and I was teaching school." [53:17]
2. "Christ does not do everything for me, nor do I do everything for myself. But we work hand in hand in conquering circumstances. So as believers, we declare, we shout, we proclaim, I can, I can, I can." [56:40]
3. "We don't need extra strength to arise and face the circumstances. Any one of us, no matter who we are, have the strength to stand and face any circumstance that is facing you down." [57:38]
4. "Giving is not necessary. God will provide as you minister in the field. However, giving is necessary. And it is work well done. As ministers, those working in the field. It takes people giving for ministry to move forward." [01:00:51]
5. "Sometimes giving a sacrifice means that I come down to an altar and I kneel and I pray. And I spend time on my knees just thanking and praising God. When nobody else comes to the altar. But I come because I must praise the Lord." [01:06:53]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The gospel must be carried worldwide. The need of the hour is for us to awaken to the worldwide mission of Christ. There are preachers, ministers, missionaries, teachers, evangelists. All of God's appointed preachers and teachers. And they must be supported as they carry the gospel to the world." [46:52]
2. "It wasn't necessary. It was appreciated, but not necessary. Very simply, what this means is that God will take care of his servants as they go. Even if they don't go. Even if churches do not adequately care for them." [49:29]
3. "He learned how to live humbly with little. He learned how to live. He learned how to live with plenty. He knew the secret to facing every situation whether being full or going hungry. He knew how to abound living in plenty and he knew how to suffer in need." [51:08]
4. "God will take care of those in the field. God will take care of the gospel message. With or without any church. But his will is for every single church to become involved in supporting his ministry. And those called to worldwide missions." [01:02:38]
5. "How's your giving? And are you content? Are you living content in what you're giving? And if you're content in what you're giving financially, praise the Lord. Are you content in what you're giving of your time for the kingdom?" [01:08:12]
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