Eternal Investments: Living Generously for God's Kingdom

Devotional

Day 1: Investing in the Eternal

Our lives are often consumed by the pursuit of temporal gains, but Philippians 4 challenges us to shift our focus towards an eternal perspective. This involves considering how we invest in the Kingdom of God, much like the Philippian church did through their generous support of Paul's ministry. Their actions exemplify an eternal investment, where the true value lies not in the material gifts exchanged but in the spiritual rewards that accrue to both the giver and the receiver. This eternal perspective transforms our priorities, making us more attractive and challenging to others as we reflect the character of Christ. By living with eternity in view, we are invited to re-evaluate how we use our resources and relationships, ensuring they align with God's eternal purposes. [02:29]

"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." (1 Timothy 6:7-8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can invest in the Kingdom of God today, prioritizing eternal rewards over temporary gains?

Day 2: The Cost of True Sacrifice

True sacrificial giving goes beyond mere generosity; it involves giving in a way that truly costs us something. This concept is beautifully illustrated by the poor widow who gave all she had, demonstrating a fragrant offering that pleases God. Sacrificial giving reflects the character of Christ and challenges us to evaluate our own giving habits. Are we giving out of abundance, or are we willing to give in a way that requires personal sacrifice? This type of giving is not just about the act itself but about aligning our hearts with God's will, trusting that our sacrifices are pleasing to Him. [08:41]

"And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny." (Mark 12:41-42, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a recent act of giving. Did it cost you something significant? How can you embrace sacrificial giving in your life today?

Day 3: Trusting in God's Abundant Provision

The promise that God will meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus assures us that we cannot out-give God. When we give sacrificially, we are not left in want but experience God's abundant provision. This truth invites us to trust God fully and to live generously, knowing that He is faithful to supply all our needs. By embracing this promise, we can let go of the fear of lack and instead focus on living a life of generosity and trust in God's provision. [15:58]

"And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's provision? How can you take a step of faith to trust Him more today?

Day 4: The Beauty of Gospel Partnership

The partnership between Paul and the Philippian church exemplifies the beauty of working together for the Kingdom of God. This partnership is both outstanding and long-standing, rooted in mutual support and spiritual rewards. It highlights the importance of community and collaboration in advancing the Gospel. By engaging in partnerships, we not only support each other but also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from working together for a common purpose. This partnership is a testament to the power of unity and shared vision in the body of Christ. [01:36]

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone in your life with whom you can partner for the Gospel? How can you support and encourage each other in your shared mission?

Day 5: Grace as the Foundation and Culmination

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation and culmination of our Christian journey. It is by His grace that we receive and give, care and share, bringing glory to God and experiencing the joy of partnership in the Gospel. This grace empowers us to live out the truths of the Gospel, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us. As we embrace this grace, we are reminded that it is not by our own strength but by His grace that we are able to fulfill our calling and bring glory to God. [21:23]

"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me." (1 Corinthians 15:10, ESV)

Reflection: How has God's grace shaped your journey so far? In what ways can you rely more on His grace in your daily life?

Sermon Summary

In Philippians 4, we are reminded of the profound truth that our lives should be oriented towards an eternal perspective rather than merely focusing on temporal gains. The concept of an "individual eternal account" challenges us to consider how we invest in the Kingdom of God, contrasting it with the familiar idea of an individual retirement account. The Philippian church exemplifies this eternal investment through their generous support of Paul's ministry, which Paul describes as a partnership that is both outstanding and long-standing. This partnership is not just about the material gifts exchanged but about the spiritual rewards that accrue to both the giver and the receiver.

Paul's perspective on giving is revolutionary. He emphasizes that the true value lies not in the gift itself but in the spiritual reward that the giver receives. This eternal perspective challenges us to view our resources, relationships, and plans through the lens of eternity. Living with eternity in view transforms our priorities and makes us more attractive and challenging to others, as we reflect the character of Christ.

The notion of giving pleasure to God through our sacrificial offerings is a powerful concept. Our lives, when lived in alignment with God's will, become a fragrant offering, pleasing to Him. This sacrificial giving is not merely about generosity but about giving in a way that truly costs us something, as exemplified by the poor widow who gave all she had.

The promise that God will meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus assures us that we cannot out-give God. When we give sacrificially, we are not left in want, but rather, we experience God's abundant provision. This truth invites us to trust God fully and to live generously, knowing that He is faithful to supply all our needs.

Finally, the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation and the culmination of our Christian journey. It is by His grace that we receive and give, care and share, from start to finish. As we live out these truths, we bring glory to God and experience the joy of partnership in the Gospel.

Key Takeaways

1. Eternal Perspective: Living with an eternal perspective transforms how we view our resources and relationships. It challenges us to invest in the Kingdom of God, knowing that the true value lies in the spiritual rewards that accrue to both the giver and the receiver. [02:29]
2. Sacrificial Giving: True sacrificial giving is not merely about generosity but involves giving in a way that costs us something. It is a fragrant offering that pleases God and reflects the character of Christ. [08:41]
3. God's Provision: We are assured that God will meet all our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. This promise invites us to trust God fully and to live generously, knowing that He is faithful to supply all our needs. [15:58]
4. Partnership in the Gospel: The partnership between Paul and the Philippian church exemplifies the beauty of working together for the Kingdom of God. It is a partnership that is both outstanding and long-standing, rooted in mutual support and spiritual rewards. [01:36]
5. Grace from Start to Finish: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation and culmination of our Christian journey. It is by His grace that we receive and give, care and share, bringing glory to God and experiencing the joy of partnership in the Gospel. [21:23]
** [21:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Philippians 4
[00:30] - Eternal vs. Retirement Accounts
[00:59] - The Generosity of the Philippian Church
[01:36] - Partnership and Perspective
[02:29] - Living with Eternity in View
[03:32] - The Impact of Eternal Perspective
[04:19] - Example of Dr. Lechler
[06:24] - Pleasing God with Our Offerings
[08:41] - Sacrificial vs. Generous Giving
[10:59] - The Widow's Offering
[15:44] - God's Promise to Meet Our Needs
[18:14] - The Pig and the Chicken Story
[19:15] - Praise and Glory to God
[21:08] - Conclusion and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Philippians 4:10-20
- Luke 21:1-4 (The Widow's Offering)

Observation Questions:

How does Paul describe the relationship between himself and the Philippian church in Philippians 4:15-16? What does this reveal about their partnership? [01:36]
In Philippians 4:17, Paul mentions a specific type of reward. What is the nature of this reward, and how does it differ from the value of the gift itself? [01:52]
According to the sermon, what is the significance of the widow's offering in Luke 21:1-4, and how does it illustrate the concept of sacrificial giving? [10:59]
What assurance does Paul give in Philippians 4:19 regarding God's provision, and how does this relate to the act of giving? [15:44]

Interpretation Questions:

How does the concept of an "individual eternal account" challenge the way believers view their resources and investments? What might this look like in practical terms? [00:30]
In what ways does living with an eternal perspective transform a believer's priorities and relationships, according to the sermon? [03:32]
How does the idea of giving pleasure to God through sacrificial offerings impact a believer's approach to generosity? What does it mean for an offering to be a "fragrant offering"? [06:36]
How does the promise of God's provision in Philippians 4:19 encourage believers to trust and live generously? What are the implications of this promise for daily life? [15:58]

Application Questions:

Reflect on your current financial priorities. How might the concept of an "individual eternal account" influence your decisions about spending, saving, and giving? [00:30]
Identify a relationship or situation in your life where you could apply an eternal perspective. How might this change your approach or attitude? [03:32]
Consider a time when you gave sacrificially. What was the impact on your faith and relationship with God? How can you cultivate a heart of sacrificial giving in your current circumstances? [08:41]
How do you currently experience God's provision in your life? Are there areas where you struggle to trust Him fully? What steps can you take to deepen your trust in His faithfulness? [15:58]
Think of a specific way you can partner with others in the Gospel, similar to the partnership between Paul and the Philippian church. What practical steps can you take to foster this partnership? [01:36]
Reflect on the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in your life. How does His grace influence your ability to give, care, and share with others? What is one way you can extend this grace to someone in your community this week? [21:23]
How can you ensure that your giving is not just generous but also sacrificial? What might God be calling you to give up or change in order to align more closely with His will? [08:41]

Sermon Clips

"Paul says in actual fact the reverse is true that that which we can lay hold of now is perishable and is in one sense unreal and the things that yet await us are eternal verities, and I don't think there's any question that the shadow of Eternity on the life of the servant of God makes a difference, makes a difference to the way we view relationships, makes a difference to the way we view our finances, the way in which we plan and so on." [00:03:16]

"Paul is able to say that the gifts that you send are pleasing to God pleasing to God, the whole notion of giving God pleasure is an amazing concept and yet the Bible encourages us to see that that is the case and we think of living our lives in such a way so as to live underneath the smile of our heavenly father rather than living underneath his frown." [00:06:36]

"Generous giving is not necessarily the same as sacrificial giving. Now you don't have to think too hard to work this out. Let me illustrate it without any sense of unkindness in my mind. I was quite amazed and delighted to see that the YMCA in San Diego had received such a substantial gift from the Widow of Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald's fast food chain of restaurants." [00:08:41]

"Jesus said all these people gave their gifts out of their wealth, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on. The rich were generous, the Widow was sacrificial. Now it's been very difficult for me all through today to avoid the sense of standing on nails or of a gigantic pincushion penetrating me where I'm tender." [00:12:07]

"God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. In other words, he says God is committed to seeing to it that the sharer doesn't suffer because she shares. He says you go ahead and share and you'll discover that God is no man's debtor." [00:15:44]

"We tend to think as I said again this morning that we can't afford to share. Well, there's this problem and there's that problem. The fact is we can't afford not to share. I had a lecture from a lady this week. I don't tell you this to draw attention to myself but just because I wish I was there when she opened the envelope this week." [00:16:26]

"Do I personally believe that God will supply all that I need if I give sacrificially? That's the question. Now the Philippians had obviously concluded yes to that, and the degree of sacrifice that we may have differs from person to person. I've been trying all week to remember the way that story about the Pig and the chicken goes." [00:18:14]

"When God's people live and give when they Care and Share in this way then Glory comes to God the Father when we are on the receiving end of generosity we are thankful for the giver but we give glory to God when we have the opportunity to give sacrificially we are thankful for the privilege but we give all the glory to God our Father." [00:19:15]

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, that's exactly how as we'll see he begins Philippians, Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. In other words, the whole Christian Journey, in receiving and in giving, in caring and in sharing is Grace from start to finish." [00:21:08]

"Help us Lord not to assume that everyone else will take care of it, to enter joyfully and gratefully into partnership with one another, investing for eternity. Hear our prayers and let our cry come unto you for Jesus' sake we ask it, amen." [00:22:56]

"Paul using his gifts and them using their gifts and in every case they were establishing for eternity an account which was accruing interest, and again I said this morning and I feel it just as much tonight that it is so hard for us to live with eternity in view." [00:02:29]

"To follow in the footsteps of the Lord Jesus then is to bring pleasure to God when we give in this way it is he says a fragrant offering he's using the picture there of the Old Testament sacrificial system and when people brought these offerings there was to be a fragrance that attached to them." [00:07:45]

Ask a question about this sermon

Alistair Begg This sermon · AI assistant

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?