Faith Promise: Transformative Giving Through Trust in God

 

Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound concept of Faith Promise giving, a biblical principle that transcends mere transactional charity and enters the realm of spiritual commitment and growth. We delved into the heart of God's desire for His people to be cheerful givers, not out of obligation or surplus, but out of a deep-seated faith in His provision and purpose.

We began by understanding that giving is an intrinsic part of God's character, demonstrated supremely in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. As His followers, we are called to reflect this generosity in our lives, particularly in the support of missions and the spread of the Gospel. The church at Philippi exemplified this by being the only one to support the Apostle Paul in his ministry, a testament to their understanding of the importance of giving to God's work.

Faith Promise giving is not about what we can spare; it's about trusting God to provide what we commit to give. It's a faith-based initiative where we make a promise to God, not to the church or a missionary program, but to Him directly. This commitment is a personal one, where we seek God's guidance on what He would have us give and then step out in faith to fulfill that promise, trusting that He will provide the means.

The act of giving in this way is transformative. It allows us to grow in grace, to become more spiritually mature, and to grasp the heart of missions. As we give, we become part of God's grand plan of salvation, ensuring that Christ's sacrifice reaches every corner of the earth. We are reminded that God's will is for none to perish but for all to come to the knowledge of truth.

In our church, we have the opportunity to participate in this divine plan through our annual missions conference, where we are reminded of our responsibility and privilege to reach the world with the Gospel. We can engage in this work by giving, guarding, and going. We give through our financial support, we guard by praying and caring for our missionaries, and we go by either physically moving to the mission field or by sending others in our stead.

Key Takeaways:

- Faith Promise giving is a spiritual discipline that deepens our trust in God's provision and aligns our hearts with His mission to reach the lost. It is not based on our excess but on our faith in God's ability to provide for the commitment we make to Him. [49:33]

- The act of giving is a reflection of God's own generous nature. As we give cheerfully and faithfully, we mirror the heart of God, who gave the most precious gift of all, His Son, for our salvation. This reflection of divine generosity is a powerful witness to the world. [17:12]

- When we engage in Faith Promise giving, we grow in grace and spiritual maturity. This growth is not just for our own benefit but also enables us to understand and participate more fully in the mission of the Gospel, which is to bring the hope of Christ to every person. [18:23]

- The story of the Philippian church's support of Paul's ministry teaches us the impact of being the sole supporter in a time of need. Our giving can be the lifeline for missionaries and the advancement of the Gospel in places where Christ is not yet known. [19:01]

- Adopting a missionary goes beyond financial support; it involves entering into their lives through prayer, encouragement, and personal connection. This support can be the difference between a missionary serving one term or a lifetime, significantly impacting the spread of the Gospel. [21:57]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 4:15-17 (ESV)
> "And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit."

2. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV)
> "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. 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."

3. Romans 15:30-32 (ESV)
> "I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Philippians 4:15-17, what was unique about the church at Philippi's support of Paul?
2. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, what does Paul say about the attitude we should have when giving?
3. What specific prayer requests does Paul mention in Romans 15:30-32 for the believers to pray for him?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the example of the Philippian church's support of Paul illustrate the concept of Faith Promise giving? [12:27]
2. What does it mean to be a "cheerful giver" as described in 2 Corinthians 9:7, and how does this reflect God's own nature? [15:09]
3. Why is it important for believers to pray specifically for missionaries, as Paul requests in Romans 15:30-32? [24:27]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you gave out of faith rather than surplus. How did that experience impact your trust in God's provision? [17:12]
2. How can you cultivate a cheerful and willing heart in your giving, rather than giving out of obligation or guilt? [15:09]
3. Identify a missionary or mission project that you can support through prayer. What specific steps will you take to pray for them regularly and specifically? [24:27]
4. Consider the ways you can be involved in your church's mission efforts. Are there opportunities to give, guard, or go that you feel called to participate in? [45:40]
5. How can you encourage and support a missionary family beyond financial contributions? Think of practical ways to connect and uplift them. [29:43]
6. What steps can you take to adopt a missionary and build a meaningful relationship with them? How will you stay informed about their needs and ministry? [27:56]
7. Reflect on the idea of being part of God's grand plan of salvation through your giving. How does this perspective change the way you view your financial contributions to missions? [18:23]

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God's Provision in Giving
Faith Promise giving is not merely a financial transaction; it is a spiritual journey of trusting in God's provision. When one commits to this form of giving, it is not based on the excess of resources but on a steadfast belief in God's ability to provide. This act of faith requires one to step beyond the boundaries of comfort and security, leaning into the promise that God will supply all needs according to His riches in glory. It is a personal covenant made with God, where the giver seeks divine guidance on what to offer and then moves forward in faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promise to provide for both the giver and the recipient. This form of giving is a testament to one's confidence in God's faithfulness and His sovereign control over our resources. [49:33]

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33 ESV

Reflection: How can you exercise faith in God's provision by committing to a specific financial gift, even if the means are not yet visible?

Day 2: Reflecting Divine Generosity
Giving cheerfully and faithfully is a powerful reflection of God's own generous nature. As believers, we are called to mirror the heart of God, who gave His most precious gift, His Son, for our salvation. This divine generosity is not only about the act of giving but also about the spirit in which it is done. A cheerful giver does not give grudgingly or out of necessity but with a joyful heart, knowing that it pleases God and furthers His kingdom. By doing so, we become a living testimony to the grace and love that God has shown us, encouraging others to experience the same joy in giving. [17:12]

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." - 2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a heart of generosity that reflects God's love and grace to those around you?

Day 3: Growing in Grace Through Giving
Engaging in Faith Promise giving is a catalyst for spiritual growth and maturity. It is an opportunity to grow in grace, as it challenges individuals to depend more deeply on God and less on their own understanding or resources. This growth is not self-serving; it equips believers to participate more fully in the mission of the Gospel, which is to bring the hope of Christ to every person. As one grows in understanding and commitment, their giving becomes an integral part of God's plan, reaching beyond personal benefit to the eternal impact on the lives of others. [18:23]

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18 ESV

Reflection: What steps can you take to grow in spiritual maturity through the discipline of giving, and how might this impact your understanding of God's mission?

Day 4: The Impact of Sole Support
The story of the Philippian church's support of Paul's ministry is a powerful example of the impact that giving can have on the advancement of the Gospel. When we choose to support missionaries and God's work, our contributions can become a lifeline in places where the message of Christ has not yet reached. Our giving, even if we are the only ones, can sustain those who are dedicated to spreading the Gospel, enabling them to continue their work and potentially reach countless lives for Christ. [19:01]

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19 ESV

Reflection: How can your financial support become a critical lifeline for a missionary or ministry in need, and what steps can you take to start or increase that support?

Day 5: Beyond Financial Support: Adopting a Missionary
Adopting a missionary involves more than just financial assistance; it includes entering into their lives through prayer, encouragement, and personal connection. This comprehensive support can make a significant difference in the longevity and effectiveness of a missionary's service. By committing to pray for, encourage, and connect with missionaries, we play a vital role in the spread of the Gospel and the support of those who have dedicated their lives to this cause. [21:57]

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—" - Colossians 4:2-3 ESV

Reflection: Who is one missionary you can commit to supporting through prayer, encouragement, and personal connection, and what is one practical step you can take this week to begin this support?

Quotes

- "Faith promise giving is not about checking your account for spare change; it's about trusting God to provide what we commit to give, based on faith, not our budget." [17:12] (Download | )

- "When you promise God and obey Him by giving, you will grow in grace, becoming a part of His vital plan to save souls." [19:50] (Download | )

- "Giving allows us to grow, and when you grow in grace, it gives you the opportunity to grasp the very heart of missions." [20:27] (Download | )

- "Adopting a missionary goes beyond generalities; it's about making a personal commitment to support and pray for specific missionary families." [27:20] (Download | )

- "We can be the difference between a missionary serving one term or a lifetime by guarding them through prayer and personal support." [30:19] (Download | )

- "Investing time in missionaries knits your heart together with them, allowing you to rejoice and weep with them, truly sharing in their journey." [32:58] (Download | )

- "Our giving is a reflection of God's own generous nature, and as we give cheerfully and faithfully, we mirror the heart of God." [17:12] (Download | )

- "The act of giving by faith is transformative, allowing us to participate more fully in God's plan of salvation and the spread of the Gospel." [21:20] (Download | )

- "The calling to missions is different for everyone, but it starts with seeing a need and feeling a burden to go where Christ is not yet known." [34:36] (Download | )

- "We have an amazing opportunity and responsibility to be involved in missions through giving, guarding, and going, each playing a crucial role." [45:40] (Download | )

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Transcript
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