Godly Principles for Giving and Receiving Money
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the often uncomfortable topic of money, specifically focusing on principles for giving and receiving. Many people, including pastors, shy away from discussing money due to misconceptions and past abuses. However, the Bible speaks extensively about money, and Jesus himself addressed it frequently. Our goal is to align our perspectives with God's Word, ensuring that our thoughts and actions regarding money are godly.
We delved into Philippians 4:10-20, where Paul expresses gratitude for the Philippians' financial support. He highlights the importance of contentment, gratitude, and the proper attitude towards receiving gifts. Paul teaches that it is acceptable to receive support for mission and ministering needs, and we should be content with what we receive, expressing our gratitude to God and others.
On the giving side, Paul emphasizes the importance of partnering together for gospel mission and ministry. The Philippians' generosity had eternal implications, revealing where their true treasures lay. Giving is an act of worship, pleasing to God, and it demonstrates our faith in His provision. Paul assures that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory.
We are encouraged to put these principles into practice, not just as a one-time act but as a continuous lifestyle. Additionally, we are invited to deepen our understanding of biblical financial principles through the upcoming Money Wise class, which will cover stewardship, spending plans, generosity, and more.
### Key Takeaways
1. Contentment in Receiving: Paul teaches us to be content in all circumstances, whether in abundance or need. Contentment is a spiritual discipline that reflects our trust in God's provision. When we receive gifts, we should do so with gratitude and without manipulation or greed. This contentment is a testament to our faith and reliance on God. [46:45]
2. Gratitude to God and Others: Expressing gratitude is crucial when we receive gifts. Paul models this by thanking God for the Philippians' generosity, even though he doesn't explicitly say "thank you" to them. We should follow his example by thanking God in front of those who bless us, whether through letters, emails, or face-to-face interactions. [57:33]
3. Partnering in Giving: The Philippians partnered with Paul in both gospel mission and ministry. This partnership involved financial support and personal involvement, like sending Epaphroditus. Christians today should imitate this by regularly giving to support both local church ministries and broader mission efforts. [01:01:30]
4. Eternal Implications of Giving: Our giving has eternal consequences. Paul rejoices not just in receiving gifts but in the spiritual benefits that accrue to the givers. Generous giving reveals where our true treasures lie and contributes to our spiritual growth and eternal rewards. [01:07:34]
5. Giving as Worship: Giving is an act of worship that pleases God. It is not about earning favor but responding to God's grace and provision. Our giving should reflect our love for Jesus and our desire to honor Him. This perspective transforms giving from a duty to a joyful act of worship. [01:08:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[42:39] - Introduction: Unpopular Topics
[44:07] - Biblical Perspective on Money
[45:29] - Philippians 4:10-20 Reading
[46:45] - Contentment in Receiving
[48:16] - Gratitude to God and Others
[50:05] - Principles of Receiving
[51:40] - Accepting Gifts for Mission and Ministry
[53:10] - Partnership in Giving
[55:58] - Avoiding Laziness
[57:33] - Expressing Gratitude
[59:06] - Examples of Gratitude
[01:01:30] - Partnering in Gospel Mission and Ministry
[01:04:24] - Eternal Implications of Giving
[01:08:24] - Giving as Worship
[01:11:40] - Demonstrating Faith in God's Provision
[01:16:26] - Applying Godly Principles
[01:17:38] - Money Wise Class Invitation
[01:19:20] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Philippians 4:10-20
### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul express gratitude for in Philippians 4:10-20?
2. How does Paul describe his attitude towards receiving gifts in Philippians 4:11-12?
3. What does Paul say about the Philippians' partnership with him in the gospel mission in Philippians 4:15-16?
4. According to Philippians 4:19, what assurance does Paul give about God's provision?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize contentment in all circumstances, and how does this reflect his trust in God's provision? [46:45]
2. How does Paul model gratitude to God and others in his letter to the Philippians, and what can we learn from his example? [57:33]
3. What are the eternal implications of giving, according to Paul, and how does this perspective change our approach to generosity? [01:07:34]
4. How does Paul describe giving as an act of worship, and what does this reveal about the nature of our offerings to God? [01:08:24]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you received a gift or support from someone. How did you express your gratitude, and how can you improve in showing thankfulness to God and others? [57:33]
2. In what ways can you cultivate contentment in your life, especially in times of need or abundance? What practical steps can you take to trust in God's provision more fully? [46:45]
3. How can you partner with your local church or other ministries in giving to support gospel mission and ministry? Identify specific ways you can contribute regularly. [01:01:30]
4. Think about your current giving habits. How do they reflect your understanding of the eternal implications of generosity? What changes can you make to align your giving with a kingdom-focused perspective? [01:07:34]
5. How can you transform your view of giving from a duty to a joyful act of worship? What mindset shifts or actions can help you see giving as a response to God's grace and provision? [01:08:24]
6. Identify a specific need within your church or community that you can help meet through your giving. How can you demonstrate your faith in God's provision by contributing to this need? [01:11:40]
7. Consider joining the upcoming Money Wise class mentioned in the sermon. How can learning more about biblical financial principles help you apply godly stewardship, spending plans, and generosity in your life? [01:17:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Cultivating Contentment in All Circumstances
Contentment is a spiritual discipline that reflects our trust in God's provision. Paul teaches us to be content in all circumstances, whether in abundance or need. This contentment is not about complacency but about a deep-seated trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. When we receive gifts, we should do so with gratitude and without manipulation or greed. This attitude of contentment is a testament to our faith and reliance on God. By practicing contentment, we demonstrate that our joy and peace are not dependent on material possessions but on our relationship with God. [46:45]
Hebrews 13:5 (ESV): "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with contentment? How can you practice trusting God's provision more deeply today?
Day 2: Expressing Gratitude to God and Others
Expressing gratitude is crucial when we receive gifts. Paul models this by thanking God for the Philippians' generosity, even though he doesn't explicitly say "thank you" to them. We should follow his example by thanking God in front of those who bless us, whether through letters, emails, or face-to-face interactions. This practice not only honors God but also encourages those who give, showing them that their generosity is appreciated and valued. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, fostering a spirit of thankfulness and humility. [57:33]
Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Who in your life has blessed you recently? How can you express your gratitude to God and to them today?
Day 3: Partnering in Gospel Mission and Ministry
The Philippians partnered with Paul in both gospel mission and ministry. This partnership involved financial support and personal involvement, like sending Epaphroditus. Christians today should imitate this by regularly giving to support both local church ministries and broader mission efforts. This kind of partnership is not just about financial contributions but also about being actively involved in the work of the gospel. By partnering in ministry, we become co-laborers in God's kingdom, sharing in the joys and challenges of spreading the gospel. [01:01:30]
2 Corinthians 8:3-5 (ESV): "For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us."
Reflection: How can you actively partner in your local church's mission and ministry? What steps can you take this week to support a specific ministry or mission effort?
Day 4: Understanding the Eternal Implications of Giving
Our giving has eternal consequences. Paul rejoices not just in receiving gifts but in the spiritual benefits that accrue to the givers. Generous giving reveals where our true treasures lie and contributes to our spiritual growth and eternal rewards. When we give, we are investing in God's kingdom, and these investments have lasting, eternal value. This perspective helps us to see our resources not just as means for personal comfort but as tools for advancing God's purposes on earth. [01:07:34]
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: What does your current giving say about where your true treasures lie? How can you align your financial priorities with eternal values?
Day 5: Giving as an Act of Worship
Giving is an act of worship that pleases God. It is not about earning favor but responding to God's grace and provision. Our giving should reflect our love for Jesus and our desire to honor Him. This perspective transforms giving from a duty to a joyful act of worship. When we give with a heart of worship, we acknowledge God's lordship over our lives and resources, and we express our gratitude for His blessings. This kind of giving is a tangible way to demonstrate our faith and devotion to God. [01:08:24]
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (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."
Reflection: How can you make your giving an act of worship this week? What changes can you make to ensure that your giving reflects your love and devotion to God?
Quotes
1. "People don't want to hear about giving or money because they think they're not giving or they think they're all the church ever talks about. People don't want to hear about money because they believe pastors are just maneuvering and manipulating to get more of it. People don't want to hear about giving because many have or are experiencing money problems and are unable to give regularly whether that's due to poor money management or maybe just bad circumstances." [42:39] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We should want to hear what he has to say on the topic. I mean he is our lord we want to honor him we want to do everything for his glory we want to be good stewards with all the resources that are his that he entrusts to us we don't want to sin against him actually we we should probably desire to have a right perspective on money if you remember what paul has been teaching us through philippians chapter 4 in verse 8 he tells us we need to be filling our heads with right thinking and in verse 9 he says this will lead to right practice." [45:29] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We should partner together in giving for gospel mission and gospel ministry. Paul's like, it was kind of you to share in my trouble. You guys have partnered with me in giving and receiving. You're the only church that has. Even in Thessalonica, you sent me help once and again. Again, I've chosen to use terms that reflect common thought of many Christians today. Mission tends to correlate with going outside the church. Ministry tends to correlate with inside the church." [01:01:30] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Giving like this has eternal implications. Verse 17, Man, you've got to love Paul. He's always thinking of others. He was happy they sent him a gift, but his joy wasn't over getting the gift. It was over what the gift would do for the generous givers. Their generous gifts to Paul had eternal implications. It would result in great spiritual blessing for them. Using, Pastor Alistair Begg's illustration, Paul knew that their giving was not a deposit into their IRA, you know, their individual retirement account. Rather, it was a deposit into their IEA, their individual eternal accounts." [01:07:34] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Giving is an act of worship. You pretty much hear this. Every Sunday when we pass the baskets, we gather on days like this to worship God. And one aspect of worshiping God is giving to God what is His anyways. And according to Paul, giving to God is an act of worship. It is pleasing to our God. Verse 18, I've received full payment and more. I'm well supplied. I've received the gift from Epaphroditus that you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing." [01:08:24] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "One of the ways we demonstrate our faith in God's provision is through our giving. Verse 19. My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus. Now we need to be careful. Paul's not saying God will provide everything you want. He's not even saying He'll provide for you everything that you think you need. He's saying God will provide what we truly need. He is talking about physical needs, but He's likewise talking about spiritual needs here. God will provide for both physical and spiritual needs of those who generously give." [01:13:42] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "When we give, we're demonstrating our faith in His provision. Money tends to be the security blanket we all snuggle up in and display our trust in. When we give to God, we demonstrate money is not our master. He is, and we trust in Him to provide whatever it is we need in any and all circumstances. The message is, Jesus on giving may not be popular to Christians in our age, but they are imperative for Christians in every age." [01:15:55] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I really hope this changes your perspective on the whole giving thing. Pastors should preach on it. We should have giving as a part of our worship service. And when we do, remember we're not doing this because we want to fill our billfolds, pay the bills, or increase the size of the building. We encourage giving because God wants His, what we want God's people to do, that which is pleasing to Him. We want to worship God in a way that honors Him. It is an act of worship." [01:10:56] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We should express our gratitude to God for the gifts we receive from others. Find it interesting, Paul never says thank you at the end of this letter. Read it. There's no, hey, I want to say thank you. But he is expressing his gratitude. His gratitude to God for the gifts the Philippians gave to them through this letter. So he rejoiced in the Lord that they revived their concern for him, verse 10. He said it was kind of them and mentioned all of the ways that they provided for him, verses 14 through 16. And then he praised the Lord, verse 20." [57:33] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "If you ever need help, don't be ashamed. Don't feel guilty for asking and don't feel guilty for receiving it. That's pretty much the way the church should work. We should take care of one another. You see that all over Acts. A church loving one another, ministering to one another's needs. And right here in Philippi, you see a church who gave to gospel mission and gospel ministry. And Paul accepted the gifts." [55:58] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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