Making an Eternal Impact Through Missions
Summary
Summary:
In our ongoing series on "Opportunities," we are exploring how we, as followers of Jesus Christ, can make an eternal impact. Today, we focus on the opportunity of missions, drawing insights from Philippians 4:10-20. This passage, often quoted for its verses on strength and provision, is deeply rooted in the context of missions. The Philippian church exemplifies a great missions-giving church, and we can learn from their example.
Firstly, great missions-giving churches have a genuine concern for others. The Philippians were concerned about Paul's mission and supported him financially, demonstrating that concern is foundational to missions. Without it, we risk missing the opportunities God places before us. Secondly, these churches find their contentment in the Lord. Paul learned to be content in all circumstances, emphasizing that contentment is crucial for missions. It allows us to give generously, trusting God to provide for our needs.
Thirdly, great missions-giving churches remain committed to the cause of missions. The Philippians consistently supported Paul, showing that missions require ongoing commitment. Consistency in giving and support is vital for meeting the changing needs of missionaries and mission organizations. Fourthly, these churches have credit with the Lord. Paul assures that every act of giving is recorded in heaven, and God rewards our sacrifices. Supporting missions is an investment in the kingdom of God, storing up treasures in heaven.
Finally, great missions-giving churches exist to glorify God. Ultimately, missions are about bringing glory to God, not ourselves. Our actions should reflect God's character, and the greatest good we can do is share the gospel, bringing others to Christ and glorifying God in the process.
Key Takeaways:
1. Concern for Others: A genuine concern for others is the foundation of missions. Without it, we risk becoming blind to the opportunities God gives us to make an eternal impact. Concern for the lost and for missions reflects the heart of Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost. [08:05]
2. Contentment in the Lord: Contentment is crucial for missions. It allows us to give generously, trusting God to provide for our needs. Discontentment leads to a closed hand, while contentment opens it, enabling us to be a blessing to others. [11:39]
3. Commitment to Missions: Consistency in supporting missions is vital. The Philippians' ongoing support of Paul highlights the importance of being committed to the cause of missions. Consistent giving ensures that missionaries can rely on us to meet their changing needs. [15:40]
4. Credit with the Lord: Every act of giving is recorded in heaven, and God rewards our sacrifices. Supporting missions is an investment in the kingdom of God, storing up treasures in heaven. Our generosity does not go unnoticed by God. [18:02]
5. Glorifying God: Missions ultimately exist to glorify God. Our actions should reflect God's character, and the greatest good we can do is share the gospel. Bringing others to Christ brings God the greatest glory and fulfills our purpose as His followers. [20:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:55] - Introduction to Opportunities Series
- [03:02] - The Opportunity of Missions
- [04:39] - Philippians 4:10-20 Reading
- [06:47] - Context of Philippians 4:13 and 4:19
- [08:05] - Concern for Others
- [09:08] - Personal Reflection on Concern
- [10:32] - Concern for Missions
- [11:39] - Contentment in the Lord
- [13:35] - Trusting God to Provide
- [14:15] - Commitment to Missions
- [15:40] - Consistency in Giving
- [17:04] - Credit with the Lord
- [18:02] - Storing Treasures in Heaven
- [19:12] - Fragrant Offerings and Sacrifices
- [20:15] - Glorifying God through Missions
- [21:14] - Reflection and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Opportunities in Missions
Bible Reading:
- Philippians 4:10-20
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific actions did the Philippian church take to support Paul's mission, according to Philippians 4:10-20? [04:39]
2. How does Paul describe his personal state of contentment in Philippians 4:11-13, and what does he attribute this contentment to? [06:47]
3. In what way does Paul assure the Philippians that their acts of giving are recognized by God? [18:02]
4. What is the ultimate purpose of missions as described in the sermon, and how does it relate to the glory of God? [20:15]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the Philippian church's concern for Paul reflect the foundational aspect of missions, and why is this concern crucial for a church's mission work? [08:05]
2. What does it mean for a church to find its contentment in the Lord, and how does this contentment influence their ability to support missions? [11:39]
3. Why is consistency in supporting missions emphasized in the sermon, and how does this consistency impact the missionaries and mission organizations? [15:40]
4. How does the concept of having "credit with the Lord" influence a church's approach to giving and supporting missions? [18:02]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal level of concern for missions. How can you cultivate a deeper concern for the lost and for supporting mission work in your daily life? [08:05]
2. Consider your current state of contentment. How does your contentment or lack thereof affect your willingness to give generously to missions? What steps can you take to find greater contentment in the Lord? [11:39]
3. Think about your commitment to missions. Are there specific ways you can increase your consistency in supporting missions, whether through financial giving, prayer, or service? [15:40]
4. How do you perceive the idea of having "credit with the Lord"? In what ways can this perspective change your approach to generosity and supporting missions? [18:02]
5. Missions exist to glorify God. How can you ensure that your actions and support for missions reflect God's character and bring glory to Him? [20:15]
6. Identify one practical way you can support a missionary or mission organization this month. What specific action will you take to make this support a reality? [15:40]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to action. What is one step you can take this week to engage more actively in the mission opportunities presented by your church? [21:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Genuine Concern for Others
A genuine concern for others is the foundation of missions. Without it, we risk becoming blind to the opportunities God gives us to make an eternal impact. Concern for the lost and for missions reflects the heart of Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost. The Philippian church exemplified this concern by supporting Paul financially and spiritually, demonstrating that their hearts were aligned with God's mission. This concern is not just about feeling empathy but taking actionable steps to support those who are spreading the gospel. [08:05]
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your community or church who is involved in missions. How can you practically support them this week, whether through prayer, encouragement, or financial support?
Day 2: Contentment in the Lord
Contentment is crucial for missions. It allows us to give generously, trusting God to provide for our needs. Discontentment leads to a closed hand, while contentment opens it, enabling us to be a blessing to others. Paul learned to be content in all circumstances, which empowered him to focus on the mission rather than his personal needs. This contentment is rooted in a deep trust in God's provision and faithfulness, allowing us to release our resources for His work. [11:39]
"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world." (1 Timothy 6:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle with contentment. How can you practice trusting God in this area and open your hands to be a blessing to others?
Day 3: Commitment to Missions
Consistency in supporting missions is vital. The Philippians' ongoing support of Paul highlights the importance of being committed to the cause of missions. Consistent giving ensures that missionaries can rely on us to meet their changing needs. This commitment is not a one-time act but a continuous journey of faithfulness and partnership in the gospel. It requires intentionality and perseverance, reflecting a heart that is dedicated to seeing God's kingdom expand. [15:40]
"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your current level of commitment to missions. What is one practical step you can take to increase your consistency in supporting missions, whether through prayer, financial giving, or volunteering?
Day 4: Credit with the Lord
Every act of giving is recorded in heaven, and God rewards our sacrifices. Supporting missions is an investment in the kingdom of God, storing up treasures in heaven. Our generosity does not go unnoticed by God, and He promises to bless those who give sacrificially. This perspective shifts our focus from earthly rewards to eternal ones, encouraging us to invest in what truly matters. [18:02]
"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." (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your current priorities and investments. How can you shift your focus to store up treasures in heaven through your support of missions?
Day 5: Glorifying God
Missions ultimately exist to glorify God. Our actions should reflect God's character, and the greatest good we can do is share the gospel. Bringing others to Christ brings God the greatest glory and fulfills our purpose as His followers. This is not about seeking recognition for ourselves but pointing others to the greatness of God. Our lives should be a testament to His love and grace, drawing others into a relationship with Him. [20:15]
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can your daily actions and words reflect God's character and bring glory to Him? Identify one specific way you can share the gospel with someone this week.
Quotes
Our primary opportunity, as we saw last week, is to reach lost souls for Jesus Christ. And I shared this story about Jesus's encounter with the Samaritan woman as they were there at the well. This woman, despite her past, became the first evangelist in her community and she demonstrated that God can use anyone to spread his message of hope and salvation. [00:01:01] (27 seconds)
First, we must fully devote ourselves to God through worship, service, and prayer. Second, we should share the good news simply. Don't make it hard, don't make it challenging, but share it simply. Just like the Samaritan woman did, she simply said this when she went back to the village, she said these words, come and see. Come and see Jesus. Come and see this man who told me everything he knew about me. [00:01:41] (27 seconds)
Without concern, we risk becoming blind to the opportunities that God has given us. Without concern, we risk becoming blind to the opportunities that God has given us. Through Christ's love, do you have a concern for others? Do you have a concern for the lost? Do you have a concern for missions? [00:08:53] (15 seconds)
There's always been Christians, and there have always been churches that have no concern for those that are lost. Look back at verse number 15. This is what it says. It says, As you know, you Philippians were the only ones, the only church, think about this, you're the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the good news and then traveled from Macedonia. No other church did this. [00:11:16] (24 seconds)
Paul writes this powerful truth in verses 11 through 13. For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstance. I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. Church, contentment is crucial for missions. If we're always focused on what we lack, then we will never give to the work that needs to be done. [00:12:04] (21 seconds)
Great missions giving churches stay committed to the cause of missions. Paul highlights this in verse 16 when he's talking to the Philippians. He says, Even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent help once more. Even when I moved from one place to another, you were faithful to send help to where I was at. You see, this wasn't a one -time thing. This wasn't a one -time effort. The Philippians consistently supported Paul's missionary work. [00:14:33] (28 seconds)
Paul says in verse 17, not that I desire your gift. Oh, it's good. Thanks for sending your gift. But it's not that I desire it. What I desire is that more be credited to your accounts. For they are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Did you know that every act of giving is actually recorded in heaven? [00:17:29] (22 seconds)
You see, that's exactly what Paul says. That's exactly what Paul says happens here. When we invest in missions, we get credit for our giving with God. Some people are like, well, do I get credit with the church? Yeah, you get credit with the church, but that doesn't matter. Credit with God is what matters more. Well, if I get credit with the church, then I can maybe put it on my taxes and get a tax write -off. Well, maybe, but who cares? [00:18:23] (19 seconds)
You see, church, ultimately missions is about bringing glory and honor to God. Missions and the giving that we do, it's not about bringing glory. It's not about bringing glory and honor to new life. It's not about you saying, hey, I gave this much to missions last year. No, it's about saying, look what God has done in and through me, in and through this church, and we praise God that people have come to know him as Lord and Savior. [00:20:15] (21 seconds)
Jesus said these words in Matthew 5, 16, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds. They're going to see your good deeds. It's hard not to notice the good deeds that you do. They're going to see your good deeds, but it's not about glorifying you. What does it say here? They will glorify their friends. Father in heaven. [00:20:36] (20 seconds)
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