Giving and Receiving (Philippians 4:15-19)

Written by Dr. Jeff Ginn

Introduction

Opening Illustration: The day Debbie Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields® Cookies, opened her first store at the age of 20, hours ticked away without a customer. Finally she had an idea. She filled a tray with her cookies, stepped onto the sidewalk, and gave away the cookies. People then followed her into the store to buy more cookies. Today, with hundreds of stores, she uses the same technique. At every store passersby are invited to sample free cookies. She learned an important lesson: giving and receiving are connected. Our kindness to others comes back to us multiplied. (Marilyn Sadler "Baking a Name for Herself," Memphis Magazine [online], June 1999 [cited 18 June 2002]. Available from Internet: www.memphismagazine.com.)

Principle Preaching

 Jesus put it this way: "Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." (Luke 6:38).

Giving is an outward manifestation and the essential expression of kindness. Philippians 4:15-20 holds important lessons about giving and receiving. Its applications go beyond merely financial giving and receiving. When we give in any area, the blessings we receive outweigh our original investment.

Outline

I. Good givers are rare (4:15-16).

A. The Philippians were good givers.

1. They started early.
   
   
2. They continued giving to meet Paul’s need.
   
   

   a.

   They didn't believe in "out of sight, out of mind." They gave even when Paul was in Thessalonica.
   

   b.

   They didn't expect the Thessalonicans to take the full responsibility once Paul was with them. They counted it a privilege to be participants in Paul's ministry.
   
   

3. They gave sacrificially and out of poverty, not plenty.
   
   

   a.

   2 Corinthians 8:1-3: "We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God granted to the churches of Macedonia: during a severe testing by affliction, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of their generosity. I testify that, on their own [they gave], according to their ability and beyond their ability."

   b.

   Illustration: I like the old story about the guy who went to church with his family. As they were driving home after the service, he was complaining about everything. He said, "The music was too loud. The sermon was too long. The announcements were unclear. The building was hot. The people were unfriendly." He went on and on, complaining about practically everything. Finally, his very observant son said, "Dad, you've got to admit it wasn't a bad show for just a dollar."

B. The Philippians were rare in their giving.

1. The rarity of their actions is noted in Paul's comments: "Not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only" (4:15).
   
   
2. Many are good at receiving.

   Paul and his team had planted many congregations. Many came to know Christ. These new believers were going to benefit in the here and now and for all eternity because of Paul's ministry. Yet only the church at Philippi stepped forward to give so that others could benefit.

3. Few rise to give back.
   

   Only 2.6% of the average household income is given to the church or other religious organizations. During the Great Depression, 3.2% of average household income was given to charities. Although we are 450% richer today after taxes and inflation, the percentage of household income given to charities has decreased. (Patterson, Russell. "Helping Christian Families Manage God's Money." Church Administration Winter 2002-2003: 56-57.)

II. Good givers are rewarded (4:17-19).

A. Earthly rewards

1. The promise for these faithful supporters of God's work was this: "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (4:19).
   
   
2. This is a promise that many claim. Note, however, to whom the promise was given. This promise was for the Philippians, who were active supporters of God's work. With all confidence Paul was able to assure them that God would provide for their needs. If we are not giving as the Philippians did, we cannot claim with confidence the promise that they received.
   
   

   a.

   They gave from their poverty; God gives from His plenty.
   

   b.

   They sent their gifts by Epaphroditus; God gives His gifts by His Son Jesus.

   c.

   They met Paul's financial need; God supplies every need.

B. Eternal rewards (4:17b)

1. They were partners in the gospel.
   
   
2. They pleased the Father and brought Him glory.
   
   

Conclusion

I have heard it said that givers fall into three categories: the flint, the sponge, and the honeycomb. To get anything out of a flint, you must hammer it, and what you receive is only chips and sparks. To get water out of a sponge you must squeeze it; the more pressure you use, the more you receive. But the honeycomb overflows with its own sweetness. Which kind of giver are you?

Illustration Thumbnail

Mamie Adams always went to the same branch post office in her town because the employees there were friendly. She went there to buy stamps just before Christmas one year, and the lines were long. Another person in line suggested she buy stamps from the machine in the lobby so she wouldn't have to wait in line. "I know," said Mamie, "but the machine won't ask me about my arthritis." ("Kindness," [cited 18 June 2002]. Available from Internet: www.christianglobe.com/Illustrations.)

Related Biblical Texts

Application Ideas for Life Stages or Situations

Children: Generosity is best learned as a child. One of the first jobs I had was mowing lawns. My parents taught me to give back to the Lord a tithe and offering. I am grateful for that foundation, and it has made giving as an adult much easier.

Adults: Today’s Sunday School lesson tells the story of the Shunammite widow. She showed kindness to the prophet of God. In turn, God granted her and her husband a son. When we give to support missions, God will bless us. The church that refuses to consume all of its resources on itself and gives to spread the good news will discover the truth of Jesus' words, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible ®, Copyright ©1999,2000,2002,2003 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

Share your thoughts with other readers:  Post Comments   Rate this Article