By Pastor Mike Christian, Tarkio Assembly of God
“When I first brought the Gospel to you and then went on my way, leaving Macedonia, only you Philippians became my partners in giving and receiving. No other church did this.” ~ Philippians 4:15 TLB
Don’t miss the impact of this amazing statement: Paul said, “the only church that became my partners in giving and receiving were you Philippians. No other church did this.”
Why didn’t the other churches Paul established become partners in “giving and receiving?” It’s because they didn’t understand the laws of God concerning sowing and reaping. The Corinthians were a rough, carnal lot, and Paul said more to them about giving than any other church. Because of their lack of spirituality they needed the most encouragement to give.
But the Philippians were different. They knew the truths of “giving and receiving.” This freed them to be liberal with their gifts. This is why they became Paul’s partners: they knew when they gave, God would give back to them “pressed down, shaken together, full and running over” (Luke 6:38).
Folks, we all should be Philippian givers. We should truly believe that if we are faithful in our giving, God will pour out His blessings on us, and that our needs will be met. Now I’ve heard some people say that they don’t want anything in return from God when they give. They just want to give because they love Him. This is a great attitude but it actually can break down under the pressure of everyday living. When we have bills that are coming or past due, we sometimes think, “I want to give, but I just can’t afford it.”
A true Philippian giver knows that when they give they will also receive. Actually, they will say, “I really can’t afford not to give.” More than anything, we should want to be the kind of person of whom God says, “Of all the Christians in your city, you are the one I can count on to be My partner.”
My friend, if you’re running short on finances, check your heart and see whether or not you’re a Corinthian Christian or a Philippian Christian. Maybe it’s not about the finances. Maybe it’s about giving God more of your time and energy in helping to reach out to the lost souls around you. I promise you: if you and I are faithful in our giving (in every area of our life), the Lord God will continue to “meet all our needs, according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
May the Lord bless you, as you bless others in His name!