Word@Work Phil53 - Phillipians 4:17
Published: Mon, 12/07/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
ACCOUNTING INTEGRITY
Phil. 4:17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. (NIV)
Giving should be a normal part of Christian fellowship. However it can expose a minefield of motives, both for the giver and for the recipient. Paul wanted the church to be clear that in thanking them for their kindness, he was not making a subtle demand for more. He was grateful; but his dependency was on the Lord, not them (see Philippians 4:10-13). However, he was also concerned for them: he wanted their giving to be a progress-marker in their Christian lives. He wanted them to grow up as good followers of Jesus, for their characters to become like His and for Jesus to be glorified through their lives. Giving is a very important part of spiritual training, enabling the values of Jesus to be built into the character. And God uses it to care for others and to resource gospel ministry.
Giving reflects God's nature, and the gospel. God loved ... so He gave. He gave Jesus to be our Saviour because He knew that we have no future without Him (see Rom 5:8). Jesus' pattern of giving was self-denying and sacrificial. He commended the poor widow for giving all that she had (see Luke 21:1-4), but shamed the wealthy who refused to be poor so that others might have enough (see Matt 19:16-30). That was exactly the opposite of Jesus' motivation and mission (see 2 Cor 8:9). So in commending Philippian giving, Paul was giving credit to their growth as disciples.
Alas, mixed and greedy motives often spoil both givers and receivers, and are no credit to either. Those who give in order to get back: those who only give what they don't want: those who ask for prayer but are really demanding money: those who receive without giving thanks and fail to give God the glory ... all these have no credit. Yes, the food shortage may be averted, mission travel and resources may be paid for, but if godliness of character remains static, there is no demonstration of God's grace or any blessing. However, when we give because we love Jesus and want to be true partners in the gospel, we grow in faith, and the reputation of Jesus grows among people who are yet to find Him. And if you need resources, don't forget that the Lord is your 'primary supplier'. We have no right to demand from others, and if sharing our needs becomes begging or even threatening, we have missed the point of grace. So today is a good time to examine your motives about money. Let the Lord shape your heart so that you will want to give, and receive, to His praise and glory.
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for providing all that I need. Help me to be an active partner in Your gospel mission, with true motives for giving and receiving. May I grow up in Your grace and may others receive Your love. May I glorify You in my decisions about money and serving today. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Giving should be a normal part of Christian fellowship. However it can expose a minefield of motives, both for the giver and for the recipient. Paul wanted the church to be clear that in thanking them for their kindness, he was not making a subtle demand for more. He was grateful; but his dependency was on the Lord, not them (see Philippians 4:10-13). However, he was also concerned for them: he wanted their giving to be a progress-marker in their Christian lives. He wanted them to grow up as good followers of Jesus, for their characters to become like His and for Jesus to be glorified through their lives. Giving is a very important part of spiritual training, enabling the values of Jesus to be built into the character. And God uses it to care for others and to resource gospel ministry.
Giving reflects God's nature, and the gospel. God loved ... so He gave. He gave Jesus to be our Saviour because He knew that we have no future without Him (see Rom 5:8). Jesus' pattern of giving was self-denying and sacrificial. He commended the poor widow for giving all that she had (see Luke 21:1-4), but shamed the wealthy who refused to be poor so that others might have enough (see Matt 19:16-30). That was exactly the opposite of Jesus' motivation and mission (see 2 Cor 8:9). So in commending Philippian giving, Paul was giving credit to their growth as disciples.
Alas, mixed and greedy motives often spoil both givers and receivers, and are no credit to either. Those who give in order to get back: those who only give what they don't want: those who ask for prayer but are really demanding money: those who receive without giving thanks and fail to give God the glory ... all these have no credit. Yes, the food shortage may be averted, mission travel and resources may be paid for, but if godliness of character remains static, there is no demonstration of God's grace or any blessing. However, when we give because we love Jesus and want to be true partners in the gospel, we grow in faith, and the reputation of Jesus grows among people who are yet to find Him. And if you need resources, don't forget that the Lord is your 'primary supplier'. We have no right to demand from others, and if sharing our needs becomes begging or even threatening, we have missed the point of grace. So today is a good time to examine your motives about money. Let the Lord shape your heart so that you will want to give, and receive, to His praise and glory.
Prayer: Gracious God. Thank You for providing all that I need. Help me to be an active partner in Your gospel mission, with true motives for giving and receiving. May I grow up in Your grace and may others receive Your love. May I glorify You in my decisions about money and serving today. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
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