Joy in God-honouring generosity

We had our Annual Members Meeting last week and as is our custom, our Finance Director, Wendy Brouwer, took us through a comprehensive run through of our finances from last year, and where we are this year-to-date. The report was incredibly encouraging, especially where we’re at this year. You are a generous church, and we as your staff team thank God often for that.

Generosity is a mainstay of the Christian life, and in many ways a non-generous Christian is an oxymoron. Tim Keller once wrote: “A lack of generosity refuses to acknowledge that your assets are not really yours, but God’s.” That was the heart clearly evident in the Philippian church as Paul commends their partnership and generosity toward him in the final words of his letter. As we carefully consider the steps we take in our walk with Christ, we must look intently at how our giving is honouring God or not. In today’s economic climate with the pressures we face, I’d contend that careful consideration is just as if not more important today.

We’ll wrap up our three-year, intermittent look at the letter of Paul to the Philippians this Sunday. It’s been a wonderful journey for me personally, and I pray for you as well. Next week we’re excited to have Leo Klus join us to kick off a 10-week series in Colossians (yes…we’re simply turning the page to the next book, next week!), called “Invisible God: Visible Faith.” Excited about all of these things.

Series: Joy Unleashed
Message 14- Joy in God-honouring generosity
Text: Philippians 4:14-23
Jordan Coros
Harvest Bible Chapel
June 18, 2023

Give me five minutes in a person’s check book and I’ll tell you where their heart is.
Billy Graham

Matthew 6:21

My giving honours God when it’s done...

1)...out of gospel partnership (v. 14-16)

As he served the Philippians sacrificially, they have given to him sacrificially, but all in the greater course of serving the gospel.
David Garland

2 Corinthians 8:1-3

2)...out of a desire for gospel growth (v. 17)

2 Corinthians 9:10-12

In all my years of service to the Lord, I have discovered a truth that has never failed and has never been compromised. That truth is that it is beyond the realm of possibilities that one has the ability to out give God. Even if I give the whole of my worth to Him, He will find a way to give back to me much more than I gave.
Charles Spurgeon

Matthew 25:21

Matthew 6:3-4

3)...out of a heart that worships God (v. 18)

Hebrews 11:6

4)...out of God’s glorious provision (v. 19-23

The most obvious lesson in Christ’s teaching is that there is no happiness in having or getting anything, but only in giving.
Henry Drummond