Page 65 - Living Light - A Message of Joy!

Friday February 16 - The ultimate purpose of giving ...what I desire is that more be credited to your account... They are a
fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. Philippians 4:17-18
Every Christian should be one who invests financially in the Lord’s work. We should follow the Philippians’ example of faithful, sacrificial support of those who serve in proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we give to the work of spreading the gospel, we are wisely stewarding what God has entrusted to us for his glory.
But Paul’s main concern here, over and above what he receives from them, is the higher purpose of what their gift means to God. The Philippians’ stewardship is in fact an act of worship. The apostle uses the imagery of the Old Testament sacrifices, which we understand as being an offering to God. In this ritual, the priest poured incense over the sacrifice, resulting in a fragrant aroma that ascended upward to heaven. The sweet-smelling scent was a picture of God’s pleasure in, and acceptance of, the sacrifice that was offered. Similarly, the giving by the Philippian Christians was an expression of their love for God, as much as their love for Paul.
Here is the ultimate reason and greatest motive in giving to gospel ministry. More than meeting the needs of others, the highest aim is the pleasure it brings to the Father. When you realise that your financial support of faithful servants of God is actually ‘a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God’, you will discover what Paul meant by being, ‘a cheerful giver’ (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Father, please help me to bring you pleasure in the way I support gospel ministry. Amen.
Saturday February 17 - Overflowing provision
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in
Christ Jesus... Philippians 4:19-20
Because of their sacrificial giving, Paul pronounces to the church in Philippi that ‘God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.’ Notice that this comes in the form of a promise. Not only would the Philippians receive spiritual reward in heaven for their beyond-the-call-of-duty giving, but also God would provide for their own practical needs in life. This amazing benevolence from God would come ‘according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.’ Not just out of his riches, which may suggest a mere portion, but according to his riches. In other words, God’s provision would be in proportion to his limitless resources and kindness.
This is an important promise. It holds true not just for our corporate church life, but for us as individuals too. As believers sacrificially support true gospel ministry, God will supply their needs. As Jesus taught, “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 you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).
Paul concludes his letter by giving glory to God (v 20); a fitting doxology following the wonderful theology of the previous verses, and indeed the whole epistle. Though Paul finds himself in dire straits, he nevertheless abounds in giving glory to God for his goodness towards him and this loving church.
Father God, thank you for the abundance of your provision to me in Christ. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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