Philippians 4:15-23 Giving

Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. [Philippians 4:15-23 NKJV]

Following up on his gratitude for the Philippians gift, he acknowledges their history of generosity. He reiterates that he did not seek the gift, but is grateful that their giving will bear fruit. He follows up with a promise; that God will supply their needs.

The first thing I notice about the giving of the Philippians is that it is a result of their own generosity. A number of churches teach that God requires a ten percent tithe of your income. That was true for the Jews under the Old Covenant;

‘And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s. It is holy to the LORD. ‘If a man wants at all to redeem any of his tithes, he shall add one-fifth to it. ‘And concerning the tithe of the herd or the flock, of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the LORD. ‘He shall not inquire whether it is good or bad, nor shall he exchange it; and if he exchanges it at all, then both it and the one exchanged for it shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.’ ” [Leviticus 27:30-33 NKJV]

But we are no longer under the Old Covenant, but under the New Covenant;

In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away. [Hebrews 8:13 NKJV]

Whenever we give, it should not be out of compulsion or legalistic necessity, but from our hearts. Paul also says;

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. [2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJV]

God has promised to supply all of our needs. Jesus said;

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” [Luke 6:38 NKJV]

 At this point, I would offer a word of caution. Jesus also said;

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. [Matthew 6:33 NKJV]

If you give with the motive of getting more in return, then you are seeking financial gain over the kingdom of God. If you seek the things, you may or may not get the things, but it will be with frustration, and without God. If you seek the kingdom, you will find God, and He will provide the things. Our motivation should be this; God has been generous to us, therefore we should be generous.

There have been several times in my life when I have faced financial hardship. In every case, God has provided. I once had to have a back surgery. I did not have insurance, I lost my job because of my back, and did not see a way. But a surgeon offered to do the surgery for free, and we received help paying for the hospital. After the surgery, I found a new job. I won't say it was always easy, but our needs were always met.

If you give with the right motivation; that is, seeking first the kingdom of God, and giving joyfully and generously as you purpose in your heart, then your offering will be "a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God." This doesn't mean that you can buy God's favor. 

As a father, if I gave my son ten dollars, then learned that he gave two of those dollars to someone else who needed it, I would be thrilled and proud. It won't make me love him more, because I already love him as a father. Giving won't make God love you any more, and you won't earn more of His grace.

Giving from a generous heart will not benefit God, who owns the whole universe. But it will do wonders for your own spirit as you place the priority of God's kingdom above your own greed.

Father, I thank you that You have provided for all my needs. I pray for the grace and the wisdom to give back into Your kingdom.