The Gift in Giving

Philippians 4:10-19.

Philippians 4:17-19

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me;
Indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak from want, for
I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with
humble means, and I also know how to how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I
have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering
need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless, you have done well
to share with me in my affliction. 15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first
preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me with me in the matter of
giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for
my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.
18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having
received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-
pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ
Jesus.

The book of Philippians

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Philippians

Themes: God intends the Christian life to be a joyful experience, made more so by the unity
believers experience in community

Author: Paul

Time: Likely written from prison in Rome circa A.D. 60-62

Philippians 4:10-19
Paul expressed his gratitude to the Philippians for their kind expressions of love and the generous
gift they sent him and thus provides a powerful example of how a Christian can be content
regardless of his circumstances

The passage reminds us the privilege of giving with a sincere heart. Apostle Paul on this context
emphasized the practical & spiritual benefits to the recipients and givers.
Take note: That it is not the gift that we offer, but the spirit of our love and devotion that God
appreciated most.
A. Recipients (There is only one practical benefit)
1. To meet the needs of the receiver.

B. Giver (There are 3 Practical & Spiritual Benefits)

1. The givers will be Spiritually Enriched.
(v. 17) …, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.
It was not the amount but the occasion of gift enriches the giver for such gift is entered in God’s
business book of account to his credit thus, the giver is enriched in his giving. (consider the
accounting term credit and account), thus, the giver is enriched in his giving.

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25

For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His
name, in having ministered and still ministering to the saints. - Hebrews 6:10

This is to say that the Lord knows to “reimburse” the giver.

2. Giver’s Worship to God is made real

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Hebrews 13:16

This is to say that giver’s worship to God is made real and complete.

Financial or Material Gifts Offered are acts of worship

Three (3) Spiritual Benefits (v. 18)
i. Fragrant Offering/Sweet-Smelling Aroma
ii. An Acceptable Sacrifice
iii. Well-pleasing to God
 These phrases are temple terminologies. Apostle Paul shifted his language from
business to temple. Material gifts received higher significance. Ultimately, the gifts
received by the LORD’s work are offerings to God Himself-an act of worship, which
God accepts because they were offered by the obedient hearts. The gifts receive
greater worth and significance because it is not just meeting the human needs-it is an
acceptable sacrifice to God! And lastly as an application, gifts given to the LORD’s
work are temple sacrifices to God-well pleasing to Him.

3. Giver’s Own Needs will be met.

(v. 19) And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ
Jesus.

He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.
Proverbs 19:17
In 1890, a survey was taken to the question
“Name Your Basic Needs”
and the respondents came up with 16 basic needs. The same question was posed in 1990 and the
respondents listed 98 basic needs!
Who will meet those needs?
Philippians 4:19 say so.
If we are going to paraphrase Paul statement, it tells us, “You met my need, and God is going to
meet your need.” “You met one need that I have, but my God will meet all your needs.” “You
gave out of your poverty, but God will supply your needs out of His riches in glory!”

Sometimes believers fail to give what God calls them to because they are afraid they will
not have enough for themselves. We can never outgive the Lord. Be confident that He
can and will meet every need that you have – especially as you are following Him in
obedience.

The Apostle Paul again uses a business terminology to highlight his conviction: The giving church
will be reimbursed gloriously! This promise is only applied to those who gives liberally even
to the point of need, yet “my God”, says Paul, will reimburse the giver far greater and more
glorious!

Nothing purifies more than sharing resources and trusting God to meet your needs.
For these, we can trust God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ
Jesus.