May 30, 2021
There is an awesome truth recorded in Philippians 4:17 that many very easily pass right by it. Paul uses commercial language to describe “giving and receiving” (credit and debit) between the Philippians and himself. During Paul’s second missionary journey, the Philippians Christians contributed to his ministry with gifts, in fact, Paul says they were the only contributors. For a period of time, the Philippians had not contributed, not because they were lacking in concern, but they lacked opportunity.
At the time of this writing (the book of Philippians), Paul is in prison and has received a gift from the Philippian Christians. Paul is genuinely appreciative for the gifts but is not ultimately dependent on them. Their gifts involves them (the Philippians) in Paul’s troubles. (A person’s gift to the Lord involves them in Kingdom work). Paul says to the Philippians Christians; “You gave and gave.” Please watch this: The investment value” of the Philippians gift is not primarily what Paul received, but the “spiritual dividends” they received. To the Corinthian Christians, Paul says, “God loveth a cheerful giver.”
What an awesome word! To care for the needs of the poor is to make a deposit in heaven’s savings bank. The interest from His savings bank is more than generous, it is astounding; it can be a hundred percent, sixty percent or thirty percent. Only God can continually give that kind of return on your investment, be it your time, your efforts, and/or your money. Let me share with you a word that the Lord gave to me and that word has blessed me tremendously: “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days” (Ecclesiastes 11:1). Need and opportunity brought together becomes responsibility (yours and mine).
Be Blessed in Him
Pastor J. Amos Jones
