DRAWING NEAR
February 7
The Joy of Sacrificial Giving
"Saints . . . who are in Philippi" (Phil. 1:1).
As you give toward the needs of others, God will supply your needs.
Perhaps more than any other New Testament church, the Philippian
church was characterized by generous, sacrificial giving. Their
support for Paul extended throughout his missionary travels and was a
source of great joy to him. In addition to money, they also sent
Epaphroditus, a godly man who ministered to Paul during his
imprisonment (Phil. 2:25-30; 4:18).
Paul was selective about accepting financial support from churches
because he didn't want to be a burden or have his motives
misunderstood. First Corinthians 9:6-14 tells us he had the right to
receive support from those he ministered to, but he waived that right
so the gospel would not be hindered in any way. In 2 Corinthians 11:9
he says, "When I was present with you and was in need, I was not a
burden to anyone . . . in everything I kept myself from being a
burden to you, and will continue to do so."
Similarly he wrote to the Thessalonians, "We did not act in an
undisciplined manner among you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without
paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and
day so that we might not be a burden to any of you" (2 Thess. 3:7-9).
In contrast, Paul's willingness to accept support from the Philippian
church speaks of the special trust and affection they shared.
Apparently the Philippians' generosity was so great, it left them
with needs of their own. Paul assured them that their sacrifices were
well-pleasing to God and that He would supply all their needs
according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:18-19).
Like the Philippians, you should be characterized by generous,
sacrificial support of those who minister God's Word to you. Faithful
pastors and elders are worthy of such honor (1 Tim. 5:17-18), and
generous giving brings joy to you and to others.
Suggestions for Prayer:
Thank God for those who faithfully minister to you. Ask for wisdom
in how you might best support the financial needs of your church.
For Further Study:
Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14, 2 Corinthians 9:6-14, and 1 Timothy 6:6-9.
What attitudes and principles are reflected in those passages? How
might you incorporate them into your financial practices?
Drawing Near, Copyright 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org
~~~
Philippians 2:25-30 (NKJV)
25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my
brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and
the one who ministered to my need;
26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you
had heard that he was sick.
27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on
him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow
upon sorrow.
28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him
again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful.
29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold
such men in esteem;
30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not
regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward
me.
Philippians 4:18-19
18 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.
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in
glory by Christ Jesus.
1 Corinthians 9:6-14
6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from
working?
7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and
does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of
the milk of the flock?
8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the
same also?
9 For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox
while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about?
10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no
doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he
who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.
11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if
we reap your material things?
12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even
more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things
lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.
13 Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of
the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of
the offerings of the altar?
14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel
should live from the gospel.
1 Timothy 5:17-18
17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor,
especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.
18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it
treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."
These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
first (1993) devotional work, _Drawing Near_, and they are also sent
out daily for free to several folks via e-mail.
In addition, John's second (1997) devotional, _Strength for Today_,
is also available free via e-mail only. _Strength for Today_ follows
the same format as what you have seen here from _Drawing Near_, but
with different monthly themes.
If you would like to receive daily devotions via e-mail from either
of these series, just let me know (via e-mail), and I will gladly add
you to the list(s) of your choice.
You can hear John MacArthur daily via the Internet by visiting:
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In Christ,
Peter
Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase1@wideopenwest.com
STOP! Who do you think Jesus is?
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To forgive is to set a prisoner free, and to discover that the prisoner was you. -Alistair Begg
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