2022.09.18 - Thankful For Your Support

Text: Philippians 4:14-20 Opening Statement: Why is it so important to support the gospel financially? This morning I would like to look at five things from our passage that happens when you support the gospel with your finances. And I pray they will be an encouragement to you as you grow in the grace of giving to the Lord. WHEN YOU SUPPORT THE GOSPEL WITH YOUR FINANCES: 1) You Further the Spread of the Gospel (14-15) Paul recalls how the Philippian church supported him financially in the early days of their acquaintance with the gospel. We will never fulfill the Great Commission without shared sacrifice for the furtherance of the gospel. That’s your first encouragement to give to the Lord’s work this morning. When you support the gospel with your finances, you further the spread of the gospel. 2) You Supply the Needs of Christian Workers (16) The people we support in missions are real people. Just like you they have real needs. They are not superhuman. They require food, clothing, medical attention, rest, relaxation, and support for their families. Trust me, none of them are getting rich off their work as missionaries. As partners in the gospel, we have the privilege of meeting their needs and making sure they are well provided for. That’s our second encouragement this morning: when you support the gospel with your finances, you supply the needs of Christian workers. 3) You store up treasure in heaven (17) Financial support of the gospel has a strange accounting procedure. What you give for the gospel gets credited back to your account. In fact, that treasure is earning compound interest! How is your heavenly account looking these days? What does your heavenly ledger look like compared to your earthly ledger? That’s our third encouragement for giving this morning. When you support the gospel with your finances, you store up treasure in heaven. 4) Your Gift is an Act of Worship (18) Paul moves from an accounting imagery to that of sacrifice. There is a spiritual dimension to giving that he does no