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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Philippians 4:15-19
15You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone;
16for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.
17Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.
18But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
19And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

This is one of the most common verses in the bible that people stand on for their providence.

However, this verse is often misunderstood, and people just proclaim it without understanding the principle behind this verse. The main reason why its misunderstood, is because people forget the keyword at the start of verse 19, 'And'.

Hence we see that there is a principle behind receiving. If you were to read this verse in context; from verse 15-19, you would see that Paul was praising the Philippians for their giving.

To understand the significance behind this, let us look at 2 Cor 8:1-2.

2 Cor 8:1-2
1Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia,
2that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality.

If you understood what Paul said there, the churches in Macedonia, including Philippi, they were not exactly doing very well financially. Still, they chose to give.

The reason why people are often afraid to give, is because the world's economy runs on scarcity; a lack of supply. But God's economy never lacks. Hallelujah!

You cannot be a Christian and not give; it does not go together. God calls us to give. And its in giving, that we receive.

2 Cor 9:7
Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Find joy in giving. Give. And do it cheerfully.