Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
(I Thessalonians 4:1-2)
The final suggestion we will discuss in this series of abounding more and more is that we sustain our current level of giving. Russ reminded us Sunday that this particular goal is for the entire congregation. It is a goal that in order to be achieved requires that families and individuals have their priorities correct. Paul urged the Corinthians to “see that you abound in this grace (giving) also.” (II Corinthians 8:7)
A lot of us are not as financially stable as we were last year. Some are even part of the 11.6 million people that currently do not have a job in the U.S. In some way or another, all of us have cut back in ways that we have never had to before.
Has the spreading of the gospel been damaged because we’ve cut back in our giving? I am afraid that men preaching the gospel around the world will lose their support from some churches because some members will refuse to give liberally. This must not happen at Embry Hills!
I would suggest to you that we have such a skewed view of rich and poor that even in these hard times we are still very rich. But if we want to consider ourselves poor because of the economy let’s look and see how the poor gave in the 1st century.
How The Poor Gave
“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,” (II Corinthians 8:1-3)
Who were these churches in Macedonia that were extremely poor, but gave beyond their means? The church at Philippi and the church at Thessalonica are the most well known, but it’s possible that the church at Berea was a part of this as well. But the point is not which churches, but how the people gave.
The people gave more than what they could spare without being asked. They weren’t pinching pennies when it came to spreading the gospel and helping needy saints. They were seeking opportunities to help as often and much as they could. In Philippians 4:10 it tells us that the Philippians would have helped Paul at other times, but no opportunity was made available.
But when the opportunity presented itself they were ready and willing to contribute every penny they could, “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your account” (Philippians 4:15-17)
Why would Paul only accept funds for his preaching from this extremely poor church in Philippi? I would suggest because of the good fruit that was produced. They had been partnering with Paul in the gospel since the very first day they received it. (see Philippians 1:5) They were so grateful for the gospel that they were willing give help in any way they could. They first gave Paul a place to stay and then later sent their own Epaphroditus to deliver the gift for Paul’s needs.
Why did they give beyond their means? I believe because they wanted others to have the same good news they had! They were desiring to do everything possible to give that good news to others! In their minds, giving others the good news was better than having abundance in this life.
Why Do You Give?
Truly ask yourself this question. In my opinion, this is the most fundamental question in giving. I’m afraid that many will answer because we are commanded to in I Corinthians 16. While that is true, I’m so bold as to say that you will never abound in giving if this is your only reason.
I would suggest that you look at your giving as a personal opportunity to spread the gospel. If you make your giving a personal effort to spread the gospel like the Philippians who were extremely poor, how can you justify giving any less just because of the current economic situation? If we truly make it personal we will realize we aren’t giving enough of our money or ourselves!
~ by Wes Gossett