WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.620 Chapter 29, starting at verse 10, and that's on page 434. 00:00:07.759 --> 00:00:08.279 434. 00:00:09.480 --> 00:00:14.640 1 Chronicles chapter 29, beginning at verse 10. 00:00:20.059 --> 00:00:23.780 David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, 00:00:23.780 --> 00:00:30.420 Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our Father Israel, and from everlasting to everlasting. 00:00:31.380 --> 00:00:36.560 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power, and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, 00:00:37.039 --> 00:00:39.900 for everything in heaven and earth is yours. 00:00:40.620 --> 00:00:44.219 Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom. You are exalted as head over all. 00:00:45.079 --> 00:00:48.460 Wealth and honor come from you. You are the ruler of all things. 00:00:48.859 --> 00:00:53.219 In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. 00:00:54.300 --> 00:00:57.820 Now, our God, we give you thanks and praise your glorious name. 00:00:59.060 --> 00:01:04.379 But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? 00:01:05.120 --> 00:01:10.159 Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 00:01:11.000 --> 00:01:15.340 We are aliens and strangers in your sight, as were all our forefathers. 00:01:16.260 --> 00:01:18.719 Our days on earth are like a shadow without hope. 00:01:18.719 --> 00:01:26.459 O Lord, our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your holy name, 00:01:26.900 --> 00:01:29.859 it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 00:01:30.640 --> 00:01:34.159 I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. 00:01:34.159 --> 00:01:42.379 All these things have I given willingly and with honest intent. 00:01:42.840 --> 00:01:49.539 And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. 00:01:50.099 --> 00:01:53.739 O Lord, God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, 00:01:54.299 --> 00:01:59.259 keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. 00:01:59.260 --> 00:02:29.240 O Lord, God of our fathers, Abraham, and Israel, 00:02:29.259 --> 00:02:32.939 So, verses 10 to 20 of chapter 4. 00:02:32.939 --> 00:02:38.319 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:43.019 Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 00:02:43.679 --> 00:02:48.879 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 00:02:49.759 --> 00:02:53.479 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 00:02:53.479 --> 00:03:03.019 I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 00:03:03.020 --> 00:03:06.700 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 00:03:06.699 --> 00:03:09.579 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 00:03:09.580 --> 00:03:15.360 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, 00:03:15.620 --> 00:03:22.640 when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only. 00:03:23.200 --> 00:03:28.080 For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. 00:03:28.080 --> 00:03:33.820 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 00:03:34.480 --> 00:03:37.180 I have received full payment and even more. 00:03:37.600 --> 00:03:43.220 I am amply supplied now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. 00:03:43.900 --> 00:03:48.300 They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 00:03:49.020 --> 00:03:54.820 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 00:03:54.819 --> 00:03:59.819 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. 00:04:00.419 --> 00:04:00.799 Amen. 00:04:01.939 --> 00:04:02.439 Amen. 00:04:13.519 --> 00:04:14.680 Thanks very much. 00:04:14.780 --> 00:04:18.680 Well, please keep your Bibles open at that passage there in Philippians. 00:04:19.519 --> 00:04:21.039 And chapter 4. 00:04:24.819 --> 00:04:29.579 We're thinking this morning of giving. 00:04:30.159 --> 00:04:30.740 Do you have it? 00:04:32.800 --> 00:04:33.699 Oh, wonderful. 00:04:34.139 --> 00:04:34.639 Thank you. 00:04:35.199 --> 00:04:36.120 Magic, isn't it? 00:04:37.560 --> 00:04:41.579 We've been looking at different aspects of what we do on a Sunday morning. 00:04:42.279 --> 00:04:49.360 So we've been looking at things like singing, prayer, hearing from God's word, meeting together, what we did last week. 00:04:49.360 --> 00:04:52.840 And then this week, we're going to be looking at giving. 00:04:53.639 --> 00:04:57.360 The collection, or as some people do it, by standing order. 00:04:58.100 --> 00:05:10.960 And as I've said, if you want to know more about giving, there's that sheet, which has just kind of a big overview of where the giving goes to, what comes in, what goes out, and how it is all used. 00:05:10.959 --> 00:05:12.479 Because we want to be up front. 00:05:12.479 --> 00:05:20.359 We don't want to be hiding anything from anybody, but that you all know what is happening in regards to our finances. 00:05:21.339 --> 00:05:23.339 But what about giving for ourselves? 00:05:23.839 --> 00:05:26.000 Well, that's what we have to think through this morning. 00:05:26.120 --> 00:05:26.859 So let's pray. 00:05:27.359 --> 00:05:32.319 And then we're going to look at the book of Philippians as we think about giving. 00:05:32.539 --> 00:05:34.279 Let's pray together. 00:05:34.279 --> 00:05:59.719 Father, we thank you for giving to us your grace, for giving to us your Son, the Lord Jesus, for giving to us the gift of your Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ, living within all those who trust you and love you. 00:05:59.720 --> 00:06:19.660 Father, we thank you for your many gifts, and we pray for your help, for your enabling, for your grace to be poured out upon us through your Spirit, that we may better grasp what it is to be a giving people, how we give, what we give. 00:06:21.260 --> 00:06:22.720 Please teach us. 00:06:25.080 --> 00:06:28.300 And may your words shape our lives. 00:06:28.560 --> 00:06:29.680 In Jesus' name. 00:06:30.360 --> 00:06:30.700 Amen. 00:06:35.380 --> 00:06:40.120 Well, as you sit, you must be thinking, Johnny, you must be mad. 00:06:40.800 --> 00:06:48.240 How can I begin to think of giving when I don't even have enough to be paying my bills? 00:06:49.240 --> 00:06:53.320 You must be living on a different planet or be best buddies with Bono. 00:06:53.940 --> 00:06:56.720 Don't you understand the trouble that we're all in? 00:06:56.720 --> 00:07:05.960 The increase in tax, the cut in benefits, the introduction of levies, and the reduction in pay. 00:07:05.959 --> 00:07:09.659 What are you going on about giving for? 00:07:09.659 --> 00:07:15.459 The government are taking enough of our money, and now it seems like the church are wanting a bit more. 00:07:15.459 --> 00:07:20.799 Well, before you all leave in protest, let me say this very clearly. 00:07:20.800 --> 00:07:25.040 This is not a demand for more money. 00:07:25.040 --> 00:07:30.540 And this is not a desire to make anybody feel guilty. 00:07:30.540 --> 00:07:31.140 Okay? 00:07:31.140 --> 00:07:32.040 So do you hear that? 00:07:32.040 --> 00:07:37.200 It is not a demand for money, and it is not to see anybody feel guilty. 00:07:37.819 --> 00:07:38.819 For two reasons. 00:07:38.980 --> 00:07:44.120 Firstly, as pastor, I'm aware of people's generosity and their sacrificial giving. 00:07:44.120 --> 00:07:47.879 In fact, as a church, we have been able to give. 00:07:48.399 --> 00:07:54.480 Not only have we been able to give, but giving has increased when the economy has been going down. 00:07:54.579 --> 00:07:56.699 You can have a look at the sheet and you will see that. 00:07:57.280 --> 00:08:03.899 At the end of last year, we managed to balance out at a time when businesses are going bust. 00:08:03.899 --> 00:08:13.199 And not only have we been able to give week by week or month by month, but we've been able to give as certain needs have arisen, 00:08:13.379 --> 00:08:18.839 such as many who is going to Korea or to the work of compassion. 00:08:19.819 --> 00:08:24.639 People are and people do give despite tough times. 00:08:24.779 --> 00:08:27.299 So I want to recognize that. 00:08:27.300 --> 00:08:34.720 Second, on a surface reading of this text, we find ourselves in different circumstances. 00:08:36.240 --> 00:08:38.899 Paul knew this very well in verse 12. 00:08:40.039 --> 00:08:40.639 He says, 00:08:40.740 --> 00:08:46.419 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 00:08:47.320 --> 00:08:52.200 So each person here and every family represented goes through different seasons. 00:08:52.200 --> 00:08:54.519 Sometimes we're people who are in need, 00:08:54.519 --> 00:08:57.399 and sometimes we are people who have plenty. 00:08:57.960 --> 00:09:00.000 We're all in different circumstances, 00:09:00.539 --> 00:09:03.840 and therefore we have to respond accordingly. 00:09:05.179 --> 00:09:11.919 So this is not an attempt for me to get myself a white suit and some nice gold rings and a nice gold necklace, 00:09:12.319 --> 00:09:14.819 get myself on the God channel and say, 00:09:14.819 --> 00:09:20.199 sow those seeds of financial giving and the Lord is going to bless you richly. 00:09:21.059 --> 00:09:22.220 It's not about that at all. 00:09:22.220 --> 00:09:31.040 So our aim this morning is to see if our attitude and our approach to giving is in line with what God has to say. 00:09:31.700 --> 00:09:37.860 Is our attitude and our approach to giving in line with what God has to say? 00:09:38.600 --> 00:09:43.120 And to do that, we're going to look at these closing comments in Philippians chapter 4, 00:09:43.120 --> 00:09:49.560 this letter to the church in Philippi to help us be clear about giving. 00:09:49.559 --> 00:09:54.399 So four things we're going to look at about giving. 00:09:54.659 --> 00:09:58.459 And if you pay attention, you might even hear me say, 00:09:58.839 --> 00:10:00.599 we don't want your money. 00:10:01.500 --> 00:10:02.679 So pay attention. 00:10:04.159 --> 00:10:09.359 So the first one, partnership in the gospel of Christ. 00:10:09.599 --> 00:10:12.619 Giving is about our partnership in the gospel of Christ. 00:10:12.620 --> 00:10:17.120 Look at chapter 1 of Philippians, verse 3. 00:10:22.820 --> 00:10:26.480 I thank my God every time I remember you. 00:10:27.060 --> 00:10:31.139 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. 00:10:32.539 --> 00:10:34.480 Why is he thankful and why is he joyful? 00:10:34.480 --> 00:10:41.080 Verse 5, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 00:10:41.080 --> 00:10:49.660 In business terms, partnership simply means a commitment to a shared vision or a joint venture. 00:10:50.759 --> 00:10:56.460 Now I think that helps us understand the partnership between Paul and this church at Philippi. 00:10:56.660 --> 00:11:01.560 They both have a commitment to a shared vision, a joint venture. 00:11:01.559 --> 00:11:10.899 They want to see the gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ, go to every nation and every people group in the world. 00:11:11.059 --> 00:11:12.000 That's their vision. 00:11:12.879 --> 00:11:17.739 They are partners in this gospel to see it go across the world. 00:11:18.819 --> 00:11:24.099 Now the church's commitment to this vision is seen in their sacrificial giving. 00:11:24.799 --> 00:11:25.979 In two ways. 00:11:26.119 --> 00:11:27.959 Firstly, in the presence. 00:11:27.960 --> 00:11:32.740 So as Paul is writing this letter, he's actually in prison. 00:11:32.900 --> 00:11:34.920 So look at chapter 1, verse 12. 00:11:37.080 --> 00:11:37.759 He says, 00:11:37.759 --> 00:12:06.639 So even though he's in prison, the gospel is going. 00:12:06.639 --> 00:12:10.240 But how did they partner Paul when he was in prison? 00:12:10.939 --> 00:12:12.980 Well, look at chapter 2, verse 25. 00:12:14.539 --> 00:12:15.980 And we get the answer. 00:12:17.220 --> 00:12:18.799 Chapter 2, verse 25. 00:12:21.199 --> 00:12:21.960 He says, 00:12:21.960 --> 00:12:38.940 So here's Paul in prison. 00:12:38.940 --> 00:12:40.280 How did they partner him? 00:12:40.280 --> 00:12:47.920 By sending one of their own people, Epaphroditus from their own church, to go to where Paul was to take care of his needs. 00:12:48.740 --> 00:12:54.400 And as a result of this partnership, the gospel continued to advance, even though he was in prison. 00:12:54.399 --> 00:12:59.899 But not only did they give people to Paul, they also gave gifts. 00:13:00.259 --> 00:13:01.480 Look at verse 29. 00:13:02.819 --> 00:13:03.620 Chapter 2. 00:13:03.699 --> 00:13:04.079 He says, 00:13:04.080 --> 00:13:22.180 So he's talking here about the fact that the church had sent a financial gift. 00:13:22.179 --> 00:13:24.159 That was as much as they could give. 00:13:25.199 --> 00:13:27.979 And because there was no electronic banking in those days, 00:13:28.299 --> 00:13:32.419 Epaphroditus was the guy who was going to bring that gift to the church. 00:13:32.799 --> 00:13:33.739 To Paul, rather. 00:13:33.859 --> 00:13:34.419 In prison. 00:13:35.139 --> 00:13:38.919 And he was going to go along and take care of his needs. 00:13:38.919 --> 00:13:45.559 So in response to their giving, Paul could say in chapter 4, verse 10. 00:13:47.559 --> 00:13:48.259 He can say, 00:13:48.500 --> 00:13:53.699 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. 00:13:54.439 --> 00:14:00.579 Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 00:14:01.199 --> 00:14:01.899 Verse 14. 00:14:02.419 --> 00:14:05.959 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 00:14:05.960 --> 00:14:10.200 So we can begin to see their partnership in the gospel. 00:14:10.800 --> 00:14:13.400 They were committed to seeing the gospel advance, 00:14:13.820 --> 00:14:15.280 and they gave of people, 00:14:15.759 --> 00:14:19.160 and they gave of their finances to make sure that that happened. 00:14:19.259 --> 00:14:22.879 So this was in the present circumstances for where Paul was. 00:14:23.080 --> 00:14:25.600 But it also happened in the past. 00:14:26.040 --> 00:14:27.980 Look at verse 15 of chapter 4. 00:14:29.820 --> 00:14:31.860 Moreover, as you Philippians know, 00:14:31.960 --> 00:14:34.120 in the early days of your acquaintance, 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:35.860 and the same word there, acquaintance, 00:14:36.200 --> 00:14:37.179 is partnership. 00:14:37.980 --> 00:14:38.220 Okay? 00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:41.519 So in the early days of your partnership with the gospel, 00:14:41.980 --> 00:14:43.919 when I set out from Macedonia, 00:14:44.379 --> 00:14:46.399 not one church shared with me 00:14:46.399 --> 00:14:48.480 in the matter of giving and receiving, 00:14:49.019 --> 00:14:50.560 except you only. 00:14:51.419 --> 00:14:53.720 For even when I was in Thessalonica, 00:14:54.039 --> 00:14:56.840 you sent me aid again and again 00:14:56.840 --> 00:14:58.379 when I was in need. 00:14:58.379 --> 00:15:01.679 Now if we went back to Acts 16, 00:15:01.779 --> 00:15:03.120 there's no need to turn to it. 00:15:03.200 --> 00:15:06.740 We have this great account of how the church started in Philippi. 00:15:07.720 --> 00:15:10.159 And as soon as the church started, 00:15:10.919 --> 00:15:12.799 Paul then moved off from Philippi, 00:15:12.840 --> 00:15:15.679 and he went off down to a town called Thessalonica, 00:15:16.320 --> 00:15:18.360 where he continued to preach the gospel 00:15:18.360 --> 00:15:20.720 and start new churches. 00:15:21.720 --> 00:15:22.639 And amazingly, 00:15:22.960 --> 00:15:24.639 this new church in Philippi, 00:15:25.019 --> 00:15:26.600 these baby new Christians, 00:15:26.600 --> 00:15:29.840 as Paul moved away from that church, 00:15:30.200 --> 00:15:31.800 they were the first church 00:15:31.800 --> 00:15:33.279 to support him 00:15:33.279 --> 00:15:34.620 and to help him 00:15:34.620 --> 00:15:36.639 in his church planting work. 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:38.019 So verse 16, 00:15:38.340 --> 00:15:38.779 he says, 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:40.379 when I was in Thessalonica, 00:15:40.720 --> 00:15:42.720 you sent me aid again 00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:43.620 and again 00:15:43.620 --> 00:15:45.320 when I was in need. 00:15:46.100 --> 00:15:48.639 So that's why Paul can start his letter 00:15:48.639 --> 00:15:50.259 by thanking God 00:15:50.259 --> 00:15:51.420 for their partnership 00:15:51.420 --> 00:15:52.620 in the gospel 00:15:52.620 --> 00:15:53.920 from the first day 00:15:53.920 --> 00:15:55.820 right up until now. 00:15:56.600 --> 00:15:57.399 Together, 00:15:57.659 --> 00:15:58.639 they are committed 00:15:58.639 --> 00:16:00.420 to the same vision. 00:16:00.920 --> 00:16:02.460 They have this joint venture 00:16:02.460 --> 00:16:04.519 to see the advance of the gospel 00:16:04.519 --> 00:16:07.379 and the planting of new churches. 00:16:08.820 --> 00:16:09.540 Now, 00:16:09.740 --> 00:16:11.620 if we have faith in Christ, 00:16:12.980 --> 00:16:14.240 we together here 00:16:14.240 --> 00:16:16.920 are also partners in the gospel. 00:16:17.379 --> 00:16:19.360 We're partners with each other 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:22.320 and with the wider church of God's people 00:16:22.320 --> 00:16:24.580 all around the world. 00:16:24.580 --> 00:16:27.060 So as a church, 00:16:27.360 --> 00:16:28.440 we make sure 00:16:28.440 --> 00:16:30.700 that all our giving 00:16:30.700 --> 00:16:32.259 goes to the advance 00:16:32.259 --> 00:16:33.200 of the gospel 00:16:33.200 --> 00:16:34.680 and the starting 00:16:34.680 --> 00:16:36.160 of new churches. 00:16:36.800 --> 00:16:38.580 So check out those sheets 00:16:38.580 --> 00:16:39.540 and make sure 00:16:39.540 --> 00:16:40.560 that that's what happens, 00:16:40.900 --> 00:16:41.920 that all our giving 00:16:41.920 --> 00:16:42.580 goes towards 00:16:42.580 --> 00:16:44.000 the advance of the gospel 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:45.280 and the starting 00:16:45.280 --> 00:16:46.120 of new churches. 00:16:46.120 --> 00:16:48.039 Of course, 00:16:48.159 --> 00:16:49.360 there are bills to pay. 00:16:49.639 --> 00:16:50.360 There's rent 00:16:50.360 --> 00:16:51.279 and there's insurance. 00:16:51.480 --> 00:16:52.159 We have to meet 00:16:52.159 --> 00:16:53.019 somewhere like this. 00:16:53.100 --> 00:16:53.720 We have to pay 00:16:53.720 --> 00:16:54.399 for the lighting 00:16:54.399 --> 00:16:55.379 and all the rest of it. 00:16:55.919 --> 00:16:56.940 But all of that 00:16:56.940 --> 00:16:58.120 is geared down 00:16:58.120 --> 00:16:59.200 to making 00:16:59.200 --> 00:17:00.120 mission 00:17:00.120 --> 00:17:01.019 happen. 00:17:01.360 --> 00:17:02.320 The training up, 00:17:02.500 --> 00:17:03.259 the building up 00:17:03.259 --> 00:17:03.799 of people, 00:17:04.220 --> 00:17:05.000 the advancing 00:17:05.000 --> 00:17:05.700 of the gospel 00:17:05.700 --> 00:17:06.799 and the starting 00:17:06.799 --> 00:17:08.240 of new churches. 00:17:08.240 --> 00:17:10.279 So let me make 00:17:10.279 --> 00:17:11.319 this crystal clear. 00:17:13.079 --> 00:17:14.140 Only give 00:17:14.140 --> 00:17:15.740 if you want 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:16.299 to see 00:17:16.299 --> 00:17:17.380 the gospel 00:17:17.380 --> 00:17:18.539 advance. 00:17:19.299 --> 00:17:20.559 If this is not 00:17:20.559 --> 00:17:21.160 your vision, 00:17:22.039 --> 00:17:23.120 if you are not 00:17:23.120 --> 00:17:23.980 concerned about 00:17:23.980 --> 00:17:24.680 the good news 00:17:24.680 --> 00:17:25.539 of Jesus going 00:17:25.539 --> 00:17:26.799 into all the world, 00:17:27.380 --> 00:17:28.480 then please 00:17:28.480 --> 00:17:30.180 don't give. 00:17:31.460 --> 00:17:33.079 We don't want 00:17:33.079 --> 00:17:34.099 people giving 00:17:34.099 --> 00:17:34.700 their money 00:17:34.700 --> 00:17:35.440 to something 00:17:35.440 --> 00:17:36.400 that they don't 00:17:36.400 --> 00:17:37.339 believe in. 00:17:37.339 --> 00:17:38.619 And it's really 00:17:38.619 --> 00:17:39.359 important that 00:17:39.359 --> 00:17:40.199 we get that. 00:17:41.019 --> 00:17:42.099 Unless you are 00:17:42.099 --> 00:17:42.740 a partner 00:17:42.740 --> 00:17:43.699 in the gospel, 00:17:44.159 --> 00:17:45.079 unless your vision 00:17:45.079 --> 00:17:45.639 is to see 00:17:45.639 --> 00:17:46.779 the gospel advance 00:17:46.779 --> 00:17:47.659 and to see 00:17:47.659 --> 00:17:48.720 churches planted, 00:17:49.159 --> 00:17:50.099 then it's much 00:17:50.099 --> 00:17:51.059 better to give 00:17:51.059 --> 00:17:51.579 your money 00:17:51.579 --> 00:17:52.519 to something 00:17:52.519 --> 00:17:53.240 else that you 00:17:53.240 --> 00:17:54.299 do believe in. 00:17:55.359 --> 00:17:56.319 We want 00:17:56.319 --> 00:17:57.139 and we encourage 00:17:57.139 --> 00:17:58.199 people to give 00:17:58.199 --> 00:18:00.039 those who are 00:18:00.039 --> 00:18:00.599 partners 00:18:00.599 --> 00:18:02.079 in the gospel. 00:18:03.159 --> 00:18:03.839 Unashamedly, 00:18:03.839 --> 00:18:04.859 we make it 00:18:04.859 --> 00:18:05.500 a focus 00:18:05.500 --> 00:18:06.679 within this church 00:18:06.680 --> 00:18:07.799 to see the 00:18:07.799 --> 00:18:08.740 gospel advance 00:18:08.740 --> 00:18:09.720 and to see 00:18:09.720 --> 00:18:10.640 churches planted 00:18:10.640 --> 00:18:11.820 and that's 00:18:11.820 --> 00:18:12.220 where we 00:18:12.220 --> 00:18:13.240 encourage people 00:18:13.240 --> 00:18:14.500 to give. 00:18:15.340 --> 00:18:16.440 If that's not 00:18:16.440 --> 00:18:16.980 your vision, 00:18:17.700 --> 00:18:18.299 then give 00:18:18.299 --> 00:18:19.180 to some 00:18:19.180 --> 00:18:20.039 other cause. 00:18:21.039 --> 00:18:22.080 So that's the 00:18:22.080 --> 00:18:22.539 first thing, 00:18:22.620 --> 00:18:23.160 we are to be 00:18:23.160 --> 00:18:24.799 partners in 00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:25.220 giving. 00:18:26.060 --> 00:18:26.880 The second 00:18:26.880 --> 00:18:28.420 reason for 00:18:28.420 --> 00:18:29.100 giving is 00:18:29.100 --> 00:18:30.060 about sharing 00:18:30.060 --> 00:18:31.500 in the grace 00:18:31.500 --> 00:18:32.180 of Christ. 00:18:33.080 --> 00:18:34.220 Sharing in the 00:18:34.220 --> 00:18:35.080 grace of Christ. 00:18:35.079 --> 00:18:36.799 chapter 1 00:18:36.799 --> 00:18:37.899 verse 7. 00:18:41.339 --> 00:18:41.980 He's been 00:18:41.980 --> 00:18:42.619 talking about 00:18:42.619 --> 00:18:43.339 their partnership. 00:18:43.519 --> 00:18:43.819 He says, 00:18:43.919 --> 00:18:44.659 it's right for 00:18:44.659 --> 00:18:45.359 me to feel 00:18:45.359 --> 00:18:45.939 this way 00:18:45.939 --> 00:18:46.679 about all 00:18:46.679 --> 00:18:47.079 of you. 00:18:47.539 --> 00:18:48.079 Since I 00:18:48.079 --> 00:18:48.480 have you 00:18:48.480 --> 00:18:48.839 in my 00:18:48.839 --> 00:18:49.159 heart, 00:18:49.259 --> 00:18:49.659 for whether 00:18:49.659 --> 00:18:50.339 I am in 00:18:50.339 --> 00:18:50.859 chains 00:18:50.859 --> 00:18:51.980 or defending 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:52.779 and confirming 00:18:52.779 --> 00:18:53.419 the gospel, 00:18:53.980 --> 00:18:54.659 all of you 00:18:54.659 --> 00:18:55.919 share in 00:18:55.919 --> 00:18:56.839 God's grace 00:18:56.839 --> 00:18:57.779 with me. 00:18:58.339 --> 00:18:59.099 So whenever 00:18:59.099 --> 00:18:59.779 Paul went 00:18:59.779 --> 00:19:00.419 to Philippi, 00:19:00.519 --> 00:19:01.059 he told them 00:19:01.059 --> 00:19:01.740 the good news 00:19:01.740 --> 00:19:02.399 about Jesus 00:19:02.400 --> 00:19:02.900 Christ, 00:19:03.019 --> 00:19:03.560 about the 00:19:03.560 --> 00:19:04.720 grace they 00:19:04.720 --> 00:19:05.540 had received. 00:19:05.820 --> 00:19:06.440 That through 00:19:06.440 --> 00:19:07.140 our faith in 00:19:07.140 --> 00:19:08.519 Christ and 00:19:08.519 --> 00:19:09.300 everything that 00:19:09.300 --> 00:19:10.080 Jesus has done 00:19:10.080 --> 00:19:10.380 for us, 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:11.019 we're forgiven 00:19:11.019 --> 00:19:11.560 of all of 00:19:11.560 --> 00:19:12.100 our sin, 00:19:12.620 --> 00:19:13.280 all of our 00:19:13.280 --> 00:19:14.740 guilt is dealt 00:19:14.740 --> 00:19:15.019 with, 00:19:15.259 --> 00:19:16.259 we're set free 00:19:16.259 --> 00:19:16.980 from God's 00:19:16.980 --> 00:19:17.560 wrath because 00:19:17.560 --> 00:19:18.400 Jesus took 00:19:18.400 --> 00:19:19.840 that and we 00:19:19.840 --> 00:19:20.820 are now welcomed 00:19:20.820 --> 00:19:21.480 into his 00:19:21.480 --> 00:19:21.920 family. 00:19:22.660 --> 00:19:23.300 So he's 00:19:23.300 --> 00:19:24.180 reminding them 00:19:24.180 --> 00:19:25.180 of the grace 00:19:25.180 --> 00:19:26.340 that they share 00:19:26.340 --> 00:19:27.080 in together. 00:19:27.640 --> 00:19:28.100 In fact, 00:19:28.180 --> 00:19:29.180 he reminds them 00:19:29.180 --> 00:19:30.820 of the outworkings 00:19:30.819 --> 00:19:31.500 of that grace. 00:19:31.599 --> 00:19:31.919 Look at 00:19:31.919 --> 00:19:32.700 chapter 3 00:19:32.700 --> 00:19:33.779 verse 20. 00:19:36.480 --> 00:19:37.460 This is an 00:19:37.460 --> 00:19:38.259 aspect of 00:19:38.259 --> 00:19:38.919 sharing in 00:19:38.919 --> 00:19:39.460 the grace. 00:19:40.519 --> 00:19:41.119 Chapter 3 00:19:41.119 --> 00:19:41.799 verse 20. 00:19:42.179 --> 00:19:42.799 But he says, 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:44.200 our citizenship 00:19:44.200 --> 00:19:45.259 is in heaven 00:19:45.259 --> 00:19:47.220 and we eagerly 00:19:47.220 --> 00:19:47.819 await a 00:19:47.819 --> 00:19:48.439 saviour from 00:19:48.439 --> 00:19:48.659 there, 00:19:48.779 --> 00:19:49.259 the Lord 00:19:49.259 --> 00:19:50.200 Jesus Christ, 00:19:50.740 --> 00:19:51.299 who by the 00:19:51.299 --> 00:19:51.980 power that 00:19:51.980 --> 00:19:52.639 enables him 00:19:52.639 --> 00:19:53.039 to bring 00:19:53.039 --> 00:19:53.619 everything 00:19:53.619 --> 00:19:54.539 under his 00:19:54.539 --> 00:19:55.059 control, 00:19:55.460 --> 00:19:56.419 will transform 00:19:56.419 --> 00:19:57.379 our lowly 00:19:57.379 --> 00:19:58.480 bodies so 00:19:58.480 --> 00:19:59.019 they will be 00:19:59.019 --> 00:19:59.559 like his 00:19:59.559 --> 00:20:00.639 glorious body. 00:20:00.819 --> 00:20:02.240 So this 00:20:02.240 --> 00:20:02.919 grace that 00:20:02.919 --> 00:20:03.500 they share 00:20:03.500 --> 00:20:04.299 in has 00:20:04.299 --> 00:20:04.899 dealt with 00:20:04.899 --> 00:20:05.599 their past 00:20:05.599 --> 00:20:07.119 and the 00:20:07.119 --> 00:20:07.599 grace that 00:20:07.599 --> 00:20:08.099 they share 00:20:08.099 --> 00:20:08.539 in has 00:20:08.539 --> 00:20:09.119 secured 00:20:09.119 --> 00:20:10.319 their future. 00:20:11.460 --> 00:20:12.179 The grace 00:20:12.179 --> 00:20:12.659 that they 00:20:12.659 --> 00:20:13.519 have received 00:20:13.519 --> 00:20:14.960 is so rich 00:20:14.960 --> 00:20:15.939 and so 00:20:15.939 --> 00:20:16.460 generous 00:20:16.460 --> 00:20:17.599 that their 00:20:17.599 --> 00:20:18.319 lives have 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:19.019 been radically 00:20:19.019 --> 00:20:20.379 changed and 00:20:20.379 --> 00:20:21.139 transformed. 00:20:22.240 --> 00:20:22.759 Now the 00:20:22.759 --> 00:20:23.359 grace that 00:20:23.359 --> 00:20:24.000 they share 00:20:24.000 --> 00:20:25.559 in is now 00:20:25.559 --> 00:20:26.259 being worked 00:20:26.259 --> 00:20:26.740 out in 00:20:26.740 --> 00:20:27.759 practical ways 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:28.659 of giving. 00:20:28.660 --> 00:20:29.900 And for 00:20:29.900 --> 00:20:30.640 this church 00:20:30.640 --> 00:20:31.060 it meant 00:20:31.060 --> 00:20:31.740 giving to 00:20:31.740 --> 00:20:32.660 support Paul 00:20:32.660 --> 00:20:33.480 in his 00:20:33.480 --> 00:20:34.400 gospel work. 00:20:35.040 --> 00:20:35.800 So look at 00:20:35.800 --> 00:20:36.519 chapter 4 00:20:36.519 --> 00:20:37.480 verse 18. 00:20:40.480 --> 00:20:41.580 He can say, 00:20:41.660 --> 00:20:42.259 because they've 00:20:42.259 --> 00:20:42.900 shared in this 00:20:42.900 --> 00:20:43.640 grace together, 00:20:44.180 --> 00:20:44.880 he can say, 00:20:44.940 --> 00:20:45.700 verse 18 of 00:20:45.700 --> 00:20:46.300 chapter 4, 00:20:46.400 --> 00:20:47.420 I have received 00:20:47.420 --> 00:20:48.340 full payment 00:20:48.340 --> 00:20:49.480 and even 00:20:49.480 --> 00:20:49.920 more. 00:20:50.320 --> 00:20:51.380 I am amply 00:20:51.380 --> 00:20:52.900 supplied now 00:20:52.900 --> 00:20:53.580 that I have 00:20:53.580 --> 00:20:54.360 received from 00:20:54.360 --> 00:20:55.360 Epaphroditus 00:20:55.359 --> 00:20:56.099 the gifts, 00:20:56.379 --> 00:20:56.879 or if you 00:20:56.879 --> 00:20:57.339 like the 00:20:57.339 --> 00:20:57.799 word there, 00:20:57.879 --> 00:20:58.240 is the 00:20:58.240 --> 00:20:58.759 graces 00:20:58.759 --> 00:20:59.939 that you 00:20:59.939 --> 00:21:00.559 sent. 00:21:02.240 --> 00:21:03.000 So the 00:21:03.000 --> 00:21:03.639 church's 00:21:03.639 --> 00:21:04.899 giving was 00:21:04.899 --> 00:21:05.699 in response 00:21:05.699 --> 00:21:06.639 to God's 00:21:06.639 --> 00:21:07.379 amazing 00:21:07.379 --> 00:21:08.019 generosity 00:21:08.019 --> 00:21:08.740 to them. 00:21:09.839 --> 00:21:10.459 The gifts 00:21:10.459 --> 00:21:10.899 that they 00:21:10.899 --> 00:21:11.799 had received 00:21:11.799 --> 00:21:12.859 from, 00:21:13.099 --> 00:21:14.299 the gifts 00:21:14.299 --> 00:21:14.759 that Paul 00:21:14.759 --> 00:21:15.279 had received 00:21:15.279 --> 00:21:15.819 from the 00:21:15.819 --> 00:21:16.179 church 00:21:16.179 --> 00:21:17.519 was in 00:21:17.519 --> 00:21:18.259 response 00:21:18.259 --> 00:21:19.099 to the 00:21:19.099 --> 00:21:19.539 grace 00:21:19.539 --> 00:21:20.279 that they 00:21:20.279 --> 00:21:20.939 were sharing 00:21:20.939 --> 00:21:21.240 in. 00:21:21.599 --> 00:21:22.219 Receiving 00:21:22.219 --> 00:21:23.000 from God 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:24.019 gets worked 00:21:24.019 --> 00:21:24.859 out in 00:21:24.859 --> 00:21:25.599 giving back 00:21:25.599 --> 00:21:26.180 to God. 00:21:27.200 --> 00:21:27.740 And let's 00:21:27.740 --> 00:21:28.240 be clear 00:21:28.240 --> 00:21:28.700 that their 00:21:28.700 --> 00:21:29.279 giving was 00:21:29.279 --> 00:21:29.740 not to 00:21:29.740 --> 00:21:30.140 try and 00:21:30.140 --> 00:21:31.079 earn God's 00:21:31.079 --> 00:21:31.940 favour or 00:21:31.940 --> 00:21:32.420 try and 00:21:32.420 --> 00:21:33.220 earn God's 00:21:33.220 --> 00:21:33.619 blessing. 00:21:34.660 --> 00:21:35.200 Look at the 00:21:35.200 --> 00:21:35.720 end of verse 00:21:35.720 --> 00:21:36.160 18. 00:21:36.619 --> 00:21:37.019 He says, 00:21:37.140 --> 00:21:37.680 they are a 00:21:37.680 --> 00:21:38.319 fragrant 00:21:38.319 --> 00:21:39.039 offering, 00:21:39.619 --> 00:21:40.480 an acceptable 00:21:40.480 --> 00:21:41.380 sacrifice, 00:21:41.900 --> 00:21:42.660 pleasing to 00:21:42.660 --> 00:21:43.039 God. 00:21:43.900 --> 00:21:44.380 So this 00:21:44.380 --> 00:21:44.779 was in 00:21:44.779 --> 00:21:46.440 response to 00:21:46.440 --> 00:21:46.859 God's 00:21:46.859 --> 00:21:47.400 amazing 00:21:47.400 --> 00:21:48.000 generosity 00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:48.720 to them. 00:21:49.180 --> 00:21:49.539 It was 00:21:49.539 --> 00:21:50.119 their means 00:21:50.119 --> 00:21:50.779 of expressing 00:21:50.779 --> 00:21:51.720 their thanks 00:21:51.720 --> 00:21:52.599 and their 00:21:52.599 --> 00:21:52.980 joy, 00:21:53.000 --> 00:21:53.779 to God 00:21:53.779 --> 00:21:54.660 for everything 00:21:54.660 --> 00:21:55.279 that God 00:21:55.279 --> 00:21:55.700 had given 00:21:55.700 --> 00:21:56.160 to them 00:21:56.160 --> 00:21:56.819 and in 00:21:56.819 --> 00:21:57.619 response to 00:21:57.619 --> 00:21:58.339 his grace 00:21:58.339 --> 00:21:59.559 they share 00:21:59.559 --> 00:22:00.200 generously 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:01.440 with those 00:22:01.440 --> 00:22:02.380 around them. 00:22:02.940 --> 00:22:03.420 Now we're 00:22:03.420 --> 00:22:04.079 people who 00:22:04.079 --> 00:22:04.640 share in 00:22:04.640 --> 00:22:05.480 God's grace. 00:22:06.440 --> 00:22:06.799 In fact 00:22:06.799 --> 00:22:07.440 the only 00:22:07.440 --> 00:22:08.019 genuine 00:22:08.019 --> 00:22:08.640 way, 00:22:09.059 --> 00:22:09.460 the only 00:22:09.460 --> 00:22:10.079 generous 00:22:10.079 --> 00:22:10.680 way that 00:22:10.680 --> 00:22:11.000 giving 00:22:11.000 --> 00:22:11.519 happens 00:22:11.519 --> 00:22:12.579 is when 00:22:12.579 --> 00:22:13.759 we experience 00:22:13.759 --> 00:22:14.599 God's grace 00:22:14.599 --> 00:22:15.539 for ourselves. 00:22:15.779 --> 00:22:16.460 The more 00:22:16.460 --> 00:22:17.420 we experience 00:22:17.420 --> 00:22:18.000 his grace, 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:18.599 the more 00:22:18.599 --> 00:22:19.440 we understand 00:22:19.440 --> 00:22:20.380 his grace, 00:22:20.960 --> 00:22:21.640 our giving 00:22:21.640 --> 00:22:22.500 will be 00:22:22.500 --> 00:22:22.980 genuine 00:22:22.980 --> 00:22:24.460 and generous. 00:22:25.640 --> 00:22:26.240 So that's 00:22:26.240 --> 00:22:26.640 the second 00:22:26.640 --> 00:22:26.920 thing. 00:22:27.060 --> 00:22:27.380 First, 00:22:28.020 --> 00:22:28.660 it's about 00:22:28.660 --> 00:22:29.860 the partnership 00:22:29.860 --> 00:22:30.480 in the 00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:31.060 gospel of 00:22:31.060 --> 00:22:31.440 Christ 00:22:31.440 --> 00:22:32.600 and second, 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:33.500 it's about 00:22:33.500 --> 00:22:34.740 sharing in 00:22:34.740 --> 00:22:35.200 the grace 00:22:35.200 --> 00:22:35.759 of Christ. 00:22:36.900 --> 00:22:37.640 Now I'm 00:22:37.640 --> 00:22:38.060 just going to 00:22:38.060 --> 00:22:38.580 pause there 00:22:38.580 --> 00:22:39.240 very briefly 00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:39.680 because I 00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:40.400 understand these 00:22:40.400 --> 00:22:41.360 plastic chairs 00:22:41.360 --> 00:22:42.420 are not very 00:22:42.420 --> 00:22:42.840 comfortable, 00:22:42.980 --> 00:22:43.220 they're not 00:22:43.220 --> 00:22:43.560 the blue 00:22:43.560 --> 00:22:43.880 ones, 00:22:44.120 --> 00:22:44.480 so I'm 00:22:44.480 --> 00:22:44.720 going to 00:22:44.720 --> 00:22:45.360 say if 00:22:45.360 --> 00:22:45.580 you want 00:22:45.580 --> 00:22:45.900 to have a 00:22:45.900 --> 00:22:46.420 stand and 00:22:46.420 --> 00:22:46.940 a stretch 00:22:46.940 --> 00:22:47.560 and move 00:22:47.560 --> 00:22:48.000 your back, 00:22:48.480 --> 00:22:48.920 please feel 00:22:48.920 --> 00:22:49.440 free to do 00:22:49.440 --> 00:22:49.620 that. 00:22:49.700 --> 00:22:50.140 If you want 00:22:50.140 --> 00:23:02.520 to, if 00:23:02.520 --> 00:23:02.860 you want 00:23:02.860 --> 00:23:04.740 to, stay 00:23:04.740 --> 00:23:05.060 where you 00:23:05.060 --> 00:23:05.500 are. 00:23:05.500 --> 00:23:06.940 The third 00:23:06.940 --> 00:23:08.080 one then is 00:23:08.080 --> 00:23:08.680 giving is 00:23:08.680 --> 00:23:09.140 all about 00:23:09.140 --> 00:23:10.320 contentment 00:23:10.320 --> 00:23:11.380 in the 00:23:11.380 --> 00:23:11.940 sufficiency 00:23:11.940 --> 00:23:12.780 of Christ. 00:23:14.020 --> 00:23:15.100 Paul himself 00:23:15.100 --> 00:23:15.700 had learnt 00:23:15.700 --> 00:23:16.520 to be 00:23:16.520 --> 00:23:16.920 content. 00:23:17.620 --> 00:23:18.100 Look at 00:23:18.100 --> 00:23:18.960 verse 11. 00:23:20.140 --> 00:23:22.020 He says, 00:23:22.100 --> 00:23:22.580 I am not 00:23:22.580 --> 00:23:23.220 saying this 00:23:23.220 --> 00:23:24.280 because I 00:23:24.280 --> 00:23:24.660 am in 00:23:24.660 --> 00:23:25.080 need. 00:23:25.500 --> 00:23:25.980 So he's 00:23:25.980 --> 00:23:26.480 not giving 00:23:26.480 --> 00:23:27.000 them all 00:23:27.000 --> 00:23:27.480 the thanks 00:23:27.480 --> 00:23:27.780 and all 00:23:27.780 --> 00:23:28.340 the praise 00:23:28.340 --> 00:23:29.160 so that 00:23:29.160 --> 00:23:29.520 he can 00:23:29.520 --> 00:23:30.259 receive more. 00:23:30.360 --> 00:23:30.600 It's kind 00:23:30.600 --> 00:23:30.860 of like, 00:23:31.140 --> 00:23:31.480 oh you 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:32.040 are so 00:23:32.040 --> 00:23:32.500 generous, 00:23:32.640 --> 00:23:33.180 so kind, 00:23:33.280 --> 00:23:33.860 and if 00:23:33.860 --> 00:23:34.140 he wanted 00:23:34.140 --> 00:23:34.460 to give 00:23:34.460 --> 00:23:34.800 me a bit 00:23:34.800 --> 00:23:35.160 more I'd 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:35.440 be very 00:23:35.440 --> 00:23:35.780 happy. 00:23:36.100 --> 00:23:36.460 No, he's 00:23:36.460 --> 00:23:36.940 not saying 00:23:36.940 --> 00:23:37.160 that. 00:23:37.240 --> 00:23:37.600 He's just 00:23:37.600 --> 00:23:38.100 wanting to 00:23:38.100 --> 00:23:38.900 thank them 00:23:38.900 --> 00:23:41.000 for, he 00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:41.500 says, I 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:42.180 have learned 00:23:42.180 --> 00:23:43.080 to be content 00:23:43.080 --> 00:23:43.940 whatever the 00:23:43.940 --> 00:23:44.759 circumstances. 00:23:44.759 --> 00:23:45.879 I know 00:23:45.879 --> 00:23:46.200 what it 00:23:46.200 --> 00:23:46.500 is to 00:23:46.500 --> 00:23:46.879 be in 00:23:46.879 --> 00:23:48.160 need, and 00:23:48.160 --> 00:23:48.640 I know 00:23:48.640 --> 00:23:49.019 what it 00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:49.859 is to 00:23:49.859 --> 00:23:50.140 have 00:23:50.140 --> 00:23:50.759 plenty. 00:23:51.640 --> 00:23:52.019 Now in 00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:52.720 this context 00:23:52.720 --> 00:23:53.220 Paul is 00:23:53.220 --> 00:23:53.940 the receiver 00:23:53.940 --> 00:23:55.119 but he's 00:23:55.119 --> 00:23:55.539 not the 00:23:55.539 --> 00:23:55.839 giver. 00:23:56.660 --> 00:23:57.259 But I 00:23:57.259 --> 00:23:57.619 think we've 00:23:57.619 --> 00:23:57.920 got a 00:23:57.920 --> 00:23:58.400 principle 00:23:58.400 --> 00:23:59.799 here about 00:23:59.799 --> 00:24:01.000 contentment 00:24:01.000 --> 00:24:02.160 that affects 00:24:02.160 --> 00:24:03.000 our attitude 00:24:03.000 --> 00:24:04.200 towards giving. 00:24:05.079 --> 00:24:05.900 Now generally 00:24:05.900 --> 00:24:06.879 speaking our 00:24:06.879 --> 00:24:07.700 giving is 00:24:07.700 --> 00:24:09.200 dictated by 00:24:09.200 --> 00:24:10.220 our circumstances. 00:24:11.059 --> 00:24:11.420 Isn't that 00:24:11.420 --> 00:24:11.619 right? 00:24:11.720 --> 00:24:12.180 So if we 00:24:12.180 --> 00:24:13.000 have plenty, 00:24:13.619 --> 00:24:14.000 well we're 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:14.440 able to 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:14.759 give. 00:24:15.339 --> 00:24:15.759 But if 00:24:15.759 --> 00:24:16.220 we're in 00:24:16.220 --> 00:24:17.720 need, then 00:24:17.720 --> 00:24:18.200 we don't 00:24:18.200 --> 00:24:18.559 give. 00:24:20.000 --> 00:24:20.759 But I 00:24:20.759 --> 00:24:21.240 don't think 00:24:21.240 --> 00:24:21.799 it's not 00:24:21.799 --> 00:24:22.359 about how 00:24:22.359 --> 00:24:23.000 much we 00:24:23.000 --> 00:24:23.960 have or 00:24:23.960 --> 00:24:24.660 how little 00:24:24.660 --> 00:24:25.319 we have. 00:24:25.859 --> 00:24:26.579 It's about 00:24:26.579 --> 00:24:27.460 being content 00:24:27.460 --> 00:24:28.240 in the 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:28.779 sufficiency 00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:29.640 of Christ. 00:24:30.039 --> 00:24:30.640 That's what 00:24:30.640 --> 00:24:31.180 should shape 00:24:31.180 --> 00:24:31.660 our giving. 00:24:32.480 --> 00:24:32.940 So look at 00:24:32.940 --> 00:24:33.400 the rest of 00:24:33.400 --> 00:24:34.000 verse 12. 00:24:34.660 --> 00:24:35.160 He says, 00:24:35.279 --> 00:24:35.619 I have 00:24:35.619 --> 00:24:36.259 learned the 00:24:36.259 --> 00:24:37.039 secret of 00:24:37.039 --> 00:24:37.759 being content 00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:39.240 in any 00:24:39.240 --> 00:24:39.960 and every 00:24:39.960 --> 00:24:40.799 situation, 00:24:41.299 --> 00:24:41.579 whether 00:24:41.579 --> 00:24:42.339 well fed 00:24:42.339 --> 00:24:43.079 or hungry, 00:24:43.559 --> 00:24:43.859 whether 00:24:43.859 --> 00:24:44.479 living in 00:24:44.479 --> 00:24:46.000 plenty or 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:46.639 in want. 00:24:47.819 --> 00:24:48.179 You see, 00:24:48.299 --> 00:24:48.879 for Paul, 00:24:49.079 --> 00:24:49.779 his life 00:24:49.779 --> 00:24:50.299 is not 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:51.259 dictated by 00:24:51.259 --> 00:24:52.159 circumstances. 00:24:53.199 --> 00:24:53.819 He is 00:24:53.819 --> 00:24:54.359 content 00:24:54.359 --> 00:24:56.019 with all 00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:56.479 that he 00:24:56.479 --> 00:24:57.759 has from 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:58.319 Christ. 00:24:58.959 --> 00:24:59.719 Christ is 00:24:59.719 --> 00:25:00.619 his contentment. 00:25:01.059 --> 00:25:01.679 Christ is 00:25:01.679 --> 00:25:02.459 his sufficiency. 00:25:03.259 --> 00:25:03.679 So look 00:25:03.679 --> 00:25:04.059 back at 00:25:04.059 --> 00:25:04.659 chapter 3 00:25:04.659 --> 00:25:05.339 verse 7. 00:25:07.579 --> 00:25:08.219 This is 00:25:08.219 --> 00:25:08.579 what he 00:25:08.579 --> 00:25:09.099 can say. 00:25:09.099 --> 00:25:10.559 whatever 00:25:10.559 --> 00:25:11.439 was to 00:25:11.439 --> 00:25:11.679 my 00:25:11.679 --> 00:25:12.279 profit, 00:25:12.659 --> 00:25:13.379 I now 00:25:13.379 --> 00:25:13.919 consider 00:25:13.919 --> 00:25:14.379 loss 00:25:14.379 --> 00:25:14.799 for the 00:25:14.799 --> 00:25:15.299 sake of 00:25:15.299 --> 00:25:15.740 Christ. 00:25:16.740 --> 00:25:17.259 What is 00:25:17.259 --> 00:25:17.599 more, 00:25:17.759 --> 00:25:18.339 I consider 00:25:18.339 --> 00:25:19.059 everything 00:25:19.059 --> 00:25:19.639 a loss 00:25:19.639 --> 00:25:20.559 compared 00:25:20.559 --> 00:25:21.179 to the 00:25:21.179 --> 00:25:21.919 surpassing 00:25:21.919 --> 00:25:22.339 greatness 00:25:22.339 --> 00:25:23.480 of knowing 00:25:23.480 --> 00:25:24.459 Christ Jesus 00:25:24.459 --> 00:25:25.139 my Lord, 00:25:25.399 --> 00:25:25.980 for whose 00:25:25.980 --> 00:25:26.859 sake I 00:25:26.859 --> 00:25:27.559 have lost 00:25:27.559 --> 00:25:28.559 all things. 00:25:29.119 --> 00:25:29.980 I consider 00:25:29.980 --> 00:25:30.939 them rubbish 00:25:30.939 --> 00:25:32.319 that I 00:25:32.319 --> 00:25:33.419 may gain 00:25:33.419 --> 00:25:34.379 Christ. 00:25:34.380 --> 00:25:34.740 Christ. 00:25:35.360 --> 00:25:36.020 So for 00:25:36.020 --> 00:25:36.540 Paul in 00:25:36.540 --> 00:25:37.140 his life, 00:25:37.540 --> 00:25:38.120 Christ is 00:25:38.120 --> 00:25:38.560 sufficient. 00:25:39.140 --> 00:25:39.680 Christ is 00:25:39.680 --> 00:25:40.020 the one 00:25:40.020 --> 00:25:40.760 who fills 00:25:40.760 --> 00:25:41.060 us. 00:25:41.400 --> 00:25:41.860 Christ is 00:25:41.860 --> 00:25:42.160 the one 00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:42.980 who satisfies 00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:43.560 us. 00:25:44.200 --> 00:25:44.860 So all 00:25:44.860 --> 00:25:45.460 we ever 00:25:45.460 --> 00:25:46.820 need is 00:25:46.820 --> 00:25:47.340 found in 00:25:47.340 --> 00:25:47.780 Christ. 00:25:48.540 --> 00:25:49.460 So Paul's 00:25:49.460 --> 00:25:49.940 life is 00:25:49.940 --> 00:25:50.960 not changed 00:25:50.960 --> 00:25:52.040 whether he 00:25:52.040 --> 00:25:52.560 is well 00:25:52.560 --> 00:25:53.700 fed or 00:25:53.700 --> 00:25:54.200 hungry, 00:25:54.760 --> 00:25:55.240 whether he 00:25:55.240 --> 00:25:55.580 is living 00:25:55.580 --> 00:25:56.320 in plenty 00:25:56.320 --> 00:25:57.540 or in 00:25:57.540 --> 00:25:57.940 want. 00:25:58.260 --> 00:25:59.360 Christ is 00:25:59.360 --> 00:26:00.140 sufficient. 00:26:01.040 --> 00:26:01.600 That's the 00:26:01.600 --> 00:26:02.060 principle. 00:26:03.040 --> 00:26:03.480 Now I 00:26:03.480 --> 00:26:03.840 think we 00:26:03.839 --> 00:26:04.359 can apply 00:26:04.359 --> 00:26:04.959 that same 00:26:04.959 --> 00:26:05.720 principle to 00:26:05.720 --> 00:26:06.240 our own 00:26:06.240 --> 00:26:06.579 giving. 00:26:07.199 --> 00:26:07.480 Our 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:08.419 giving is 00:26:08.419 --> 00:26:09.419 not dictated 00:26:09.419 --> 00:26:09.980 by our 00:26:09.980 --> 00:26:10.899 circumstances. 00:26:11.899 --> 00:26:12.019 Our 00:26:12.019 --> 00:26:13.599 giving is 00:26:13.599 --> 00:26:14.619 being moved 00:26:14.619 --> 00:26:15.859 by what 00:26:15.859 --> 00:26:16.819 brings us 00:26:16.819 --> 00:26:17.759 contentment. 00:26:18.500 --> 00:26:19.059 So our 00:26:19.059 --> 00:26:19.759 concern is 00:26:19.759 --> 00:26:20.179 not whether 00:26:20.179 --> 00:26:20.819 we are rich 00:26:20.819 --> 00:26:21.419 or poor, 00:26:22.299 --> 00:26:22.759 but that 00:26:22.759 --> 00:26:23.599 Christ is 00:26:23.599 --> 00:26:24.099 sufficient. 00:26:24.279 --> 00:26:24.799 If Christ 00:26:24.799 --> 00:26:25.459 fills us 00:26:25.459 --> 00:26:26.179 and satisfies 00:26:26.179 --> 00:26:27.139 us, if 00:26:27.139 --> 00:26:27.759 Christ is 00:26:27.759 --> 00:26:28.459 better than 00:26:28.459 --> 00:26:29.399 anything we 00:26:29.399 --> 00:26:30.139 have or 00:26:30.139 --> 00:26:30.720 we don't 00:26:30.720 --> 00:26:31.759 have, then 00:26:31.759 --> 00:26:32.379 our approach 00:26:32.379 --> 00:26:32.879 to giving 00:26:32.879 --> 00:26:33.480 is going 00:26:33.480 --> 00:26:34.019 to be 00:26:34.019 --> 00:26:34.779 very, very 00:26:34.779 --> 00:26:35.180 different. 00:26:36.019 --> 00:26:36.519 So let's 00:26:36.519 --> 00:26:37.160 apply this 00:26:37.160 --> 00:26:37.460 with a 00:26:37.460 --> 00:26:37.819 couple of 00:26:37.819 --> 00:26:38.279 questions. 00:26:40.559 --> 00:26:41.259 If we're 00:26:41.259 --> 00:26:41.500 in a 00:26:41.500 --> 00:26:42.120 position of 00:26:42.120 --> 00:26:44.720 plenty and 00:26:44.720 --> 00:26:45.039 it was 00:26:45.039 --> 00:26:46.019 suddenly taken 00:26:46.019 --> 00:26:46.599 away from 00:26:46.599 --> 00:26:47.240 you, all 00:26:47.240 --> 00:26:47.599 right, just 00:26:47.599 --> 00:26:48.140 put yourself 00:26:48.140 --> 00:26:48.480 in that 00:26:48.480 --> 00:26:48.900 position. 00:26:49.579 --> 00:26:50.519 If all of a 00:26:50.519 --> 00:26:50.920 sudden you 00:26:50.920 --> 00:26:51.279 had to 00:26:51.279 --> 00:26:52.200 downsize your 00:26:52.200 --> 00:26:54.420 house, you 00:26:54.420 --> 00:26:55.120 had to sell 00:26:55.120 --> 00:26:57.380 your car, you 00:26:57.380 --> 00:26:58.059 had to go on 00:26:58.059 --> 00:27:00.200 the dole, how 00:27:00.200 --> 00:27:00.519 would you 00:27:00.519 --> 00:27:00.839 cope? 00:27:04.240 --> 00:27:05.119 If all of 00:27:05.119 --> 00:27:05.559 a sudden 00:27:05.559 --> 00:27:06.599 everything had 00:27:06.599 --> 00:27:06.899 to be 00:27:06.899 --> 00:27:07.679 narrowed down, 00:27:08.139 --> 00:27:08.519 you had to 00:27:08.519 --> 00:27:08.899 sell a 00:27:08.899 --> 00:27:09.500 house, sell 00:27:09.500 --> 00:27:10.179 your car, go 00:27:10.179 --> 00:27:10.440 on the 00:27:10.440 --> 00:27:11.059 dole, what 00:27:11.059 --> 00:27:11.379 would it be 00:27:11.379 --> 00:27:11.740 like? 00:27:13.440 --> 00:27:14.039 If the 00:27:14.039 --> 00:27:14.740 very thought 00:27:14.740 --> 00:27:15.079 of that 00:27:15.079 --> 00:27:15.980 devastates 00:27:15.980 --> 00:27:18.399 you, then 00:27:18.399 --> 00:27:19.639 your contentment 00:27:19.639 --> 00:27:20.279 is in 00:27:20.279 --> 00:27:21.440 material things. 00:27:21.440 --> 00:27:23.440 that means 00:27:23.440 --> 00:27:24.180 we won't 00:27:24.180 --> 00:27:25.740 give for 00:27:25.740 --> 00:27:26.840 fear we'll 00:27:26.840 --> 00:27:27.299 lose what 00:27:27.299 --> 00:27:27.720 we do 00:27:27.720 --> 00:27:28.180 have. 00:27:29.580 --> 00:27:30.340 It's saying 00:27:30.340 --> 00:27:30.920 that Christ 00:27:30.920 --> 00:27:31.519 is not 00:27:31.519 --> 00:27:33.200 sufficient so 00:27:33.200 --> 00:27:33.880 that we must 00:27:33.880 --> 00:27:34.799 desperately hold 00:27:34.799 --> 00:27:35.320 on to what 00:27:35.320 --> 00:27:36.080 we do have. 00:27:38.299 --> 00:27:39.000 But it 00:27:39.000 --> 00:27:39.940 applies also to 00:27:39.940 --> 00:27:40.420 the opposite 00:27:40.420 --> 00:27:40.920 end. 00:27:41.580 --> 00:27:42.440 If we find 00:27:42.440 --> 00:27:42.820 we're in a 00:27:42.820 --> 00:27:43.400 position of 00:27:43.400 --> 00:27:45.019 need and 00:27:45.019 --> 00:27:45.700 imagine that 00:27:45.700 --> 00:27:46.440 suddenly you 00:27:46.440 --> 00:27:47.140 became very 00:27:47.140 --> 00:27:48.519 wealthy, who 00:27:48.519 --> 00:27:48.940 knows, you 00:27:48.940 --> 00:27:49.259 win the 00:27:49.259 --> 00:27:49.640 lotto. 00:27:49.640 --> 00:27:51.800 more cash 00:27:51.800 --> 00:27:52.100 in your 00:27:52.100 --> 00:27:53.640 pocket, more 00:27:53.640 --> 00:27:54.440 resources at 00:27:54.440 --> 00:27:55.820 hand, how 00:27:55.820 --> 00:27:56.680 would you 00:27:56.680 --> 00:27:57.259 cope then? 00:27:58.080 --> 00:27:59.100 What changes 00:27:59.100 --> 00:27:59.780 would it bring 00:27:59.780 --> 00:28:00.580 to your life? 00:28:01.400 --> 00:28:02.240 If the very 00:28:02.240 --> 00:28:02.800 thought of 00:28:02.800 --> 00:28:03.460 having more 00:28:03.460 --> 00:28:04.560 money sends 00:28:04.560 --> 00:28:05.200 your head in 00:28:05.200 --> 00:28:06.280 a spin of 00:28:06.280 --> 00:28:06.759 how much 00:28:06.759 --> 00:28:07.620 better life 00:28:07.620 --> 00:28:08.700 would be and 00:28:08.700 --> 00:28:09.200 how much 00:28:09.200 --> 00:28:09.960 more happier 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:10.500 you would 00:28:10.500 --> 00:28:13.580 be, then 00:28:13.580 --> 00:28:14.700 your contentment 00:28:14.700 --> 00:28:16.060 is also in 00:28:16.060 --> 00:28:17.100 material things. 00:28:18.560 --> 00:28:19.500 That means 00:28:19.500 --> 00:28:20.119 you will not 00:28:20.119 --> 00:28:20.720 want to 00:28:20.720 --> 00:28:21.680 give because 00:28:21.680 --> 00:28:22.519 you'll always 00:28:22.519 --> 00:28:23.059 be wanting 00:28:23.059 --> 00:28:23.539 more. 00:28:24.880 --> 00:28:25.680 Christ, you'll 00:28:25.680 --> 00:28:26.279 be saying, is 00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:27.140 not sufficient 00:28:27.140 --> 00:28:28.240 because you're 00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:29.000 always on the 00:28:29.000 --> 00:28:29.799 ways to look 00:28:29.799 --> 00:28:30.579 out for how 00:28:30.579 --> 00:28:31.079 I can get 00:28:31.079 --> 00:28:31.640 more money. 00:28:33.059 --> 00:28:34.539 So contentment 00:28:34.539 --> 00:28:36.140 is independent 00:28:36.140 --> 00:28:36.700 of our 00:28:36.700 --> 00:28:38.859 circumstances and 00:28:38.859 --> 00:28:39.460 also our 00:28:39.460 --> 00:28:40.779 giving needs 00:28:40.779 --> 00:28:41.880 to be independent 00:28:41.880 --> 00:28:42.400 of our 00:28:42.400 --> 00:28:43.059 circumstances. 00:28:43.279 --> 00:28:43.960 We give 00:28:43.960 --> 00:28:45.299 because Christ 00:28:45.299 --> 00:28:45.980 is sufficient. 00:28:46.799 --> 00:28:47.680 He is greater 00:28:47.680 --> 00:28:48.259 than having 00:28:48.259 --> 00:28:49.340 plenty and 00:28:49.340 --> 00:28:50.180 he is greater 00:28:50.180 --> 00:28:51.180 than being 00:28:51.180 --> 00:28:51.660 poor. 00:28:52.440 --> 00:28:53.340 He is all 00:28:53.340 --> 00:28:53.799 that we 00:28:53.799 --> 00:28:55.400 ever need. 00:28:56.940 --> 00:28:57.320 So, 00:28:57.960 --> 00:28:59.160 partnership in 00:28:59.160 --> 00:28:59.799 the gospel of 00:28:59.799 --> 00:29:00.140 Christ, 00:29:00.960 --> 00:29:01.620 sharing in the 00:29:01.620 --> 00:29:02.039 grace of 00:29:02.039 --> 00:29:02.420 Christ, 00:29:03.000 --> 00:29:03.960 contentment in 00:29:03.960 --> 00:29:04.600 the sufficiency 00:29:04.600 --> 00:29:05.320 of Christ, 00:29:05.980 --> 00:29:06.860 and then 00:29:06.860 --> 00:29:07.720 forth, giving 00:29:07.720 --> 00:29:08.580 is about 00:29:08.580 --> 00:29:10.360 trusting in 00:29:10.360 --> 00:29:10.860 the riches 00:29:10.860 --> 00:29:11.580 of Christ. 00:29:11.579 --> 00:29:11.699 Christ. 00:29:12.899 --> 00:29:13.779 Look at 00:29:13.779 --> 00:29:14.720 verse 19. 00:29:19.679 --> 00:29:20.720 And my 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:21.379 God will 00:29:21.379 --> 00:29:22.279 meet all 00:29:22.279 --> 00:29:23.240 your needs 00:29:23.240 --> 00:29:24.579 according to 00:29:24.579 --> 00:29:25.599 his glorious 00:29:25.599 --> 00:29:27.500 riches in 00:29:27.500 --> 00:29:28.299 Christ Jesus. 00:29:29.399 --> 00:29:30.139 Now, there's a 00:29:30.139 --> 00:29:30.779 promise, isn't 00:29:30.779 --> 00:29:31.000 it? 00:29:31.359 --> 00:29:31.919 We read it 00:29:31.919 --> 00:29:32.179 again. 00:29:32.720 --> 00:29:33.519 My God 00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:34.980 will meet 00:29:34.980 --> 00:29:36.399 all your 00:29:36.399 --> 00:29:37.019 needs 00:29:37.019 --> 00:29:38.099 according to 00:29:38.099 --> 00:29:38.679 the glorious 00:29:38.679 --> 00:29:40.279 riches in 00:29:40.279 --> 00:29:41.019 Christ Jesus. 00:29:41.579 --> 00:29:42.579 God 00:29:42.579 --> 00:29:43.579 is 00:29:43.579 --> 00:29:44.119 so our 00:29:44.119 --> 00:29:45.019 giving is 00:29:45.019 --> 00:29:45.679 based on 00:29:45.679 --> 00:29:46.279 the fact 00:29:46.279 --> 00:29:47.740 that God 00:29:47.740 --> 00:29:48.359 has promised 00:29:48.359 --> 00:29:49.099 to meet 00:29:49.099 --> 00:29:49.980 all of our 00:29:49.980 --> 00:29:50.439 needs. 00:29:52.339 --> 00:29:53.059 Let's be 00:29:53.059 --> 00:29:54.240 clear, this 00:29:54.240 --> 00:29:54.759 is not a 00:29:54.759 --> 00:29:55.299 promise that 00:29:55.299 --> 00:29:55.839 God is going 00:29:55.839 --> 00:29:56.299 to make us 00:29:56.299 --> 00:29:56.859 all wealthy 00:29:56.859 --> 00:29:57.519 and healthy. 00:29:58.220 --> 00:29:59.019 This is a 00:29:59.019 --> 00:30:00.039 guarantee that 00:30:00.039 --> 00:30:00.799 God will meet 00:30:00.799 --> 00:30:01.359 all our 00:30:01.359 --> 00:30:03.579 needs, not 00:30:03.579 --> 00:30:04.500 our grieves 00:30:04.500 --> 00:30:05.699 or our 00:30:05.699 --> 00:30:06.139 wants. 00:30:07.079 --> 00:30:07.480 And again, 00:30:07.619 --> 00:30:08.079 Paul knew 00:30:08.079 --> 00:30:08.519 this from 00:30:08.519 --> 00:30:09.179 experience. 00:30:09.319 --> 00:30:09.559 Look at 00:30:09.559 --> 00:30:10.339 verse 13. 00:30:11.579 --> 00:30:12.439 chapter 4. 00:30:13.419 --> 00:30:13.980 He says, 00:30:14.079 --> 00:30:14.740 I can do 00:30:14.740 --> 00:30:15.559 everything 00:30:15.559 --> 00:30:17.439 through him 00:30:17.439 --> 00:30:17.980 who gives 00:30:17.980 --> 00:30:18.759 me strength. 00:30:19.679 --> 00:30:20.339 Again, this 00:30:20.339 --> 00:30:20.879 didn't mean 00:30:20.879 --> 00:30:21.539 that Paul in 00:30:21.539 --> 00:30:22.099 his difficult 00:30:22.099 --> 00:30:22.819 circumstances 00:30:22.819 --> 00:30:23.419 could suddenly 00:30:23.419 --> 00:30:23.899 just click 00:30:23.899 --> 00:30:24.419 his fingers 00:30:24.419 --> 00:30:25.179 and get 00:30:25.179 --> 00:30:25.759 money from 00:30:25.759 --> 00:30:26.079 nowhere. 00:30:26.319 --> 00:30:26.679 He could 00:30:26.679 --> 00:30:27.199 do anything 00:30:27.199 --> 00:30:27.740 he wanted. 00:30:28.899 --> 00:30:29.299 No, it 00:30:29.299 --> 00:30:30.059 means whatever 00:30:30.059 --> 00:30:31.079 his circumstance, 00:30:31.799 --> 00:30:32.460 whether he's 00:30:32.460 --> 00:30:33.859 in plenty or 00:30:33.859 --> 00:30:34.480 whether he's 00:30:34.480 --> 00:30:35.059 in want, 00:30:35.579 --> 00:30:36.299 whether he's 00:30:36.299 --> 00:30:37.059 hungry or 00:30:37.059 --> 00:30:37.559 whether he's 00:30:37.559 --> 00:30:38.179 well fed, 00:30:38.180 --> 00:30:39.340 he is able 00:30:39.340 --> 00:30:39.820 to do 00:30:39.820 --> 00:30:40.660 everything 00:30:40.660 --> 00:30:41.920 that God 00:30:41.920 --> 00:30:42.539 calls him 00:30:42.539 --> 00:30:42.960 to do. 00:30:43.920 --> 00:30:44.400 Whatever 00:30:44.400 --> 00:30:45.160 circumstance 00:30:45.160 --> 00:30:45.759 of life 00:30:45.759 --> 00:30:46.160 he's in, 00:30:46.519 --> 00:30:47.039 he will be 00:30:47.039 --> 00:30:47.720 able to do 00:30:47.720 --> 00:30:48.660 everything that 00:30:48.660 --> 00:30:49.299 God calls 00:30:49.299 --> 00:30:49.779 him to do. 00:30:50.039 --> 00:30:50.700 He is not 00:30:50.700 --> 00:30:51.259 going to be 00:30:51.259 --> 00:30:51.920 lacking at 00:30:51.920 --> 00:30:52.680 any point 00:30:52.680 --> 00:30:54.460 because God 00:30:54.460 --> 00:30:55.039 is going to 00:30:55.039 --> 00:30:55.519 give him the 00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:56.220 strength that 00:30:56.220 --> 00:30:56.920 he needs 00:30:56.920 --> 00:30:58.060 to deal with 00:30:58.060 --> 00:30:58.700 whether he is 00:30:58.700 --> 00:30:59.340 well fed 00:30:59.340 --> 00:31:00.000 and in a 00:31:00.000 --> 00:31:00.480 nice big 00:31:00.480 --> 00:31:01.420 house or 00:31:01.420 --> 00:31:01.960 whether he 00:31:01.960 --> 00:31:03.500 is hungry 00:31:03.500 --> 00:31:04.440 and in 00:31:04.440 --> 00:31:05.539 prison as 00:31:05.539 --> 00:31:06.000 he is in 00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:07.019 this circumstance 00:31:07.019 --> 00:31:07.879 right now. 00:31:09.579 --> 00:31:10.460 Now in the 00:31:10.460 --> 00:31:11.220 same way we 00:31:11.220 --> 00:31:11.740 have this 00:31:11.740 --> 00:31:12.639 amazing promise 00:31:12.639 --> 00:31:13.299 from God. 00:31:14.500 --> 00:31:15.279 He will 00:31:15.279 --> 00:31:16.139 meet all of 00:31:16.139 --> 00:31:16.619 our needs 00:31:16.619 --> 00:31:17.279 according to 00:31:17.279 --> 00:31:17.779 the glorious 00:31:17.779 --> 00:31:18.480 riches that 00:31:18.480 --> 00:31:19.099 are in Christ 00:31:19.099 --> 00:31:19.519 Jesus. 00:31:20.500 --> 00:31:21.259 He doesn't 00:31:21.259 --> 00:31:21.799 give us what 00:31:21.799 --> 00:31:23.700 we want or 00:31:23.700 --> 00:31:24.660 what we think 00:31:24.660 --> 00:31:25.319 we need. 00:31:26.279 --> 00:31:27.180 God will 00:31:27.180 --> 00:31:28.200 give to us 00:31:28.200 --> 00:31:29.240 what he 00:31:29.240 --> 00:31:29.879 knows we 00:31:29.879 --> 00:31:30.279 need. 00:31:31.359 --> 00:31:32.000 And I think 00:31:32.000 --> 00:31:32.680 because God 00:31:32.680 --> 00:31:33.220 made us, 00:31:33.259 --> 00:31:33.639 he knows 00:31:33.639 --> 00:31:34.759 us far better 00:31:34.759 --> 00:31:35.400 than we know 00:31:35.400 --> 00:31:36.019 ourselves. 00:31:37.019 --> 00:31:37.980 And whatever 00:31:37.980 --> 00:31:38.759 that need 00:31:38.759 --> 00:31:39.420 is that we 00:31:39.420 --> 00:31:40.119 may have, 00:31:40.559 --> 00:31:41.579 his glorious 00:31:41.579 --> 00:31:42.139 riches, 00:31:43.220 --> 00:31:43.839 and I don't 00:31:43.839 --> 00:31:44.220 think there's 00:31:44.220 --> 00:31:45.299 any limit to 00:31:45.299 --> 00:31:46.099 God's glorious 00:31:46.099 --> 00:31:46.839 riches since 00:31:46.839 --> 00:31:47.660 he owns the 00:31:47.660 --> 00:31:48.319 whole world, 00:31:48.619 --> 00:31:49.359 they belong to 00:31:49.359 --> 00:31:50.700 him, he is 00:31:50.700 --> 00:31:51.359 able to meet 00:31:51.359 --> 00:31:51.960 that need. 00:31:53.700 --> 00:31:54.519 And once 00:31:54.519 --> 00:31:55.099 again this 00:31:55.099 --> 00:31:56.000 promise shapes 00:31:56.000 --> 00:31:56.720 our attitude 00:31:56.720 --> 00:31:57.420 and approach 00:31:57.420 --> 00:31:57.879 to giving. 00:31:58.740 --> 00:31:59.819 Our concern 00:31:59.819 --> 00:32:00.500 is to be the 00:32:00.500 --> 00:32:01.000 needs of 00:32:01.000 --> 00:32:02.680 others, the 00:32:02.680 --> 00:32:03.559 advancement of 00:32:03.559 --> 00:32:04.099 the gospel, 00:32:04.500 --> 00:32:05.379 the planting of 00:32:05.380 --> 00:32:06.380 churches and 00:32:06.380 --> 00:32:06.840 the needs 00:32:06.840 --> 00:32:07.440 within this 00:32:07.440 --> 00:32:07.900 church. 00:32:09.140 --> 00:32:10.160 We are not 00:32:10.160 --> 00:32:10.860 to be so 00:32:10.860 --> 00:32:11.680 tied up with 00:32:11.680 --> 00:32:12.720 our needs 00:32:12.720 --> 00:32:14.420 because God 00:32:14.420 --> 00:32:15.080 looks after 00:32:15.080 --> 00:32:15.980 our needs. 00:32:18.420 --> 00:32:19.060 Well, you 00:32:19.060 --> 00:32:19.540 say, how do 00:32:19.540 --> 00:32:19.920 you know if 00:32:19.920 --> 00:32:20.420 that promise 00:32:20.420 --> 00:32:21.000 is true? 00:32:22.520 --> 00:32:23.340 Because this 00:32:23.340 --> 00:32:24.000 is a promise, 00:32:24.160 --> 00:32:24.880 verse 19. 00:32:26.240 --> 00:32:26.800 Well, apart 00:32:26.800 --> 00:32:28.420 from Paul's 00:32:28.420 --> 00:32:29.360 experience, he 00:32:29.360 --> 00:32:30.080 could say this 00:32:30.080 --> 00:32:30.760 was true for 00:32:30.760 --> 00:32:31.040 him. 00:32:31.680 --> 00:32:32.480 The only way 00:32:32.480 --> 00:32:32.920 that we're 00:32:32.920 --> 00:32:33.360 going to 00:32:33.360 --> 00:32:34.280 experience if 00:32:34.279 --> 00:32:34.839 this promise 00:32:34.839 --> 00:32:35.319 is going to 00:32:35.319 --> 00:32:35.899 be true for 00:32:35.899 --> 00:32:36.279 you and 00:32:36.279 --> 00:32:38.220 for me, is 00:32:38.220 --> 00:32:38.839 if we step 00:32:38.839 --> 00:32:39.339 out in 00:32:39.339 --> 00:32:40.319 obedience and 00:32:40.319 --> 00:32:41.539 trust and do 00:32:41.539 --> 00:32:42.039 what God 00:32:42.039 --> 00:32:42.460 says. 00:32:44.519 --> 00:32:45.559 We give 00:32:45.559 --> 00:32:47.259 trusting in 00:32:47.259 --> 00:32:48.359 God's generosity 00:32:48.359 --> 00:32:49.879 towards us. 00:32:50.859 --> 00:32:51.599 But let's be 00:32:51.599 --> 00:32:52.559 crystal clear in 00:32:52.559 --> 00:32:53.059 this again. 00:32:53.420 --> 00:32:54.160 This does not 00:32:54.160 --> 00:32:55.119 mean guaranteed 00:32:55.119 --> 00:32:56.460 comfort or 00:32:56.460 --> 00:32:57.299 better salary. 00:32:57.579 --> 00:32:58.399 If we decide 00:32:58.399 --> 00:32:59.160 to give more, 00:32:59.279 --> 00:32:59.839 it doesn't mean 00:32:59.839 --> 00:33:00.379 to say that 00:33:00.379 --> 00:33:00.899 you're going to 00:33:00.899 --> 00:33:01.460 have more. 00:33:01.460 --> 00:33:03.600 it means that 00:33:03.600 --> 00:33:04.620 Christ is 00:33:04.620 --> 00:33:06.299 sufficient and 00:33:06.299 --> 00:33:07.259 he will meet 00:33:07.259 --> 00:33:08.420 all of our 00:33:08.420 --> 00:33:08.860 needs. 00:33:09.819 --> 00:33:10.519 It's a 00:33:10.519 --> 00:33:10.960 promise. 00:33:14.059 --> 00:33:15.100 So we are 00:33:15.100 --> 00:33:16.140 not asking for 00:33:16.140 --> 00:33:16.740 more money 00:33:16.740 --> 00:33:18.600 and we're not 00:33:18.600 --> 00:33:19.500 demanding for 00:33:19.500 --> 00:33:20.019 more money. 00:33:20.759 --> 00:33:21.660 We're not 00:33:21.660 --> 00:33:22.400 wanting anybody 00:33:22.400 --> 00:33:23.400 to feel guilty. 00:33:24.100 --> 00:33:24.460 We've 00:33:24.460 --> 00:33:25.319 recognised that 00:33:25.319 --> 00:33:26.039 as a church 00:33:26.039 --> 00:33:26.900 people give 00:33:26.900 --> 00:33:28.740 sacrificially and 00:33:28.740 --> 00:33:29.460 generously. 00:33:29.460 --> 00:33:31.140 we simply 00:33:31.140 --> 00:33:31.759 want to hear 00:33:31.759 --> 00:33:32.460 what God 00:33:32.460 --> 00:33:33.079 has to say 00:33:33.079 --> 00:33:33.559 about our 00:33:33.559 --> 00:33:34.940 attitude and 00:33:34.940 --> 00:33:35.519 our approach 00:33:35.519 --> 00:33:36.000 to giving. 00:33:36.680 --> 00:33:37.500 Giving is not 00:33:37.500 --> 00:33:38.240 a thoughtless 00:33:38.240 --> 00:33:39.600 matter, a 00:33:39.600 --> 00:33:40.160 thing we just 00:33:40.160 --> 00:33:40.720 do as the 00:33:40.720 --> 00:33:41.420 bag is being 00:33:41.420 --> 00:33:42.160 passed around 00:33:42.160 --> 00:33:42.759 in front of 00:33:42.759 --> 00:33:43.000 us or 00:33:43.000 --> 00:33:43.519 something we 00:33:43.519 --> 00:33:45.100 decide off a 00:33:45.100 --> 00:33:45.299 whim. 00:33:45.400 --> 00:33:45.759 It's not 00:33:45.759 --> 00:33:46.440 about that. 00:33:47.120 --> 00:33:47.840 Our giving 00:33:47.840 --> 00:33:48.640 is about 00:33:48.640 --> 00:33:49.279 these four 00:33:49.279 --> 00:33:49.740 things. 00:33:50.579 --> 00:33:51.200 It's about 00:33:51.200 --> 00:33:52.120 partnering in 00:33:52.120 --> 00:33:52.600 the gospel 00:33:52.600 --> 00:33:53.259 of Christ. 00:33:54.279 --> 00:33:54.779 It's about 00:33:54.779 --> 00:33:56.180 sharing in 00:33:56.180 --> 00:33:56.860 the grace of 00:33:56.860 --> 00:33:57.299 Christ. 00:33:57.299 --> 00:33:57.419 Christ. 00:33:57.980 --> 00:33:58.879 It's about 00:33:58.879 --> 00:34:00.059 our contentment 00:34:00.059 --> 00:34:00.940 in the 00:34:00.940 --> 00:34:01.879 sufficiency of 00:34:01.879 --> 00:34:02.279 Christ. 00:34:03.200 --> 00:34:03.839 And it's 00:34:03.839 --> 00:34:04.659 about trusting 00:34:04.659 --> 00:34:05.879 in the 00:34:05.879 --> 00:34:06.819 riches of 00:34:06.819 --> 00:34:07.240 Christ. 00:34:08.199 --> 00:34:09.179 We need 00:34:09.179 --> 00:34:09.699 to align 00:34:09.699 --> 00:34:11.199 ourselves to 00:34:11.199 --> 00:34:11.900 these four 00:34:11.900 --> 00:34:14.000 priorities and 00:34:14.000 --> 00:34:14.559 to live our 00:34:14.559 --> 00:34:16.099 lives in 00:34:16.099 --> 00:34:16.800 response. 00:34:18.239 --> 00:34:19.239 Let's pray 00:34:19.239 --> 00:34:20.480 together. 00:34:20.480 --> 00:34:20.579 Amen. 00:34:20.579 --> 00:34:20.639 Amen. 00:34:20.639 --> 00:34:20.659 Amen. 00:34:20.659 --> 00:34:20.699 Amen. 00:34:20.699 --> 00:34:20.759 Amen. 00:34:20.759 --> 00:34:20.779 Amen. 00:34:20.779 --> 00:34:20.800 Amen. 00:34:20.800 --> 00:34:21.480 Amen. 00:34:21.480 --> 00:34:22.559 Amen. 00:34:22.559 --> 00:34:22.639 Amen. 00:34:22.639 --> 00:34:22.659 Amen. 00:34:22.659 --> 00:34:22.719 Amen. 00:34:22.719 --> 00:34:22.759 Amen. 00:34:27.300 --> 00:34:37.720 Our Father 00:34:37.720 --> 00:34:38.700 God, you 00:34:38.700 --> 00:34:40.640 are incredibly 00:34:40.640 --> 00:34:41.260 generous. 00:34:42.660 --> 00:34:43.560 There is not 00:34:43.560 --> 00:34:44.400 one of us here 00:34:44.400 --> 00:34:45.360 this morning who 00:34:45.360 --> 00:34:45.960 is hungry. 00:34:47.380 --> 00:34:48.220 There is not 00:34:48.220 --> 00:34:48.960 one of us who 00:34:48.960 --> 00:34:49.780 is needing a 00:34:49.780 --> 00:34:50.580 home because we 00:34:50.580 --> 00:34:51.300 all have one. 00:34:53.240 --> 00:34:54.000 You have 00:34:54.000 --> 00:34:54.800 blessed us and 00:34:54.800 --> 00:34:55.480 given us so 00:34:55.480 --> 00:34:55.880 much. 00:34:55.880 --> 00:34:57.840 and we 00:34:57.840 --> 00:34:58.519 want to thank 00:34:58.519 --> 00:34:59.640 you for every 00:34:59.640 --> 00:35:01.559 gift that we 00:35:01.559 --> 00:35:02.180 have received 00:35:02.180 --> 00:35:02.800 from you. 00:35:03.740 --> 00:35:04.619 Every euro 00:35:04.619 --> 00:35:06.280 and every 00:35:06.280 --> 00:35:06.820 cent. 00:35:08.019 --> 00:35:09.240 All signs of 00:35:09.240 --> 00:35:10.019 your generosity. 00:35:11.680 --> 00:35:12.760 We ask 00:35:12.760 --> 00:35:14.140 and we 00:35:14.140 --> 00:35:16.019 pray that 00:35:16.019 --> 00:35:16.360 you would 00:35:16.360 --> 00:35:17.240 help us to 00:35:17.240 --> 00:35:17.900 be a people 00:35:17.900 --> 00:35:20.019 who are 00:35:20.019 --> 00:35:20.940 partners in 00:35:20.940 --> 00:35:21.500 the gospel. 00:35:23.420 --> 00:35:24.220 That we 00:35:24.220 --> 00:35:25.340 share generously 00:35:25.340 --> 00:35:26.280 of your 00:35:26.280 --> 00:35:26.780 grace. 00:35:28.780 --> 00:35:29.620 That we 00:35:29.620 --> 00:35:30.780 find ourselves 00:35:30.780 --> 00:35:33.180 daily content 00:35:33.180 --> 00:35:35.300 with all 00:35:35.300 --> 00:35:35.840 that Christ 00:35:35.840 --> 00:35:36.240 is. 00:35:37.160 --> 00:35:37.920 Never wanting 00:35:37.920 --> 00:35:38.380 more, 00:35:39.300 --> 00:35:40.000 never wanting 00:35:40.000 --> 00:35:40.460 less, 00:35:41.360 --> 00:35:41.880 but being 00:35:41.880 --> 00:35:42.700 content with 00:35:42.700 --> 00:35:43.300 what he gives 00:35:43.300 --> 00:35:43.620 us. 00:35:44.620 --> 00:35:45.500 And that you 00:35:45.500 --> 00:35:46.180 would enable 00:35:46.180 --> 00:35:48.019 us to be 00:35:48.019 --> 00:35:48.660 a family 00:35:48.660 --> 00:35:50.280 who trust 00:35:50.280 --> 00:35:51.840 you and 00:35:51.840 --> 00:35:52.700 trust your 00:35:52.700 --> 00:35:53.300 promises 00:35:53.300 --> 00:35:55.260 promises that 00:35:55.260 --> 00:35:55.660 you will 00:35:55.660 --> 00:35:56.240 provide 00:35:56.240 --> 00:35:58.019 according to 00:35:58.019 --> 00:35:58.560 our need. 00:35:59.940 --> 00:36:00.840 We thank 00:36:00.840 --> 00:36:01.160 you for 00:36:01.160 --> 00:36:01.620 your goodness, 00:36:02.260 --> 00:36:03.340 for your 00:36:03.340 --> 00:36:03.780 blessings. 00:36:04.740 --> 00:36:05.519 We thank 00:36:05.519 --> 00:36:06.019 you for your 00:36:06.019 --> 00:36:06.840 faithfulness to 00:36:06.840 --> 00:36:07.360 us as a 00:36:07.360 --> 00:36:08.060 church family. 00:36:08.539 --> 00:36:09.320 Thank you for 00:36:09.320 --> 00:36:10.039 all that we 00:36:10.039 --> 00:36:10.340 have been 00:36:10.340 --> 00:36:11.080 able to do 00:36:11.080 --> 00:36:12.840 over 2010 00:36:12.840 --> 00:36:14.680 or 2011. 00:36:15.039 --> 00:36:15.700 Please help 00:36:15.700 --> 00:36:17.340 us to be a 00:36:17.340 --> 00:36:18.060 people who go 00:36:18.060 --> 00:36:18.900 on generously 00:36:18.900 --> 00:36:19.380 giving, 00:36:20.099 --> 00:36:20.940 not just to 00:36:20.940 --> 00:36:21.440 the needs 00:36:21.440 --> 00:36:21.940 here at 00:36:21.940 --> 00:36:22.200 home, 00:36:22.780 --> 00:36:23.559 but to the 00:36:23.559 --> 00:36:24.480 needs around 00:36:24.480 --> 00:36:25.079 this world. 00:36:26.639 --> 00:36:27.440 Father, we 00:36:27.440 --> 00:36:28.139 thank you for 00:36:28.139 --> 00:36:28.980 your faithfulness, 00:36:29.119 --> 00:36:29.860 for your love. 00:36:30.740 --> 00:36:31.440 Please help us 00:36:31.440 --> 00:36:32.039 to be good 00:36:32.039 --> 00:36:32.519 stewards. 00:36:33.680 --> 00:36:34.380 Please help us 00:36:34.380 --> 00:36:35.260 to be honourable 00:36:35.260 --> 00:36:36.019 with all that 00:36:36.019 --> 00:36:36.400 we do. 00:36:36.400 --> 00:36:38.960 we trust you 00:36:38.960 --> 00:36:40.400 for the future 00:36:40.400 --> 00:36:41.800 as we look 00:36:41.800 --> 00:36:42.300 back in 00:36:42.300 --> 00:36:43.760 thankfulness for 00:36:43.760 --> 00:36:44.320 all that you 00:36:44.320 --> 00:36:44.740 have done. 00:36:45.340 --> 00:36:46.059 In Jesus' 00:36:46.280 --> 00:36:46.519 name, 00:36:47.340 --> 00:36:47.680 Amen.