Do you find it easier to give or to receive? I tend to think it’s harder to receive; as Americans, we often place our value in being self-sufficient and independent. Why would I accept something as a gift when I am capable of getting it myself? On the flip side, it can often be difficult to give, or at least, give for the right reason.

Paul picks up considering generosity, from where Hannah left off yesterday. Generosity can be a hard one to get right. Often, we are generous because we want to create a good impression or we use it to feel good about ourselves—but we’re not being generous for the right reason.

Alternatively, it is easy to avoid generosity because we fear where our provision will come from. If we might not have enough, it is hard to give away what we have. It’s worth pausing to consider which is our daily tendency, and where our motivation in giving comes from.

By reminding the Philippians that God is our perfect Provider, Paul encourages the generosity he sees in them. True generosity is an imitation of the most generous One, Christ, who gives salvation and grace extravagantly to us. If we believe that God will truly care for us, then we can live with radical generosity towards others and view the things the Lord has given us freely with open hands.

Philippians 4.14-20

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 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. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does Paul thank the Philippians for doing for him? [v. 14-16]

+ What does Paul say their generosity produces? [v. 17]

+ What does Paul call the gifts that he has received from them? [v. 18] In what way can giving to others be a sacrifice pleasing to God?

+ What truth does Paul remind them of about giving and receiving? [v. 19]

+ How does his praise of God flow out of the truth he has just said? [v. 20]

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Do I need to re-examine my giving and receiving habits and motivations?

+ Do I truly trust that God is my perfect provider? Do I live in the freedom of that truth?

+ Am I giving to the work of the body of Christ in the world?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?