Promises to the Sower
Message Summary:
[Philippians 4:17-20 NKJV] 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things [sent] from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father [be] glory forever and ever. Amen.
In today’s message, in our final look at the book of Philippians, Pastor John taught us about the importance of the offering, the balance to tithing. There is a simple biblical principle that says this: When do what God says, we will experience what God promises. When we obey God, including in our giving, we move into a realm where God has promised that He will meet our needs and supply abundance in our lives. When Paul said in v. 19, “my God supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” he meant:
Supply: (Play -rah – O, pleroo): To cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally, to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim
Need: (Khri-ah): whatever is required or demanded for business, life, and success right now
God has promised to abundantly supply whatever His people require for success in life/business. He does this through seeds. We have to learn how to plant seeds of the Word on the inside of us and nurture them by faith. We must nurture the seed of conviction that when we give generously, God WILL supply our needs generously in return. God’s greatest desire is that we receive every good thing that he has made available to us. We need to remember that God responds back to us in proportion to what we sow. When we sow, we can expect to reap.
This is the nature of the offering (when we give above and beyond the tithe). Offerings come through the hands of men. When give an offering to the Lord, we are partnering financially with him to do the things He wants to do on the earth. Offerings are gifts you feel led by the Lord to give. It could be a gift toward a campus project at church. It could be groceries for a friend in need. It could be a date night for a couple who just can’t afford to get away together in this season. When we are led by the Lord to give a financial gift toward something God wants to do, we receive a blessing and reward in return. Whenever we surrender and sacrifice to follow Jesus, God promises that he will bless us in return…in this life! We can give generously knowing that God sees it and has promised to give us back abundant blessings!
Scriptures:
[Luke 6:38 NKJV] "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
[2 Corinthians 9:6-12 NKJV] 6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever." 10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness. 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God…
Discussion Questions:
What is the offering and how is it different from the tithe?
How do we know what to give as an offering?
How do we know when to give and when to hold back?
Why is it important to let God through the Holy Spirit lead you as you give an offering?
How does our offering position us for more blessings and abundance for every good work?
Life Application:
Over the next week, as you study the key scriptures, ask yourself: Have you ever given an offering to the Lord, a gift above and beyond your tithe? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you a need where you can plant an offering. God wants to do great things in your life, but he may be waiting for you to sow a generous seed! When the Lord inspires you to give to a need, give generously! You don’t have to fear giving when the Lord leads you. When you give to the Lord, he has promised he will bless you back abundantly.