Generosity and Contentment: Christian Birth Marks
Notes
Transcript
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CIT: How does Paul sign off his letter? He thanks and blesses them for their generosity.
CIS: Generosity and Contentment are marks of mature Christian character.
SO: Apply: We grow content by rejoicing and reflecting on God. Our contentment will motivate our generosity, our generosity will fuel our contentment.
Intro
Context
Themes
Paul
Epaphroditus
Philippi
Content
The Strength of Contentment is Christ (v.10-13
The Strength of Contentment is Christ (v.10-13
Exp
The church had a long period where they could not demonstrate tangible concern for paul
What might that be?
Contentment is appropriate for any situation for Christians (v.11)
An appropriate reflection on our dependence on God and his control
Not an annihilation of the will
Laziness
Fatalism
The strength of contentment comes from Christ
App:
Where in our lives are we less than content?
How does knowing that … God knows the begining to the end?
Is not the author of evil
Will use it for good? (eg. Joseph)
Is a good God?
What sort of emotional reaction might we (should) have when we realize that God is not stopped by our seemingly impossible situations?
Rejoice / Relief/ Trust
Christian generosity is given (ultimately) to God.
Christian generosity is given (ultimately) to God.
Exp
Where did Paul go after Philippi?
[Thess Acts 17 > Berea :10] > Athens :16 > Corinth 18 (2 years)
2 Cor 11:8-9 “8 I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you. 9 And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.”
Paul is concerned with the “fruit that increase to your credit.”
Maturity in the faith
The gift to him is counted as sacrifice to God.
Paul’s blessing: God will supply their needs
Paul sign’s off with Grace
App:
They gave out of concern and it increased their credit.
We can give out our maturity in Christ, it will increase your credit.
As we grow more mature and reflect our Christ our contenment grow.
As our contment grows we will be able to give generously our of our maturity
As we give more we will grow more content and rejoice
Where in our lives can we give our of concern?
Charity
Sickness
Need
Where in our lives can we give out of our maturity?
Ministry
Tithes and Offerings
Missionary organizations
Work stuff?
Let’s do it
Response:
Salvation
Believers
Are we discontent? - Reflect and search out how God’s in control of that and that he will make good come out of what you are dealing with.
Are we stingy - Let’s find an area of concern for us to give. Its easier that way, and rejoice with the benefits. Let’s progress to giving out of maturity
Are we sour? - Let’s look back on what God has done and who he He is? When you reflect on the Lord’s work in your life it will make you shout. Ask the Lord for help and he will if you struggle with this.