Message Notes 09 15 24
September 13, 2024

Title: Wonderful Truths About Christian Giving
Text: Philippians 4:14-23
Date: September 15, 2024

Introduction: A common rule of thumb among fundraisers is: “Say Thank You Seven Times.” Effective fundraisers teach that it’s important to say “thank you” in a variety of ways between when a gift is received and when the next is requested. This is based on an old Chinese custom of saying “thank you” seven times. Ancient Turkish protocol also involved seven “thank–you’s” for special gifts. Stories from Nigeria mention that the words Na gode, meaning, “Thank you” are repeated seven times. A common phrase in other cultures is, “Thank you seven times over.” (Janet Hedrick Effective Donor Relations, Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & Sons, 2008, 63.)

The Apostle Paul was blessed seven times over for saying, “thank you.” As we read and study all his letters, we find a man who discovered the power of “thank you.” The Book of Philippians is essentially a thank you note from him to the Church at Philippi. He is writing to thank them for the gift they sent when they heard he was a prisoner in Rome. The final paragraph of his letter contains a direct statement about the gift Paul had received from them. A careful study of his words reveals some wonderful truths about Christian giving. What are they?

However, before we answer the question, we must acknowledge that there are many pastors and churches that avoid the subject of Christian giving like a plague. In fact, numerous modern church gurus are telling pastors across the country not to talk about money or stewardship. That is indeed very strange since our Lord spoke of it in one-third of His parables. We should never apologize in challenging one another in the realm of Christian giving, because it is a great part of our own spiritual development and growth. So, what are some wonderful truths about giving from our text?

I. Christian giving is about a

(Philippians 4:14-16).

II. Christian giving is about

(Philippians 4:17).

III. Christian giving is about

(Philippians 4:18).

IV. Christian giving is about

(Philippians 4:19-20).

Larry Gipson
First Baptist Church-Oneonta