Investing in Your Spirituality
Part of The Book of Philippians—Partnering with the Gospel
January 10, 2025

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Philippians 4:14-23 (New International Version)
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

I. Friendship requires investment (vv. 14-16)
• Investment is the costly

that friendship requires.
• In life we all have trouble due to , , and sin.
• Acquaintance relationship resists the and of friendship.
• Some friendships are for and some for . (Mt. 13:24-30)
• Fasting is a spiritual investment to prepare for a , break a , improve communication with , accelerate answers to , and improve . (Acts 13:2-3, Isa. 58:6, Mt. 6:16-18, Dan. 10:3, 12)
• Love never needs to be convinced to , rather not to .
II. Investment is the test of professed love (vv. 17-18)
• Relationship is the of love and giving is the of love. (Jn. 3:16, Lk. 7:47)
• There are , , and laws.
is as factual and binding as gravity. (2 Cor. 9:6)
• Prayer us to heaven and fasting us from worldly distractions for reaping and sowing. (Mt. 7:7-8, Mk. 9:29)
• We cannot claim to love God with of our heart if we cannot share of our money with him. (Mt. 6:24, Mt. 22:37-39, Dt. 14:28-29, Lv. 27:30, Lk. 11:42)
III. The revelation of the grace of giving (vv. 19-23)
• God is and to meet all our needs by his grace and love.
• The grace of giving our obedience to share with God and others, and the sin nature’s selfishness.
• Jesus did not redeem us by grace to make us from the grace of giving.
• Giving acknowledgment is different from .
• God will act toward our praying, fasting, forgiving, and giving. (Mt. 7:7-8, Mk. 9:29, Mt. 6:14-15, Gal. 6:7-8)

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TAKE OFF
What’s one hobby you enjoy investing time and/or money in?

TEXT
1. What thoughts or feelings did you have during this week’s sermon?
2. How does the apostle Paul describe his relationship with the Philippians in verses 14-16? What makes his relationship with them different from other churches he planted? What are some practical ways we can show concern for others?
3. Discuss when our investments are viewed by God as fragrant offerings, acceptable sacrifices, and pleasing (v. 18). When is the opposite true? How can we be more generous with communicating our love for others and God through the investment of our time and/or resources?
4. Paul expounds upon how God will meet our needs in verse 19. How have you seen God meet your needs throughout your life? How does valuing God’s grace help us to extend grace to others?

TAKE AWAY
What did you find most helpful or challenging in the series in Philippians (partnering in the gospel, adversity, exchanging expectation for hope, suffering, humility, joy, maturity, contentment, etc.)?