This is a widely-known Bible Scripture. It has been stuck on magnets that go on the refrigerator. It has been put on bumper stickers, placed on cars so old they have been held together with baling wire. It has even been printed on t-shirts.
However, a lot of people know a Scripture, but they usually don't know the context in which it was given. If you ask people, "What does Philippians 4:15-18 say?", they usually don't know. So, let's find out.
And you Philippians yourselves well know that in the early days of the Gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church (assembly) entered into partnership with me and opened up (a debit or credit) account in giving and receiving except you only.I thought people would have fallen over backwards to support the ministry of the great Apostle Paul. I thought they would have done everything in their power to help him. The Philippians were faithful to the ministry. This Scripture is talking about having a debit and credit account—giving and receiving in the financial realm.
For even in Thessalonica you sent (me contributions) for my needs, not only once but a second time. Not that I seek or am eager for (your) gift, but I do seek and am eager for the fruit which increases to your credit (the harvest of blessing that is accumulating to your account).
But I have (your full payment) and more; I have everything I need and am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me. (They are the) fragrant odor of an offering and sacrifice which God welcomes and in which He delights.
(Phil. 4:15-18 AMP)
Did you know that you have a heavenly bank account? Many people want to withdraw from what they have in heaven, but they are overdrawn. They have been living off heaven's grace. You need to replenish your heavenly account and sow into eternity.
The promised blessings of Philippians 4:19 only belong to believers who are faithful in supporting the work of the ministry.
The Traveling Ministry
In the early days of my ministry, I would call upon a pastor and tell him we were passing through town and he would say, "Wonderful, just keep passing through." Then, if I did get a place to speak, they would give me a love offering—plenty of love and no offering.
You needed a magnifying glass to find it. We once preached an entire week in the church of a millionaire farmer. We stayed in his home, and when we departed, they gave us a box of asparagus. They said, "God bless you, we really appreciate your ministry." Unfortunately, asparagus wouldn't pay for anything we may have needed.
Paul was a pioneer in more ways than one. First of all, he wrote two-thirds of the New Testament. Then, he began a traveling ministry. Back then, they were not taught to support traveling ministries. Through the years, the traveling ministry has always been in conflict with the local church.
Pastors have felt that evangelists have come to take their money. Generally, a proper agreement has not been worked out—the evangelist does his thing and the church does its thing, which often leads to hard feelings.
For this reason, when we come as traveling evangelists, we pray that the church will be blessed because we are there. We believe for the church's income to go up. Many times, after four weeks of revival, the church receives the biggest Sunday offering they have ever had.
I am sharing this principle with you to help you understand what God expects from us. Stewardship is an important part of your Christian walk. If you want to be blessed of God, you need to be a good steward of your money.
Don't tell me, "I am not worried about money." Just wait until you have to feed your children. Then you start thinking, "Where can I get a couple of dollars?" Do you realize how much it costs to take care of a family?
Have you found out that stores don't give anything away? Yet, people expect the Gospel to be that way. Well, the Gospel is free, but it takes finances to get the Gospel out.
The Bible says in Proverbs 13:22 that the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. If you are faithful with the little, He will make you a ruler over much (Matt. 25:21). Let me tell you why it is important to give. Paul said, "Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account." You need to give so that you may have fruit that abounds to your heavenly account.
You would never invest in a company that was going to fail or a business opportunity that was going to go bankrupt. Likewise, with the finances you plant for the work of God, invest in a ministry that brings forth fruit. Invest in a ministry that is going to produce successful outcomes for the kingdom of God.
Giving based on the Word of God will produce results in your life. Giving based on emotions will fade into nothingness. It will only give you temporary satisfaction. As you sow your finances into the work of God, purpose in your heart to sow in good soil.
Tell the Lord, "Father, I am sowing into good soil. I am investing in a revival in America. I am claiming souls for Your kingdom. I am claiming that churches be revived and cities shaken by the power of God."
Then you can expect a harvest. You can expect to reap in every soul that is saved.
Commit yourself today to take God at His Word and become a giver. His promises are true. Together, as faithful stewards, we can reach this world for Jesus and see His vision fulfilled.
by Rodney Howard-Browne
Excerpt permission granted by R.H.E.B.A. Publishers