What's God Say? | January 25th
Sermon Overview
Biblical Stewardship: Lessons from Paul's Thank You Note to the Philippians
Paul's letter to the Philippians contains one of the most comprehensive teachings on biblical stewardship found in the New Testament. In Philippians 4:15-23, we discover that giving isn't just about money—it's about partnership, sacrifice, and eternal investment.
What Does It Mean to Be Gospel Partners?
Outstanding Partnership
The Philippians stood out among all churches for their generosity. Paul notes that "no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone." Their giving wasn't just generous—it was unique. They understood that by supporting Paul's ministry, they were buying shares in the gospel work itself.
When we support churches, ministries, or missionaries, we become gospel partners. We're not just giving money away; we're investing in eternal work that extends far beyond our individual capacity.
Long-Standing Commitment
The Philippians didn't just give once and forget about it. Paul mentions they sent gifts "more than once" and supported him for over ten years. Their partnership was both immediate and enduring.
This teaches us that faithful giving should be one of the first disciplines we establish as believers. It doesn't get easier with time—it only becomes more challenging as life progresses and expenses increase. Young believers and couples especially need to establish this pattern early.
What Are the Pictures of Biblical Giving?
Heavenly Bank Account
Paul uses fascinating financial language to describe our giving. He speaks of "profit," "increase," and "account"—all terms from the world of banking and investment. When we give to God's work, we're essentially opening an interest-bearing account in heaven.
Every gift we make is a deposit that earns eternal dividends. God is a meticulous bookkeeper who tracks every contribution and compounds the interest daily. The greatest beneficiary of our giving isn't the recipient—it's us.
As one wealthy businessman put it: "I didn't lose a penny of what I gave away. I lost only what I kept." The safest money we ever have is the money we give away to God's work.
Fragrant Sacrifice
Paul describes the Philippians' gift as "a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." This imagery comes from Old Testament temple worship, where sacrifices created a pleasing aroma to God.
What pleases God isn't our leftover money or surplus funds—it's sacrificial giving that costs us something. As King David said, "I will not give to God something that costs me nothing."
How Much Should Christians Give?
The Measure Is Sacrifice, Not Size
The Philippians were actually poor people, yet Paul praised their generosity. In 2 Corinthians, he describes their "deep poverty" that "overflowed in the wealth of their liberality." They gave "beyond their ability" because they first gave themselves to the Lord.
Jesus illustrated this principle with the widow who gave two small coins. Her gift was greater than all the wealthy donors because it represented everything she had. It's not the portion we give that matters—it's the proportion and the sacrifice involved.
Current Giving Statistics
Unfortunately, modern evangelical churches show concerning trends. While 17% of people claim to tithe, only 5-6% actually do. Many give nothing at all, with the average being just 2-4% of income.
These statistics suggest that many believers haven't yet experienced the joy and blessing that comes from sacrificial giving.
What Promises Does God Make to Faithful Givers?
A Conditional Promise
Philippians 4:19 is often misquoted as a blanket promise to all believers: "And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." However, the conjunction "and" connects this promise specifically to faithful givers mentioned in the previous verses.
This isn't prosperity theology—God doesn't promise to fulfill every want. But He does promise to meet the needs of those who faithfully and sacrificially give to His work.
God's Infinite Resources
Paul doesn't say God will give "from" His riches, but "according to" His riches. There's a crucial difference. When someone gives from their wealth, it might be a small amount. But when they give according to their wealth—in keeping with their resources—it reflects their true capacity.
God's riches are infinite and can never be diminished. We can never outgive God because His resources are limitless.
Why Does Giving Matter to God?
It Reveals Our Heart
Jesus taught that "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Our giving patterns reveal the true condition of our spiritual life. There's probably no more accurate gauge of our relationship with God than how we handle our finances.
When Sam Houston was baptized, he said his wallet had been baptized too. When God touches our hearts, He touches our wallets as well.
It Brings Glory to God
Paul concludes his teaching with praise: "Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever." All our giving ultimately brings glory to God and connects us to something much bigger than ourselves.
The Philippians' gifts helped reach deep into the Roman Emperor's administration, contributing to the eventual transformation of the entire Roman Empire through Christianity.
Life Application
This week, examine your giving patterns honestly. Are you a gospel partner through your financial stewardship, or are you sitting on the sidelines? Consider establishing or increasing regular, sacrificial giving to God's work.
Remember that the Christian life begins not with giving something to God, but receiving something from Him—the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. When we truly understand what Christ gave up for us (becoming poor so we might become rich spiritually), it motivates generous hearts.
Ask yourself these questions:
Paul's letter to the Philippians contains one of the most comprehensive teachings on biblical stewardship found in the New Testament. In Philippians 4:15-23, we discover that giving isn't just about money—it's about partnership, sacrifice, and eternal investment.
What Does It Mean to Be Gospel Partners?
Outstanding Partnership
The Philippians stood out among all churches for their generosity. Paul notes that "no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone." Their giving wasn't just generous—it was unique. They understood that by supporting Paul's ministry, they were buying shares in the gospel work itself.
When we support churches, ministries, or missionaries, we become gospel partners. We're not just giving money away; we're investing in eternal work that extends far beyond our individual capacity.
Long-Standing Commitment
The Philippians didn't just give once and forget about it. Paul mentions they sent gifts "more than once" and supported him for over ten years. Their partnership was both immediate and enduring.
This teaches us that faithful giving should be one of the first disciplines we establish as believers. It doesn't get easier with time—it only becomes more challenging as life progresses and expenses increase. Young believers and couples especially need to establish this pattern early.
What Are the Pictures of Biblical Giving?
Heavenly Bank Account
Paul uses fascinating financial language to describe our giving. He speaks of "profit," "increase," and "account"—all terms from the world of banking and investment. When we give to God's work, we're essentially opening an interest-bearing account in heaven.
Every gift we make is a deposit that earns eternal dividends. God is a meticulous bookkeeper who tracks every contribution and compounds the interest daily. The greatest beneficiary of our giving isn't the recipient—it's us.
As one wealthy businessman put it: "I didn't lose a penny of what I gave away. I lost only what I kept." The safest money we ever have is the money we give away to God's work.
Fragrant Sacrifice
Paul describes the Philippians' gift as "a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." This imagery comes from Old Testament temple worship, where sacrifices created a pleasing aroma to God.
What pleases God isn't our leftover money or surplus funds—it's sacrificial giving that costs us something. As King David said, "I will not give to God something that costs me nothing."
How Much Should Christians Give?
The Measure Is Sacrifice, Not Size
The Philippians were actually poor people, yet Paul praised their generosity. In 2 Corinthians, he describes their "deep poverty" that "overflowed in the wealth of their liberality." They gave "beyond their ability" because they first gave themselves to the Lord.
Jesus illustrated this principle with the widow who gave two small coins. Her gift was greater than all the wealthy donors because it represented everything she had. It's not the portion we give that matters—it's the proportion and the sacrifice involved.
Current Giving Statistics
Unfortunately, modern evangelical churches show concerning trends. While 17% of people claim to tithe, only 5-6% actually do. Many give nothing at all, with the average being just 2-4% of income.
These statistics suggest that many believers haven't yet experienced the joy and blessing that comes from sacrificial giving.
What Promises Does God Make to Faithful Givers?
A Conditional Promise
Philippians 4:19 is often misquoted as a blanket promise to all believers: "And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." However, the conjunction "and" connects this promise specifically to faithful givers mentioned in the previous verses.
This isn't prosperity theology—God doesn't promise to fulfill every want. But He does promise to meet the needs of those who faithfully and sacrificially give to His work.
God's Infinite Resources
Paul doesn't say God will give "from" His riches, but "according to" His riches. There's a crucial difference. When someone gives from their wealth, it might be a small amount. But when they give according to their wealth—in keeping with their resources—it reflects their true capacity.
God's riches are infinite and can never be diminished. We can never outgive God because His resources are limitless.
Why Does Giving Matter to God?
It Reveals Our Heart
Jesus taught that "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Our giving patterns reveal the true condition of our spiritual life. There's probably no more accurate gauge of our relationship with God than how we handle our finances.
When Sam Houston was baptized, he said his wallet had been baptized too. When God touches our hearts, He touches our wallets as well.
It Brings Glory to God
Paul concludes his teaching with praise: "Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever." All our giving ultimately brings glory to God and connects us to something much bigger than ourselves.
The Philippians' gifts helped reach deep into the Roman Emperor's administration, contributing to the eventual transformation of the entire Roman Empire through Christianity.
Life Application
This week, examine your giving patterns honestly. Are you a gospel partner through your financial stewardship, or are you sitting on the sidelines? Consider establishing or increasing regular, sacrificial giving to God's work.
Remember that the Christian life begins not with giving something to God, but receiving something from Him—the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. When we truly understand what Christ gave up for us (becoming poor so we might become rich spiritually), it motivates generous hearts.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Have I opened a bank account in heaven through regular giving?
- Is my giving sacrificial, or am I just giving leftovers?
- Do I trust God enough to test His promises about providing for faithful givers?
- How can I become a better gospel partner through my stewardship this year?
Devo 1 – The Heart-Wallet Connection
Devotional
Have you ever noticed how quickly conversations about money can reveal what's really in someone's heart? Jesus understood this connection perfectly when He taught that our treasure and our hearts are inseparably linked. The Philippians discovered this truth in a beautiful way - when God touched their hearts, their wallets followed naturally. This isn't about guilt or manipulation; it's about recognizing a spiritual reality. Our spending habits, our saving patterns, and yes, our giving practices all serve as windows into our souls. They reveal what we truly value, what we trust, and where we place our security. Think about your last bank statement or credit card bill. What story does it tell about your priorities? Does it reflect someone whose heart belongs to God, or does it reveal divided loyalties? The beautiful truth is that when our hearts are fully surrendered to Christ, generous giving becomes a natural overflow, not a burdensome obligation. The Philippians weren't wealthy people, yet they gave sacrificially because their hearts had been captured by the gospel. They understood that everything they had was a gift from God, and they wanted to participate in His work around the world. Their giving wasn't driven by duty but by delight - the joy of partnering with God in His mission. When we truly grasp God's generosity toward us - His gift of salvation, His daily provision, His constant love - our response becomes one of grateful generosity. We don't give to earn God's favor; we give because we already have it.
Bible Verse
'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' - Matthew 6:21
Reflection Question
If someone examined your spending habits over the past month, what would they conclude about what matters most to you?
Quote
Our wallets and our hearts are bound closely together. It's not a money issue, it's a heart issue.
Prayer
Lord, help me see the connection between my heart and my wallet. Show me where my treasure truly lies, and align my giving with my love for You. Transform my heart so that generosity flows naturally from my relationship with You. Amen.
Have you ever noticed how quickly conversations about money can reveal what's really in someone's heart? Jesus understood this connection perfectly when He taught that our treasure and our hearts are inseparably linked. The Philippians discovered this truth in a beautiful way - when God touched their hearts, their wallets followed naturally. This isn't about guilt or manipulation; it's about recognizing a spiritual reality. Our spending habits, our saving patterns, and yes, our giving practices all serve as windows into our souls. They reveal what we truly value, what we trust, and where we place our security. Think about your last bank statement or credit card bill. What story does it tell about your priorities? Does it reflect someone whose heart belongs to God, or does it reveal divided loyalties? The beautiful truth is that when our hearts are fully surrendered to Christ, generous giving becomes a natural overflow, not a burdensome obligation. The Philippians weren't wealthy people, yet they gave sacrificially because their hearts had been captured by the gospel. They understood that everything they had was a gift from God, and they wanted to participate in His work around the world. Their giving wasn't driven by duty but by delight - the joy of partnering with God in His mission. When we truly grasp God's generosity toward us - His gift of salvation, His daily provision, His constant love - our response becomes one of grateful generosity. We don't give to earn God's favor; we give because we already have it.
Bible Verse
'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' - Matthew 6:21
Reflection Question
If someone examined your spending habits over the past month, what would they conclude about what matters most to you?
Quote
Our wallets and our hearts are bound closely together. It's not a money issue, it's a heart issue.
Prayer
Lord, help me see the connection between my heart and my wallet. Show me where my treasure truly lies, and align my giving with my love for You. Transform my heart so that generosity flows naturally from my relationship with You. Amen.
Devo 2 – First Things First
Devotional
When you started following Jesus, what were the first spiritual disciplines you embraced? Perhaps you began reading the Bible daily, or maybe you established a prayer routine. These foundational practices shape our spiritual growth, but there's one discipline that often gets overlooked in those early days: faithful giving. The Philippians understood something profound about spiritual formation. From the very beginning of their relationship with Paul and the gospel, they made giving a priority. They didn't wait until they felt financially secure or until they had "extra" money. They recognized that giving is fundamentally about trust, surrender, and partnership with God. Establishing faithful giving early in our walk with Christ does something powerful in our hearts. It breaks the grip of materialism before it can take root. It teaches us to depend on God rather than our bank accounts. It reminds us regularly that we're stewards, not owners, of everything we have. Many believers struggle with giving later in life because they've allowed other financial commitments and lifestyle choices to crowd out their generosity. They've built their lives around keeping rather than giving, making it much harder to develop a generous heart. But it's never too late to start. Whether you're a new believer or have been walking with Christ for decades, you can make faithful giving a cornerstone of your spiritual life. Start where you are, with what you have, and watch how God uses this discipline to transform your heart and deepen your trust in Him.
Bible Verse
'I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.' - Philippians 1:5
Reflection Question
What would change in your spiritual life if you made faithful giving one of your foundational disciplines, regardless of your current financial situation?
Quote
Faithful giving should be one of the first disciplines we establish in our walk with Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, help me prioritize faithful giving as a cornerstone of my spiritual life. Give me the courage to trust You with my finances and the wisdom to see giving as an act of worship and partnership with You. Amen.
When you started following Jesus, what were the first spiritual disciplines you embraced? Perhaps you began reading the Bible daily, or maybe you established a prayer routine. These foundational practices shape our spiritual growth, but there's one discipline that often gets overlooked in those early days: faithful giving. The Philippians understood something profound about spiritual formation. From the very beginning of their relationship with Paul and the gospel, they made giving a priority. They didn't wait until they felt financially secure or until they had "extra" money. They recognized that giving is fundamentally about trust, surrender, and partnership with God. Establishing faithful giving early in our walk with Christ does something powerful in our hearts. It breaks the grip of materialism before it can take root. It teaches us to depend on God rather than our bank accounts. It reminds us regularly that we're stewards, not owners, of everything we have. Many believers struggle with giving later in life because they've allowed other financial commitments and lifestyle choices to crowd out their generosity. They've built their lives around keeping rather than giving, making it much harder to develop a generous heart. But it's never too late to start. Whether you're a new believer or have been walking with Christ for decades, you can make faithful giving a cornerstone of your spiritual life. Start where you are, with what you have, and watch how God uses this discipline to transform your heart and deepen your trust in Him.
Bible Verse
'I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.' - Philippians 1:5
Reflection Question
What would change in your spiritual life if you made faithful giving one of your foundational disciplines, regardless of your current financial situation?
Quote
Faithful giving should be one of the first disciplines we establish in our walk with Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Father, help me prioritize faithful giving as a cornerstone of my spiritual life. Give me the courage to trust You with my finances and the wisdom to see giving as an act of worship and partnership with You. Amen.
Devo 3 – Your Heavenly Investment Account
Devotional
Imagine if every act of generosity toward God's work was like making a deposit into a heavenly savings account - one that earns eternal interest and never loses value. This isn't just a nice metaphor; it's exactly how Paul describes our giving to God. Unlike earthly investments that can crash, be stolen, or lose value, our gifts to God's kingdom work are completely secure. God acts as the perfect banker, keeping meticulous records of every contribution and ensuring that the returns far exceed anything Wall Street could offer. The "interest" we earn isn't measured in dollars but in eternal rewards, spiritual growth, and the joy of seeing lives transformed. This perspective completely changes how we view our giving. Instead of seeing it as money "lost" or "gone," we begin to understand it as the wisest investment we could ever make. We're not just supporting a good cause; we're transferring our resources from a temporary economy to an eternal one. The Philippians discovered this truth firsthand. Their sacrificial giving didn't impoverish them; it enriched them in ways they never expected. They experienced God's provision, the joy of partnership in the gospel, and the satisfaction of knowing their gifts were making an eternal difference. Every time you give to God's work - whether it's your local church, missions, or helping those in need - you're making a deposit that will pay dividends forever. You're investing in something that will outlast every earthly portfolio and provide returns that money simply cannot buy.
Bible Verse
'And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.' - Philippians 4:19
Reflection Question
How might your giving habits change if you truly believed that every gift to God's work was an investment in an eternal account that never loses value?
Quote
When you give your money to God's work, it's like you open an account in heaven and every time you give, you're making deposits to that account in heaven.
Prayer
Lord, help me see my giving through eternal eyes. Thank You for the promise that You keep perfect records of our generosity and that our gifts to Your kingdom work are never wasted. Give me faith to invest in eternity. Amen.
Imagine if every act of generosity toward God's work was like making a deposit into a heavenly savings account - one that earns eternal interest and never loses value. This isn't just a nice metaphor; it's exactly how Paul describes our giving to God. Unlike earthly investments that can crash, be stolen, or lose value, our gifts to God's kingdom work are completely secure. God acts as the perfect banker, keeping meticulous records of every contribution and ensuring that the returns far exceed anything Wall Street could offer. The "interest" we earn isn't measured in dollars but in eternal rewards, spiritual growth, and the joy of seeing lives transformed. This perspective completely changes how we view our giving. Instead of seeing it as money "lost" or "gone," we begin to understand it as the wisest investment we could ever make. We're not just supporting a good cause; we're transferring our resources from a temporary economy to an eternal one. The Philippians discovered this truth firsthand. Their sacrificial giving didn't impoverish them; it enriched them in ways they never expected. They experienced God's provision, the joy of partnership in the gospel, and the satisfaction of knowing their gifts were making an eternal difference. Every time you give to God's work - whether it's your local church, missions, or helping those in need - you're making a deposit that will pay dividends forever. You're investing in something that will outlast every earthly portfolio and provide returns that money simply cannot buy.
Bible Verse
'And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.' - Philippians 4:19
Reflection Question
How might your giving habits change if you truly believed that every gift to God's work was an investment in an eternal account that never loses value?
Quote
When you give your money to God's work, it's like you open an account in heaven and every time you give, you're making deposits to that account in heaven.
Prayer
Lord, help me see my giving through eternal eyes. Thank You for the promise that You keep perfect records of our generosity and that our gifts to Your kingdom work are never wasted. Give me faith to invest in eternity. Amen.
Devo 4 – The Sacrifice That Pleases God
Devotional
In the Old Testament, when worshippers brought their best animals to the temple as sacrifices, the aroma that rose from the altar was described as pleasing to God. It wasn't just about the physical offering; it represented the heart of the giver - their devotion, surrender, and desire to honor the Lord. Paul uses this same beautiful imagery to describe the Philippians' financial gift. Their generosity wasn't just a practical contribution to his ministry; it was a fragrant sacrifice that brought pleasure to God's heart. This transforms our understanding of giving from a mere transaction to an act of worship. What made their gift so pleasing wasn't its size but its sacrifice. The Philippians gave out of their poverty, not their abundance. They gave what cost them something, not just what was convenient or comfortable. Their gift represented real sacrifice - perhaps they went without something they wanted or needed so they could support Paul's ministry. This challenges us to examine our own giving. Are we offering God our leftovers, or are we bringing Him our best? Are we giving what's easy, or what requires faith and sacrifice? The measure isn't the dollar amount but the heart behind it and the cost to the giver. When we give sacrificially - when our gift represents something meaningful to us - it becomes more than money changing hands. It becomes worship, a fragrant offering that rises to God's throne and brings Him joy. What an incredible privilege that we can do something that actually pleases the eternal, infinite, majestic God!
Bible Verse
'But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.' - Philippians 4:18
Reflection Question
What would it look like for you to give a 'fragrant sacrifice' to God - something that truly costs you and represents your heart of worship?
Quote
When we talk about giving, the measure is not the size but the sacrifice.
Prayer
Father, I want my giving to be more than just money - I want it to be worship that pleases You. Help me give sacrificially, not just conveniently, so that my gifts become a fragrant aroma that rises to Your throne. Amen.
In the Old Testament, when worshippers brought their best animals to the temple as sacrifices, the aroma that rose from the altar was described as pleasing to God. It wasn't just about the physical offering; it represented the heart of the giver - their devotion, surrender, and desire to honor the Lord. Paul uses this same beautiful imagery to describe the Philippians' financial gift. Their generosity wasn't just a practical contribution to his ministry; it was a fragrant sacrifice that brought pleasure to God's heart. This transforms our understanding of giving from a mere transaction to an act of worship. What made their gift so pleasing wasn't its size but its sacrifice. The Philippians gave out of their poverty, not their abundance. They gave what cost them something, not just what was convenient or comfortable. Their gift represented real sacrifice - perhaps they went without something they wanted or needed so they could support Paul's ministry. This challenges us to examine our own giving. Are we offering God our leftovers, or are we bringing Him our best? Are we giving what's easy, or what requires faith and sacrifice? The measure isn't the dollar amount but the heart behind it and the cost to the giver. When we give sacrificially - when our gift represents something meaningful to us - it becomes more than money changing hands. It becomes worship, a fragrant offering that rises to God's throne and brings Him joy. What an incredible privilege that we can do something that actually pleases the eternal, infinite, majestic God!
Bible Verse
'But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.' - Philippians 4:18
Reflection Question
What would it look like for you to give a 'fragrant sacrifice' to God - something that truly costs you and represents your heart of worship?
Quote
When we talk about giving, the measure is not the size but the sacrifice.
Prayer
Father, I want my giving to be more than just money - I want it to be worship that pleases You. Help me give sacrificially, not just conveniently, so that my gifts become a fragrant aroma that rises to Your throne. Amen.
Devo 5 – Sending Treasure Ahead
Devotional
There's an old saying that perfectly captures a universal truth: "You can't take it with you." No hearse has ever been seen pulling a trailer full of possessions to the cemetery. But here's what many people miss - while you can't take your treasure with you when you die, you can send it on ahead through generous giving. Every gift we make to God's kingdom work is like a wire transfer to eternity. We're moving our resources from a temporary economy that will one day collapse to an eternal economy that will never fail. The Philippians understood this principle. They weren't just supporting Paul's ministry; they were investing in eternal rewards that would be waiting for them in heaven. This perspective should radically change how we view our possessions and our giving. Instead of hoarding wealth for a future we may not see, we can invest in a future that's guaranteed. Instead of building bigger barns to store our treasures on earth, we can fill our accounts in heaven. The question isn't whether we'll leave our earthly possessions behind - we will. The question is whether we'll have anything waiting for us on the other side. How much treasure have you sent ahead? What eternal investments have you made? The beautiful truth is that it's never too late to start. Every act of generosity, every gift to God's work, every sacrifice made for the kingdom is treasure sent ahead. And unlike earthly investments, these deposits are guaranteed by God Himself. You truly can't outgive God, and you can't lose what you've invested in His kingdom.
Bible Verse
'Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.' - Luke 6:38
Reflection Question
If you knew you only had one year left to live, how would that change your giving priorities and the treasure you're sending ahead to eternity?
Quote
It's no secret that you can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead. In the end, the only treasure we have is what we've sent on ahead.
Prayer
Lord, help me live with an eternal perspective. Show me how to send treasure ahead through generous giving rather than storing up wealth that I can't keep. Give me wisdom to invest in Your kingdom and trust in Your eternal promises. Amen.
There's an old saying that perfectly captures a universal truth: "You can't take it with you." No hearse has ever been seen pulling a trailer full of possessions to the cemetery. But here's what many people miss - while you can't take your treasure with you when you die, you can send it on ahead through generous giving. Every gift we make to God's kingdom work is like a wire transfer to eternity. We're moving our resources from a temporary economy that will one day collapse to an eternal economy that will never fail. The Philippians understood this principle. They weren't just supporting Paul's ministry; they were investing in eternal rewards that would be waiting for them in heaven. This perspective should radically change how we view our possessions and our giving. Instead of hoarding wealth for a future we may not see, we can invest in a future that's guaranteed. Instead of building bigger barns to store our treasures on earth, we can fill our accounts in heaven. The question isn't whether we'll leave our earthly possessions behind - we will. The question is whether we'll have anything waiting for us on the other side. How much treasure have you sent ahead? What eternal investments have you made? The beautiful truth is that it's never too late to start. Every act of generosity, every gift to God's work, every sacrifice made for the kingdom is treasure sent ahead. And unlike earthly investments, these deposits are guaranteed by God Himself. You truly can't outgive God, and you can't lose what you've invested in His kingdom.
Bible Verse
'Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.' - Luke 6:38
Reflection Question
If you knew you only had one year left to live, how would that change your giving priorities and the treasure you're sending ahead to eternity?
Quote
It's no secret that you can't take it with you, but you can send it on ahead. In the end, the only treasure we have is what we've sent on ahead.
Prayer
Lord, help me live with an eternal perspective. Show me how to send treasure ahead through generous giving rather than storing up wealth that I can't keep. Give me wisdom to invest in Your kingdom and trust in Your eternal promises. Amen.