10/28/2024
It takes money to finance missionary work, so many church leaders dedicate a week or two each year to discussing and educating their congregations on this endeavor, and to ask them to give. However, before they go about doing this they would be better served if they would ask themselves a couple of very basic questions. The first is this: which comes first, money or prayer, and the second is whether missions increases a church’s faith, or whether strengthened faith increases a desire to support missions? This is the subject of our study today. I read Paul's words in Philippians 4 in which he was thanking the church for its gifts to him as he traveled and spread the gospel. He made it clear that God supplies the church, and the missionary’s needs through the faithful, and that it isn’t the faithful who make these efforts possible for God. “God will supply every need of yours according to his riches”.
“Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again… I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Philippians 4:16, 18-20 ESV
Speaking on the subject of missionary giving, Pastor E. M. Bounds used Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” to warn the modern church that money does not come first... Money follows as a result of prayer and spirituality. People don't give to become stronger in their faith, no, they give because they have become stronger in their prayer closets, and thus in faith. Bounds said it in this way..,
"The common idea among church leaders is that if we get the money, prayer will come. The very opposite is actually true. If we get the church involved in praying, and thus secure the spirit of missions, money will more than likely come as a matter of course." – E. M. Bounds
A few years ago I attended a Mission conference at a local church. The purpose of the conference was to provide the missionaries it was sponsoring with training, encouragement, and to secure funding for their next year's missionary efforts.
I believe that the conference was a success in training and encouragement, but fell well short in the commitment to funding. In hind sight I realize that they went about the organization and business of the week well, but lacked in attention to the spiritual aspect. They fell, short in prayer and the spiritual uplifting of the missionaries, and of the church body as a whole. Instead of mainlining their missionary efforts during their Sunday services they held a special service and only marginally broached the subject on Sunday mornings... The biggest Sunday effort was simply to ask for a commitment of money. Congregations give from the bounty that God has provided them, and a realization that all they have is already God’s… given to them to be good stewards over.
“For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”
John 1:16
So how do we give, and what should the church expect to receive as it sets about the task of doing God’s work? If the church strengthens its congregants in prayer and faith then God’s bounty will be increased to them, and the church through them, because giving is based on what God has provided.
“But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.”
1 Chronicles 29:14 ESV
Prayer:
Thank you Father for the bounty you have provided us, and for directing us through prayer, and the Holy Spirit, in how best to manage what you have given us. Thank you Lord for your Holy Word, and for those you have called to preach and teach it. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who increases us in belief and faith as our understanding grows. Teach us to give faithfully Father, and that what we give unto you is not of ourselves, but of what you have provided us, because all things come from you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you who rewards the faithful, and makes it possible for them to obey your will, and give back to you and your causes. Holy are you whose storehouses contain the gifts we retrieve, and then bring back to you as offerings. Praised be your name for sending your Son Jesus to redeem us, and to then to send us out to deliver the gospel to the world. Merciful and full of grace are you in this regard, for even our harvests and fortunes serve to lead us as we obey your will, and provide enlightenment for the lost. We thank you Lord for providing for us, and allowing us to join you by the giving of ourselves, and the fortunes you have blessed us with; for allowing us to partner in your mission as you seek to save as many sinners as will hear, and believe in you, and Jesus Christ. Hear our prayers, increase our faith, and speak to our hearts as we follow and make offering unto you through those you have called to this purpose. We give all glory to you Father for everything we have been provided, and all we are able to give.
Amen
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 ESV
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”
Matthew 25:23 ESV
Rich Forbes