1. The Epistle To The Philippians
The Givingest Church

2. Do Character Differences Exist In Churches?
Seems to me like individual first century churches had their own particular character.
The Antioch church seems to have been very evangelistically minded.
The church at Thessalonica seems to have been steadfast in affliction and persecution.
The church at Ephesus was marked by strong doctrinal knowledge and defense of the gospel, but waning enthusiasm.
The church at Philippi, then, seems to be a church notable for their generous giving.

3. They Were The Givingest Church
They seemed to be often giving and contributing to the work of the Lord.
Paul praised them often for their generosity and giving.
Phil. 4:15-16 – “You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.

4. More indication of their giving
Philippians 1:7 -- For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me….”
Co-laborers with Paul

5. Liberality From The Start
How does a church become a giving church?
Sometimes it begins that way.
Acts 16:14-15 – “A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.”

6. And The Liberality Of The Jailer
Acts 16:33-34 – And (the jailer) took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household.”

7. Their Liberality In Extreme Poverty
2 Corinthians 8:1-3 – “Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord….”
2 Thessalonians 1:4 – “…therefore, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure.”

8. The Churches of Macedonia
Philippi
Thessalonica
Berea
War torn – Octavius and Marc Antony vs. Cassius and Brutus. Then Octavius vs. Marc Antony. Only about 80 years prior.
Rome occupied – settled by veteran Roman soldiers given land there after the wars. Afflicted by frequent conflicts.
Persecuted – probably by Jews (Acts 17)

9. Yet They Were Generous Beyond Belief!
Poverty might cause most folks to be more tight with their means.
Persecution might cause most folks to be more self- centered and withdrawn.
BOTH together would seem to cause most folks to feel victimized and overwhelmed. Yet they did not!

10. Benefits To Their Generosity
Philippians 4:14 – Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
Phil. 4:17 – Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account….
Phil. 4: 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. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

11. God Blesses Cheerful Givers
2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed …. Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.

12. Liberality Gives Great Increase
Proverbs 11:24-25 – “There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.”
Shouldn’t we assume these things are from God?

13. What Is Your Current Condition?
Are you poor? Give abundantly!
Are you rich? Give abundantly!
Are you comfortable? Give abundantly!
Proverbs 28:27 - He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses