Philippians 4:17 (ESV Strong's)
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
Tag: Giving Gives - But NOT How We Think!
Paul is closing his letter to the church at Philippi. He has encouraged them in their faith throughout this letter. As he finishes the last paragraphs, Paul wants to both thank them for recent financial support for his ministry, as well as future support. In the above verse he makes it clear to them why he is encouraging to continuing their giving spirit. He, of course, would benefit from financial support. He is not, however, being disingenuous by saying, “not that I seek the gift.” He does seek. He does need it. Paul’s ministry, however, we not dependent upon the church at Philippi, or any group of believers. Paul’s ministry was dependent upon God and God alone, supplying all his needs. Paul, rather, wants the church to know that the benefit of giving was that they would add “fruit” to their credit. Note how Jesus said something in the Sermon on the Mount that might have triggered Paul’s philosophy and theology on giving:
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV Strong's)
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Paul was interested in their spiritual development and spiritual growth. God was wanting them to invest in the ministry of Paul, yes!! That type of investment (into the ministry of others) will, also, build their own “credit.” This giving is a “good work” that we were created to do (Ephesians 2:10). Note what Paul tells the Corinthian believers about their “good works:”
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (ESV Strong's)
For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone's work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
God wants us to do good works for our spiritual development. Giving (financially) is one of those acts. When we give it gives credit to our account ... not to earn grace, but in regard to our act of worship to our Lord. We have been saved for good works and financial giving is one of those works that adds fruit to our lives.
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