December 13, 2009 — Philippians 4: 10-20 — OFFERED TO GOD — Pastor Jerome Teichmiller — Advent 1
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Philippians 4: 10-20
Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father, and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Our text for this mornings meditation on Stewardship is from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, chapter 4, verses 10 through 20, particularly these words, “Paul said, “I am amply supplied, now that I have received the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” This is our text.
In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, dear Christian Friends. Some people complain that the only thing that preachers talk about is money. To which I usually respond that they haven’t been to Zion lately or else that they are watching too much of channel 14 on T.V. Here at Zion, the gifts which God’s people return to the Lord in their offerings is mentioned in passing if a Bible Text points to it, but we only talk earnestly about Stewardship — once every year — on stewardship emphasis Sunday — usually the 2nd Sunday in December, the day we also set next years budget. We don’t talk a lot about money for several reasons: 1) those who are the strongest supporters of the church are also those who are in church on Sunday morning — and so to preach about money on Sunday mornings is as the old saying goes, “Preaching to the choir.” And 2) It is my firm conviction, that when God’s people fully understand what God has done for them and for their Salvation, when their hearts through God’s grace and favor are firmly fixed on Jesus Christ, then they will respond to God’s love in the appropriate Stewardship of all of God’s gifts to them. But even the faithful need reminding ever now and again, so at least once each year, we talk about Stewardship — about our use of God’s time, God’s talents, and God’s treasures that are put into our care.
Paul had just received a special offering from the Christians in Philippi. His letter, in which our text appears, not only encourages the Philippians, and not only instructs them in their Christian faith — but it is also a “thank you note” from Paul to their congregation for the generous gift they had given to the mission and ministry that Paul was involved in. Paul makes three things very clear about the offering that the Philippians have given. First) it is an offering to God: Second) the church depends on it for the continued preaching of the Gospel: and Third) it is greatly appreciated.
First of all, even though Epaphroditus gave the gift to Paul, Paul makes it clear, that the gift is really given to God! He called the gifts, “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” This is a reminder to us that our offerings are much more than just financial resources to help our church with its expenses — they are sacrifices given to God. We return to God a portion of what He has given to us, and He uses our gifts to finance His work here on earth. When we give to the work of the church, we are giving to God. This is an act of worship.
Why do we give to God? Paul said in our text, “God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” We give to God, because of all that he has given to us in Christ Jesus. In Christ, he has forgiven our sins. In Christ, he has declared that we are his own dear Children. In Christ, he has promised us life eternal with him in heaven. In Christ we are lacking no spiritual gift — for In Christ, we have all things needful for life and Salvation. And because of all these blessings which God has given to us — we owe Him everything. Luther said it this way in his explanation of the 1st article to the Apostles Creed, “I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that he has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still preserves them; also clothing and shoes, meat and drink, house and home, wife and children, fields, cattle, and all my goods; that He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life; that he defends me against all danger, and guards and protects me from all evil; and all this purely out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which it is our duty — to thank, and to praise, to serve and to obey Him.” Our Gifts of Time – and Talent — and Treasure are given to God through His church in grateful thanksgiving for his many blessings to us.
The second point is God’s work here on earth depends on your gifts! Paul said in our text, “It was good of you to share in my troubles.” And by sharing in his “troubles”, they also shared in his ministry. Without the gifts, given by God’s people, the mission and ministry of Zion Lutheran Church would stop. There would be no proclamation of the Gospel, there would be no administration of the sacraments, there would be no warm buildings from which to serve our God, our brothers and sisters in Christ, or our neighbors in need of Spiritual help and physical help. It takes all of us working together to accomplish the tasks and the opportunities that God places before us as his people. And here I am not just talking about the treasures, the money needed to pay the bills. I’m also talking about the many volunteers who serve as officers of the congregation, volunteers who sing in the choir, volunteers who ring the bell, volunteers who teach in Sunday School and Bible Class, volunteers who help us in our School projects of different kinds, volunteers who work in all kinds of projects and in many, many ways around this church to see that God’s work is done. And we need many more of these volunteers. Don’t wait until someone asks you to help!! —- But rather ask, “where can I help”. To paraphrase John Kennedy, “Ask not what your church can do for you! Ask what you can do for your church.” The gifts of every member of the congregation are important in getting the work done!
And lastly, Paul was thankful for the gifts that the Philippians had given to him. He said, “I rejoice greatly in the Lord that you have renewed your concern for me.” Paul was thankful for the gifts received because it meant that the Gospel would still be proclaimed and the mission would move forward.
Let me assure you, as your Pastor, I am also thankful for the gifts that are given by the members of Zion. Because by the grace of God, and through your generosity, both of your Pastors can be busy about proclaiming the Gospel, about administering the Sacraments, about sharing God’s love and guidance with people — We don’t have to worry about how the bills are going to be paid, because you generously return to God a portion of what God has given to you.
But there are some things I do worry about — things like who is going to volunteer for Vacation Bible School next year? Or will we have enough volunteers to serve as officers in our election today, will we have enough volunteers to serve as acolytes, or ushers, or Altar guild, or teachers, or who will fill all the other places where we need volunteers working to fulfill God’s great commission right here among us at Zion — To go, and To Baptize and to teach all things God has commanded. Like Paul, I give thanks for all of those who give generously of their time, talents, and treasures —- and encourage more of you to do the same.
Remember! Your gifts are given to God! Your gifts are necessary to carry the Gospel to all the world, especially here in Tomball! And your gifts are indeed appreciated!
May God strengthen us, so that we are always good stewards of His gracious gifts. Amen.
May the peace of God which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus unto life everlasting. Amen.
