It was great to have Pastor Harrison with us on Sunday to tell the story of how the church is growing in Kenya.
If you unexpectedly received $10,000 tomorrow, what would you do with it?
Did your thoughts go first to yourself or to others? What does that reveal about your heart?
And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”
Matthew 10:42 NLT
To what does Jesus compare support of one of His disciples? What does this help us understand about what it means to support the work of missions?
Do you think most Christians see financially supporting missions work the same way Jesus does? Why or why not?
Is a cup of water a small gesture or a large gesture? Is giving more concerned with our hearts or the amount given? How do you know?
What assurance do we have as we give according to the end of this verse?
Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty. As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness. At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.
Philippians 4:14-20
If Paul had learned to get along without, why do you think he commended the church in Philippi for sending a gift?
What was Paul’s motive for thanking the Philippians for their partnership in his ministry (vv. 15-16)?
Why do you think Paul used the language of “sacrifice” to describe the Philippians’ gift to him? Read Leviticus 7:12-15 for insight on the Old Testament “thanksgiving offering.”
Why do you think God values our sacrifices? What are some of the things (needs, wants, attitudes, etc.) that most often keep you from sacrificial living?
How is giving an act of childlike trust in God and in His provision?
Why is it important for us to know and believe that our sovereign God provides for us?
If you imagine your budget, where are some areas that you could cut back to make room for more mission giving?
How does giving to support the work of missions stretch and deepen your faith? Who can you help this week? How?
Is there a particular mission partner you feel called to support? How can you actively involve yourself in supporting the work of our mission partners?