When a church or group of believers is blessed with spiritual gifts and abundant resources but lacks in a particular area, it’s essential for God to bring it to our attention. This way, we can address the issue and enjoy the fullness of God’s blessings.
A Philippian Disciple as a Model for Spiritual Growth
Tonight, we’re examining A Philippian Disciple as a model for our own spiritual growth. When we think of Philippians, many of us immediately recall the promise in Philippians 4:19: “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.” This verse highlights the generosity and giving spirit of the Philippian church. However, our focus tonight is not just on their generosity towards God’s work, but specifically on their giving to their spiritual leaders, particularly, Paul.
In contrast to the Corinthian believers, whom Paul rebuked for their poor giving attitude, the Philippian church demonstrated a remarkable commitment to supporting their spiritual father. Paul devoted a significant portion of his letter to commending and expressing gratitude for their kindness, emphasizing its significance in their relationship with him.
Unlike the Corinthian church, the Philippian church received commendation from Paul.
Supporting Spiritual Leaders
I want to highlight something important to us as SADOZ’s family. We are blessed in many areas, and when it comes to giving to God’s work, some of us do so with a whole heart. I want to share Philippians 4:10-11 with you: “I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. You have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me.” Paul acknowledges their concern and support.
Notice Paul’s character: he doesn’t make demands or burden his people like some leaders do. As your pastor, I emulate this example. Paul continues in verse 11, “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” He demonstrates humility and gratitude, recognizing God’s provision in all circumstances.
I’ve never tried to burden anyone with my personal or ministerial needs. In fact, one of my daughters recently shared with me that she and her spouse admire my approach. They said, “You’re the only minister of God who doesn’t make us feel guilty or obligated when you reach out to us.” That’s because my intention is to care for you, not to obligate you.
However, this approach has two sides. While it may make you feel relaxed and unobligated, it’s essential to remember that intentional support and care for your spiritual leaders are crucial. That’s why I’m sharing this message with you today.
Four Reasons We Struggle with Giving
I’ve identified four key reasons why we should prioritize this, and the first reason is that many of us are unaware of our responsibility to do so. We don’t know that we ought to be supporting our spiritual leaders in this way.
Giving is not a natural inclination for many people; it’s a practice that needs to be learned and cultivated.
There are four key reasons why we struggle with giving to our spiritual leaders:
1. We don’t know we ought to: Many of us are unaware of the importance of intentionally supporting our pastors and teachers.
2. We don’t know the benefits: We may not realize the advantages that come from giving to our spiritual leaders.
3. We don’t recognize the spiritual law: Giving to our spiritual leaders is a fundamental principle in the kingdom of God.
4. We don’t know it’s the key to answered prayers: Giving to those who pray and teach us is what brings “amen” (so be it) to our prayers and heart desires.
The Importance of Supporting Spiritual Leaders
While we are all ministers and children of God, the Bible teaches that specific gifts were given to men, such as apostles and prophets, to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:8-12). Understanding this helps us appreciate the importance of supporting those who have been gifted to serve us spiritually.
God establishes a special relationship with certain individuals, granting them the authority to decree “amen” on our prayers. When they pray for us or bless us, we believe God answers because of their relationship with Him. Imagine having the privilege to partner with someone who has the power to seal God’s answers to our prayers.
When you give to such a person, you’re essentially saying “amen” to God’s blessings in your life. Your giving is not just a gesture to them, but a declaration of faith to God. That’s why our service and giving are incomplete until we learn to intentionally support our pastors and teachers materially.
I’m teaching this with the awareness that some of you may not be directly under my ministry, but I’m sharing this principle with you anyway, as it’s a universal truth that applies to all believers.
Reciprocating Blessings
Do you listen to me? Good. But it’s even more important to be a blessing to your pastor, the person you consider your spiritual leader. I believe in reciprocating blessings – if someone has been a blessing to me, I make it a point to be a material blessing to them as well. I’m still learning and growing in this area.
Let’s look at Philippians again. Paul says, “I have learned to be content with whatever I have” (Philippians 4:11).
But don’t be fooled – Paul wasn’t always content. He experienced hunger and poverty, and he knew how to live with almost nothing. He said, “I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything” (Philippians 4:12-13).
Paul’s secret was his ability to adapt and trust God in all circumstances. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it’s with abundance or scarcity. Paul experienced times of plenty and times of need, but he never let his circumstances define him. He refused to let his struggles show or use them as an excuse because he knew that doing so could hinder the gospel’s purpose and make it seem like his trust was in people rather than God.
But this principle is two-sided. On one hand, it can lead to neglecting our responsibility to give. On the other hand, the Philippian church understood the spiritual law that governs giving. As Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). They knew that their giving was not just about meeting Paul’s needs, but about partnering with God’s work and trusting in His strength.
Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, whether I’m full or hungry, with plenty or little” (Philippians 4:13). He acknowledged the Philippian church’s support during his difficult time, saying, “You have done well to share with me in my present difficulty” (Philippians 4:14).
The Example of Isaac and the Blessing of Sacrificial Giving
This reminds me of Isaac, who asked his son Esau to fetch him food before blessing him (Genesis 27:4). There’s a special blessing that comes from being happy with someone who has met our needs. Even after the blessing, we remember their kindness and feel compelled to specially attend to them. They hold a place in our hearts because they were there for us in our time of need.
Similarly, when God perceives Noah’s “sweet-smelling sacrifice” (Genesis 8:21), He is pleased. We can hold a special place in God’s heart by showing gratitude and support to those who have been there for us.
He blessed Noah after the sacrifice (Genesis 8:20-21). He blessed Abraham after their encounter (Genesis 18:1-15).
This illustrates a spiritual law: blessings follow giving, not just immediately, but continually.
Now, consider the man of God who decrees “amen” to your prayers, who preaches and teaches you. Imagine the magnitude of blessings that can come from supporting such a person.
My Personal Testimony of Giving
Let me share my personal story. In 2020, we faced financial struggles. Then, I was challenged to regularly give to my spiritual father. After discussing it with my wife, we started giving, and things began to turn around.
The rapid transformation during that 2020 lockdown wasn’t just due to our recent giving; it was the accumulation of all our previous sacrifices and giving, which had been stored up like harvest waiting to be reaped. But that day, that moment, was like a breakthrough. The most interesting part is that I went back to that church and wrote a cheque for 50,000 naira, sending it to the general overseer as a thank-you for the teachings.
Later that year, in December, I attended Shiloh for the first time and sought opportunities to bless my mentor and father. I wrote another check for the same amount to Bishop David Oyedepo, who had been a blessing to me. That year marked a significant financial shift for us, moving us to another phase.
Why didn’t we move to that phase earlier? Because there was one more thing we needed to do. And since then, we’ve made it a regular and intentional practice, not just with him, but with other ministers of God as well.
I recall stumbling upon a man of God’s messages and being deeply blessed. I decided to reach out to him and asked how I could send money to him. Interestingly, many people who have been blessed by our ministry often ask for prayer or help with a problem when they first contact me. But my approach was different – I sought to bless him first.
I have a question. Shouldn’t we prioritize giving back to those who have blessed us spiritually?
I’m not saying this because I need something, but because I’ve experienced it myself. I’ve seen the impact of this principle in my life and ministry, and I believe it’s a vital lesson for all of us. The act of giving to those who have blessed us spiritually opens up doors for God’s blessings in our own lives.
The Spiritual Principle of Sowing and Reaping
This principle of giving is rooted in the law of sowing and reaping. As Paul writes in Galatians 6:6-7, “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” When we give to those who teach and guide us spiritually, we are sowing seeds into fertile ground. These seeds will yield a harvest of blessings in our lives, both spiritually and materially.
Creating a Culture of Generosity
As a church and as individuals, we should strive to create a culture of generosity. This means being intentional about supporting our spiritual leaders and those who minister to us. It’s not just about meeting their needs; it’s about partnering with them in the work of the kingdom and recognizing the spiritual impact of our giving.
The Joy of Giving
Giving should be a joyful act. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul reminds us, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” When we give out of love and gratitude, rather than obligation, our giving becomes a source of joy and a reflection of our trust in God’s provision.
A Call to Action
Tonight, I want to encourage each of you to reflect on how you can support your spiritual leaders. Consider the blessings you’ve received through their ministry and think about how you can give back. It’s not about the amount; it’s about the heart and intention behind your giving.
Let’s make it a point to be intentional in our giving, recognizing that it is an act of worship and partnership in God’s work. As we do so, we can trust that God will honor our giving and bless us abundantly.
Father, we thank you for the lesson tonight on the importance of giving and supporting our spiritual leaders. Help us to cultivate a generous spirit and to be intentional in our giving. May our gifts be a blessing to those who have blessed us, and may they bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.