Comments on: Philippians 4:19 http://versebyversecommentary.com/philippians/philippians-419/ by Dr. Grant C. Richison Thu, 24 May 2012 18:49:14 +0000 hourly 1 By: Grant http://versebyversecommentary.com/philippians/philippians-419/comment-page-1/#comment-117167 Grant Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:48:14 +0000 http://versebyversecommentary.com/1996/04/08/philippians-419/#comment-117167 <div> <p>John, you are right. The health-wealth preachers offer something (prosperity) that does not have biblical foundation. All giving biblically is based on grace, not using God as a slot machine where we can obtain financial prosperity. Note below a summary of giving from the Bible. The main scriptures are from 2 Cor 8-9 but there are many more.</p> <p><strong>GRACE RESPONSE GIVING</strong></p> <p><strong>I.  GRACE RESPONSE GIVING SAYS YOU UNDERSTAND<u> WHO GOD IS.</u></strong></p> <p>-WHAT WE THINK ABOUT GOD DIRECTLY AFFECTS THE WAY WE LIVE OUR LIVES.</p> <p>-GIVING IS WORSHIP; IT IS OUR RECOGNITION OF GOD'S AUTHORITY.</p> <p>-IF GOD IS LESS TO US THAN HE ACTUALLY IS, THEN OUR GIVING WILL BE NECESSARILY LESS.</p> <p><strong>II.  GRACE RESPONSE GIVING SAYS WE UNDERSTAND <u>WHO WE ARE.</u></strong></p> <p>-FIRST AND FOREMOST, WE ARE GOD'S; WE DO NOT EXIST FOR OURSELVES.</p> <p>-NOT ONLY DO WE BELONG TO GOD, BUT WE HAVE AN IMPORTANCE FAR GREATER THAN THE MATERIAL DIMENSION OF OUR LIVES; WE ARE NOT THE SUM TOTAL OF WHAT WE CAN ACCUMULATE IN THIS LIFE; THE QUALITY OF OUR LIVES IS NOT RELATIVE TO THE AMOUNT OF MONEY WE HAVE, BUT TO OUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.</p> <p><strong>III.  GRACE RESPONSE GIVING SAYS YOU KNOW <u>WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT.</u></strong></p> <p>-GIVING DEMONSTRATES WHAT YOU FEEL IS IMPORTANT IN LIFE.</p> <p>-THINK OF HOW MUCH WE SPEND ON THINGS WHICH ARE LESS THAN ESSENTIAL.</p> <p>-WHAT DOES IT SAY ABOUT ME IF I INVEST ALL OF WHAT I MAKE ON ME AND MINE AND NEVER GIVE SIGNIFICANTLY TO GOD'S WORK?</p> <p><strong>IV.  GRACE RESPONSE GIVING SAYS YOU KNOW <u>WHAT GOD'S PURPOSES ARE.</u></strong></p> <p>-STEWARDSHIP IS ACTING ON THE KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT GOD IS DOING IN THE WORLD.</p> <p>-HOW MUCH OF OUR TIME, ENERGY AND MONEY IS SPENT TO RUN THE WORLD SYSTEM?</p> <p>-GOD IS AT WORK THROUGH GRANT MEMORIAL REACHING BOTH THOSE WHO KNOW AND DO  NOT KNOW GOD.</p> <p><strong>V.  GRACE RESPONSE GIVING SAYS YOU KNOW <u>WHAT YOUR PURPOSE IS.</u></strong></p> <p>-AS CHRISTIANS, OUR PURPOSE IN LIFE IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO WHAT GOD IS DOING.</p> <p>-OUR PRIMARY PURPOSE IN THIS WORLD IS TO CARRY OUT GOD'S PROGRAM.</p> </div> <p>-WHEN WE SEE OUR CHURCH FINANCES AS RELATED TO OUR VERY OWN, AND ARE AT ONE PURPOSE WITH WHAT GOD IS DOING THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH, OUR GIVING WILL SHOW IT.</p> <p><strong>VI.  GRACE RESPONSE GIVING SAYS YOU KNOW <u>WHAT YOUR PART IS.</u></strong></p> <p>-GIVING SAYS A LOT ABOUT OUR PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT.</p> <p>-GIVING SAYS THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO FULFILL YOUR PART.</p> <p><strong>VII.  GRACE RESPONSE GIVING SAYS YOU KNOW <u>WHERE YOU ARE GOING.</u></strong></p> <p>-WE KNOW WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS--WE WILL LEAVE ALL MATERIAL THINGS BEHIND! </p> <p>-GIVING DEMONSTRATES THAT YOU HAVE AN ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE.</p> <p>-GIVING SPEAKS LOUDLY ABOUT WHAT WE TRULY TREASURE.</p>

John, you are right. The health-wealth preachers offer something (prosperity) that does not have biblical foundation. All giving biblically is based on grace, not using God as a slot machine where we can obtain financial prosperity. Note below a summary of giving from the Bible. The main scriptures are from 2 Cor 8-9 but there are many more.

GRACE RESPONSE GIVING

I.  GRACE RESPONSE GIVING SAYS YOU UNDERSTAND WHO GOD IS.

-WHAT WE THINK ABOUT GOD DIRECTLY AFFECTS THE WAY WE LIVE OUR LIVES.

-GIVING IS WORSHIP; IT IS OUR RECOGNITION OF GOD'S AUTHORITY.

-IF GOD IS LESS TO US THAN HE ACTUALLY IS, THEN OUR GIVING WILL BE NECESSARILY LESS.

II.  GRACE RESPONSE GIVING SAYS WE UNDERSTAND WHO WE ARE.

-FIRST AND FOREMOST, WE ARE GOD'S; WE DO NOT EXIST FOR OURSELVES.

-NOT ONLY DO WE BELONG TO GOD, BUT WE HAVE AN IMPORTANCE FAR GREATER THAN THE MATERIAL DIMENSION OF OUR LIVES; WE ARE NOT THE SUM TOTAL OF WHAT WE CAN ACCUMULATE IN THIS LIFE; THE QUALITY OF OUR LIVES IS NOT RELATIVE TO THE AMOUNT OF MONEY WE HAVE, BUT TO OUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.

III.  GRACE RESPONSE GIVING SAYS YOU KNOW WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT.

-GIVING DEMONSTRATES WHAT YOU FEEL IS IMPORTANT IN LIFE.

-THINK OF HOW MUCH WE SPEND ON THINGS WHICH ARE LESS THAN ESSENTIAL.

-WHAT DOES IT SAY ABOUT ME IF I INVEST ALL OF WHAT I MAKE ON ME AND MINE AND NEVER GIVE SIGNIFICANTLY TO GOD'S WORK?

IV.  GRACE RESPONSE GIVING SAYS YOU KNOW WHAT GOD'S PURPOSES ARE.

-STEWARDSHIP IS ACTING ON THE KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT GOD IS DOING IN THE WORLD.

-HOW MUCH OF OUR TIME, ENERGY AND MONEY IS SPENT TO RUN THE WORLD SYSTEM?

-GOD IS AT WORK THROUGH GRANT MEMORIAL REACHING BOTH THOSE WHO KNOW AND DO  NOT KNOW GOD.

V.  GRACE RESPONSE GIVING SAYS YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR PURPOSE IS.

-AS CHRISTIANS, OUR PURPOSE IN LIFE IS DIRECTLY LINKED TO WHAT GOD IS DOING.

-OUR PRIMARY PURPOSE IN THIS WORLD IS TO CARRY OUT GOD'S PROGRAM.

-WHEN WE SEE OUR CHURCH FINANCES AS RELATED TO OUR VERY OWN, AND ARE AT ONE PURPOSE WITH WHAT GOD IS DOING THROUGH THE MINISTRY OF THE CHURCH, OUR GIVING WILL SHOW IT.

VI.  GRACE RESPONSE GIVING SAYS YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR PART IS.

-GIVING SAYS A LOT ABOUT OUR PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT.

-GIVING SAYS THAT YOU ARE WILLING TO FULFILL YOUR PART.

VII.  GRACE RESPONSE GIVING SAYS YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING.

-WE KNOW WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS–WE WILL LEAVE ALL MATERIAL THINGS BEHIND! 

-GIVING DEMONSTRATES THAT YOU HAVE AN ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE.

-GIVING SPEAKS LOUDLY ABOUT WHAT WE TRULY TREASURE.

]]> By: John Mills http://versebyversecommentary.com/philippians/philippians-419/comment-page-1/#comment-117165 John Mills Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:22:06 +0000 http://versebyversecommentary.com/1996/04/08/philippians-419/#comment-117165 Dear Dr. Richison, David Curullo Inspiration Ministries broad cast on Time Warner Cable ch 71 ( The inspiration channel ) holds regular "camp Meetings" . These meetings always have the same evangelist trying to preach people out of their money. They say things like sow a 1000 dollar seed of faith and God will give you such and such a blessing. They make it soud like you can buy a blessing or favor from God. This does not seem right to me and seems to be twisting scripture. They have also removed much of the religious programing and replaced it with so called family friendly tv. Programs like the waltons, wind at my back, happy days ect. This does not seem right to me. Please reply with your views on this subject.   Thank you.   John Mills. Dear Dr. Richison, David Curullo Inspiration Ministries broad cast on Time Warner Cable ch 71 ( The inspiration channel ) holds regular "camp Meetings" . These meetings always have the same evangelist trying to preach people out of their money. They say things like sow a 1000 dollar seed of faith and God will give you such and such a blessing. They make it soud like you can buy a blessing or favor from God. This does not seem right to me and seems to be twisting scripture. They have also removed much of the religious programing and replaced it with so called family friendly tv. Programs like the waltons, wind at my back, happy days ect. This does not seem right to me. Please reply with your views on this subject.   Thank you.   John Mills.

]]> By: Grant http://versebyversecommentary.com/philippians/philippians-419/comment-page-1/#comment-117048 Grant Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:57:42 +0000 http://versebyversecommentary.com/1996/04/08/philippians-419/#comment-117048 <p>Paul, thanks for your blog. God's promise to provide for us is always based on His grace toward us. We can earn or deserve nothing from Him. There is no way to earn brownie points so that He will bless us. God will bless you because He loves you and because of what Christ provided eternally for you on the cross. Our authority then in prayer is that we do not come on the basis of who and what we are but on the basis of who and what Jesus is and did for us. That is why we pray "in Jesus' name." We have the right or authority to ask God for things within His will.</p> <p>The point of the comment on this passage is that we do what we do because of what God has done for us. When we do, God will bless us. However, the ultimate reason God blesses us is because of His unadulterated grace.</p> Paul, thanks for your blog. God's promise to provide for us is always based on His grace toward us. We can earn or deserve nothing from Him. There is no way to earn brownie points so that He will bless us. God will bless you because He loves you and because of what Christ provided eternally for you on the cross. Our authority then in prayer is that we do not come on the basis of who and what we are but on the basis of who and what Jesus is and did for us. That is why we pray "in Jesus' name." We have the right or authority to ask God for things within His will.

The point of the comment on this passage is that we do what we do because of what God has done for us. When we do, God will bless us. However, the ultimate reason God blesses us is because of His unadulterated grace.

]]> By: Paul http://versebyversecommentary.com/philippians/philippians-419/comment-page-1/#comment-117046 Paul Tue, 06 Mar 2012 00:29:39 +0000 http://versebyversecommentary.com/1996/04/08/philippians-419/#comment-117046 I have read the comments here and I understand the concept within the scripture you are discussing.  My problem is that I feel as though I am selfishly praying for things.  I do trust God.  I know he is the ultimate provider.  He has given me 35 years of blessings and I praise his name for it!!!  Now (at present), I'm a father of two small children, my wife has been diagnosised with cancer, we are in a bad finacial situation, and my work is becoming a burden.  From the worlds perspective, most would probably say that I am a good christian follower but I don't see me as that.  I guess we are our worst crittic.  I need to study the word more, communicate with God more, and become more disciplined in the word.  I try so hard to hold on to my faith but think to myself that my faith is weakened because my prayers are selfish and I could do alot more for God.  I think, "who am I to ask God to help with anything when I don't help him in showing him my love for him in the things I just mentioned."  I know you don't know me but I sincerely what to help others and have.  Exceptionally when I don't really have it to give be it money or time.  I know I will always have downfalls and sin.  Life is a test and I feel that I am always trying to earn extra credit to pass it.  (If that makes sense).  I have been praying for God's plan to unfold in my life... on his own time.  I have been asking him to let the things that I need and desire to be part of that plan but if they can't then that's okay.  He knows the answer to the "riddle".  I know this sounds long winded and it's probably hard to explain without knowing "me."  I guess all in all...  I just don't feel worthy of asking God to help me when I could being do so much more for him.  First off, please pray for me and my wife.  Secondly, do you have any advise? I have read the comments here and I understand the concept within the scripture you are discussing.  My problem is that I feel as though I am selfishly praying for things.  I do trust God.  I know he is the ultimate provider.  He has given me 35 years of blessings and I praise his name for it!!!  Now (at present), I'm a father of two small children, my wife has been diagnosised with cancer, we are in a bad finacial situation, and my work is becoming a burden.  From the worlds perspective, most would probably say that I am a good christian follower but I don't see me as that.  I guess we are our worst crittic.  I need to study the word more, communicate with God more, and become more disciplined in the word.  I try so hard to hold on to my faith but think to myself that my faith is weakened because my prayers are selfish and I could do alot more for God.  I think, "who am I to ask God to help with anything when I don't help him in showing him my love for him in the things I just mentioned."  I know you don't know me but I sincerely what to help others and have.  Exceptionally when I don't really have it to give be it money or time.  I know I will always have downfalls and sin.  Life is a test and I feel that I am always trying to earn extra credit to pass it.  (If that makes sense).  I have been praying for God's plan to unfold in my life… on his own time.  I have been asking him to let the things that I need and desire to be part of that plan but if they can't then that's okay.  He knows the answer to the "riddle".  I know this sounds long winded and it's probably hard to explain without knowing "me."  I guess all in all…  I just don't feel worthy of asking God to help me when I could being do so much more for him.  First off, please pray for me and my wife.  Secondly, do you have any advise?

]]> By: Tinashe Kapeta http://versebyversecommentary.com/philippians/philippians-419/comment-page-1/#comment-116007 Tinashe Kapeta Wed, 28 Dec 2011 08:53:14 +0000 http://versebyversecommentary.com/1996/04/08/philippians-419/#comment-116007 I thank u all for ur contributions but i think whoever sows expect to reap becoz the bible says what u sow is what u reap so i think u cant sow then expect nothing to come out. I thank u all for ur contributions but i think whoever sows expect to reap becoz the bible says what u sow is what u reap so i think u cant sow then expect nothing to come out.

]]> By: Grant http://versebyversecommentary.com/philippians/philippians-419/comment-page-1/#comment-115986 Grant Tue, 20 Dec 2011 02:25:43 +0000 http://versebyversecommentary.com/1996/04/08/philippians-419/#comment-115986 Seth, the issue to me is the extant statements of Scripture on this subject. Seth, the issue to me is the extant statements of Scripture on this subject.

]]> By: Seth http://versebyversecommentary.com/philippians/philippians-419/comment-page-1/#comment-115801 Seth Sat, 26 Nov 2011 00:10:12 +0000 http://versebyversecommentary.com/1996/04/08/philippians-419/#comment-115801 I am very pleased for the wonderful insight of the word and how is been explained in detail. I believe God is a faithful God and as the word says His promises are YES IN CHRIST AND AMEN IN CHRIST. I am a bit surprise about the way others have made a point about given without expectation, I truly believe we should give expecting God to honour his word, but that does not mean that should be our motive for given, our motive for given should be LOVE, as. JESUS said in Matthew 23:23 He said, justice, mercy (love) and faith should be the backbone of our given, and should we give with this mindset then there is know way the promise won't be fulfilled. PAUL said in Philippians 1:20, that it is unto him according to his expectation, and Isaiah 46:23, Gkd said put me in remeberance of my word. You see giving with expectation is one of he principles of Faith, but the basics of faith is LOVE, which is also the THE HEART OF THE GOSPEL. I am surprised there are those who give without expectation and I wonder it they receive. Please don't confuse the motive behind the giving and the e pectatikn you place on the given. I always place expectation on my given and believing that God will honour His word in Luke 6:38, and I have always received the harvest. EXPECTATION IS THE KEY TO RECEIVING. Please pray about it and I believe the Lord will give you the revelation of His word and Promises. I am very pleased for the wonderful insight of the word and how is been explained in detail. I believe God is a faithful God and as the word says His promises are YES IN CHRIST AND AMEN IN CHRIST. I am a bit surprise about the way others have made a point about given without expectation, I truly believe we should give expecting God to honour his word, but that does not mean that should be our motive for given, our motive for given should be LOVE, as. JESUS said in Matthew 23:23 He said, justice, mercy (love) and faith should be the backbone of our given, and should we give with this mindset then there is know way the promise won’t be fulfilled.

PAUL said in Philippians 1:20, that it is unto him according to his expectation, and Isaiah 46:23, Gkd said put me in remeberance of my word. You see giving with expectation is one of he principles of Faith, but the basics of faith is LOVE, which is also the THE HEART OF THE
GOSPEL. I am surprised there are those who give without expectation and I wonder it they receive.

Please don’t confuse the motive behind the giving and the e pectatikn you place on the given. I always place expectation on my given and believing that God will honour His word in Luke 6:38, and I have always received the harvest. EXPECTATION IS THE KEY TO RECEIVING.
Please pray about it and I believe the Lord will give you the revelation of His word and Promises.

]]> By: Grant http://versebyversecommentary.com/philippians/philippians-419/comment-page-1/#comment-58365 Grant Mon, 28 Feb 2011 01:20:05 +0000 http://versebyversecommentary.com/1996/04/08/philippians-419/#comment-58365 TC, this passage is for Christians. Jesus said that "the poor you will always have with you." The Bible nowhere promises that there will be no poor except in the Millennial Kingdom where Christ reigns on earth. TC, this passage is for Christians. Jesus said that “the poor you will always have with you.” The Bible nowhere promises that there will be no poor except in the Millennial Kingdom where Christ reigns on earth.

]]> By: TC http://versebyversecommentary.com/philippians/philippians-419/comment-page-1/#comment-58340 TC Sun, 27 Feb 2011 22:58:50 +0000 http://versebyversecommentary.com/1996/04/08/philippians-419/#comment-58340 If God supplies all of our needs, then why are there so many needy people? If God supplies all of our needs, then why are there so many needy people?

]]> By: Linda Knight http://versebyversecommentary.com/philippians/philippians-419/comment-page-1/#comment-11674 Linda Knight Wed, 26 May 2010 11:48:38 +0000 http://versebyversecommentary.com/1996/04/08/philippians-419/#comment-11674 Giving with expectations is biblical, but one may decide not to expect anything back especially when you do good to the poor but the importance of it is to expect the reward from God as he is the father to all riches.Without him nothing was made.with him all things are possible.However, to know God's faithfullness may depend on what you consider as "RICHES". God's riches may include; health,money,holyspirit,longlife,marriage,fruit of the womb,peace,joy,happiness,favor,wisdom and many giftings from God.You may not have enough physical money,but because of your contribution in tithe,you may not suffer heart disease. You may be struggling with your bills but because of your generousity, God can give your children favor to recieve grants and shorlarships for school so that no future loans will be paid.Giving these two examples out of many, I also believe that the kind of bessing you seek from God and the intention of the blessing are very important.God wants us to seek his kingdom first and desire spiritual things above every thing(money). Solomon sought for wisdom and God added more riches.He needed wisdom to manage other physical riches. God knows what you need first.Ask him to give you what you need first. Moreover ensure that your sacrifices are acceptable sacrifices pleasing to God(v18) and be content in any and every situation whether well fed or hungry,whether living in plenty or in want(phill 4:12) Giving with expectations is biblical, but one may decide not to expect anything back especially when you do good to the poor but the importance of it is to expect the reward from God as he is the father to all riches.Without him nothing was made.with him all things are possible.However, to know God’s faithfullness may depend on what you consider as “RICHES”. God’s riches may include; health,money,holyspirit,longlife,marriage,fruit of the womb,peace,joy,happiness,favor,wisdom and many giftings from God.You may not have enough physical money,but because of your contribution in tithe,you may not suffer heart disease. You may be struggling with your bills but because of your generousity, God can give your children favor to recieve grants and shorlarships for school so that no future loans will be paid.Giving these two examples out of many, I also believe that the kind of bessing you seek from God and the intention of the blessing are very important.God wants us to seek his kingdom first and desire spiritual things above every thing(money). Solomon sought for wisdom and God added more riches.He needed wisdom to manage other physical riches. God knows what you need first.Ask him to give you what you need first. Moreover ensure that your sacrifices are acceptable sacrifices pleasing to God(v18) and be content in any and every situation whether well fed or hungry,whether living in plenty or in want(phill 4:12)

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