“Just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace.”
“with me of grace.”
The people in Philippi supported Paul both spiritually and materially. They not only shared in the same grace that brought Paul to Christ, but they also shared in the same grace that made Paul a missionary. They shared in Paul’s ministry.
Every time they helped Paul financially, they had a stake in his work, they had a share in his work, they had shares in him. “I have invested $500 in Paul’s ministry; I have invested $1000 in his ministry.” Would it not be great to have a $500 share in the ministry of Paul?! Just think of the dividends that would come back at the judgment seat of Christ! Do you look at evangelistic enterprises like that? We would have a share in an evangelist. That eternal investment would pay dividends in glory.
“. . . for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.” (Heb 10:34)
PRINCIPLE:
When we financially support those in ministry, we have a stake in their ministry and a reward.
APPLICATION:
Every time an evangelist wins someone to the Lord, we get a percentage of that at the judgment seat of Christ. God keeps the books.
When people see a boxer with potential, they buy stock in that young man. It is a business deal. Maybe five men will buy stock in him. They expect to get their money back and some profit. When we invest in the Lord’s work, we expect something back—not here but hereafter. God does not expect you to invest and get nothing in return. God’s returns will be beyond our expectations. The world operates based on money, but what will it yield? When we invest our dollar, we want to get the best return. When we invest in God’s work, we gain eternal returns.
