You see, the Philippians could share in Pauls ministry, in his good times and his bad times because they gave. All of you cant preach, but if when I am preaching you give, you can share the preaching with me. All of you cannot act, but if you give you share in a drama. All of you couldnt go to the Mexico mission field three weeks ago with the twenty-five who went, but if you give you were there. Partners in ministry, Paul is talking about. as you Philippians know. In the early days not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you only. For even when I was in Thessolonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Now I want you to check this out. Here we are 2,000 years later hearing about the Philippian church and their generosity. What a great reputation. They had a reputation of giving. I wonder if our reputation here at this local body of Christ will last 2,000 years. I wonder if one day people will say they want to be like the Las Colinian church. What a model. Giving is inspiration.
Stipulation two. Giving is profitable. That woke up a couple of guys there. Profitable. Philippians 4:17. But though I appreciate your gifts, what makes me happiest is the well earned reward. Circle that final phrase. I want to give you a quick Greek lesson. The New Testament was penned in Greek. This term is literally rendered, accumulated interest. So it reads like this. Though I appreciate your gifts, what makes me happiest is the accumulated interest you will have. You see God pays interest because of your kindness. Jesus said that if you gave a cup of cold water in His name, if you give to the local body of Christ, it is recorded and rewarded in heaven. And Jesus also said He would give back 100 fold when you give. Do you know what 100 fold is? Ten thousand percent interest. That is a pretty good rate, isnt it?
But you cant collect this interest in your life until you deposit something.
Ed Young Jr believes that you dont just arbitrarily walk into a bank and say, hey, how much interest have I gained or earned. The banker would ask how much you had deposited. He will think you are crazy if you expect to gain interest if you havent deposited anything.
