The good news about Jesus creates joyful givers

How do you react to the commercials with pictures of people “before and after pictures”? I am talking about those commercials that will show a balding person and then the same person with some sort of hair restoration through the product being advertized. The commercial may get your attention if you are bald or balding because you desire a change. Then, what about those “before and after pictures” of a person over weight and then a picture of the same person after using the product that is being sold?  Perhaps you are a skeptic and doubt the product or you are looking for a change and you consider the product.

What about having a before and after picture of a person who was an unbeliever and now is a Christian? What is different ? Can you see any differences? What brings about the change? The Apostle Paul in the Word of God written to the Philippians gives us two “before and after pictures”. The “before and after pictures” were of the Apostle Paul and the Philippians.

In Acts chapter nine we have the picture of the Apostle Paul who was called Saul. Acts 9:1–3  “Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest ² and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. ³ As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.” Saul was filled with energy and zeal to persecute and kill Christians. He in no way wanted to help them, pray for them but his goal was to persecute them. What changed for the Apostle Paul then Saul? Jesus appeared to him. He was baptized. His sins were washed away. The Lord Jesus called Saul out of the darkness of unbelief  into the marvelous light of knowing Jesus as his Savior and Lord.

The second “before and after picture” is of the Philippians. In Acts 16 the Apostle Paul came to Philippi. There he first met with women at the river and that day baptized the family of Lydia. A short time later Paul was thrown into prison and the angel opened the prison doors. The jailer who was responsible for them was ready to kill himself. What changed the jailer? He was ready to kill himself. He was hopeless and filled with despair. What brought about the change? Paul and Silas shared the good news about Jesus and he and his family were baptized. What brought about change in the life of Saul and the Philippians? The good news about Jesus changed their lives.

What about your before and after picture? By nature the Scriptures paint that picture for us. By nature we are dead spiritually. We are born selfish only thinking of those things that will benefit us. By nature our giving approach to those in need to others might be best pictured in the actions of two two year olds with one toy. Do you see a picture with lots of sharing? Right! Yet by the grace of God there is not only a before picture of unbelief but an after picture of faith in Jesus in our life.

In the word of God for today we see how the gospel of Jesus changes lives. “¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. ¹⁵ Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; ¹⁶ for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.  ¹⁷ Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. ¹⁸ I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” I shared with you a couple of people that Paul was writing to at Philippi. You will find that recorded in Acts 16. But in the letter to the Philippians you see a man changed by the good news of Jesus Christ’s life death and resurrection. Saul now Paul was a former murderer who rejoiced in the Lord always. The Apostle Paul was a former persecutor of Christians who now strengthened Christians and prayed for Christians. Paul acknowledges the generous gifts he received from the Philippians. Those gifts were given joyfully help to comfort Paul in his troubles. The gifts came from people whose hearts and lives had been changed by the good news about Jesus.

My dear friends what is the “after” picture look like in your life? Do you see the opportunities God has given you children of God called to be Sons of God through baptism and God’s unchanging word? The Apostle Paul was not just looking for a gift he was looking for the evidence of their trusting faith in God’s promises. That is why he received their gifts with joy. What opportunities is God giving you to give generously? Are there people in need who could use your generous gifts? I know there are. Are there opportunities to share the gospel in various mission fields including our own community? I know there are opportunities. Are there people who have changed your life that you can appreciate by your verbal thank you or gracious gift? I am sure there are. The good news about Jesus creates joyful giving. Why? Faith in Jesus responds with joyful giving to our generous God who meets all our needs.

The good news about Jesus creates joyful givers. What do I mean? We are reminded by the Apostle Paul that our gracious God will meet all our needs. Joyful giving of our time, treasures and abilities is a picture or fruit of what has changed in our heart though the message of the love of the Son of God who willingly gave his life for us as he suffered the punishment for our rebellious sins. Paul received the gifts from the Philippians as a fragrant and acceptable offering pleasing to God. He rejoiced to see the “after picture” of Christianity in the lives of the Philippians. I rejoice to see the evidence of your trusting faith in the promises of our God to answer your prayers and to forgive you sins and to guide and direct you lives every day.

This summer we have looked at this short letter to the Philippians. Philippians is one of my go to places in times of discouragement or anxiety. Saul was changed. His name and position didn’t just change but his faith in the great generous giver of the forgiveness of sins. The Philippians were changed. The “before and after” picture was evident as Paul closes his letter of joy. “ To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. ²¹ Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. ²² All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. ²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.  The sinful human beings at Philippi were now saints through the perfect life and death of Jesus. People in Caesar’s household had been changed. People chained to the Apostle Paul had been changed.  The good news of Jesus was alive and active. My dear friends do not be a skeptic about how the good news about Jesus changes our lives and our attitudes. Our generous God has so generously given his Son for you. He will graciously meet your needs as he uses you to joyfully give to the needs of other people so the good news of Jesus might be believed by more and more people.