The Aroma of Gospel Generosity
Philippians 4:14-20 (ESV)
14Yet it was kind of you to share[a] my trouble.15And you
Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.16Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.17Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.[b] 18I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.19And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.20To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Introduction: “Thank you for the gift” versus “I thank God for you.” - Dennis Johnson - Philippians is “a missionary’s thank you note.” - Remember the “Macedonians” in last week’s sermon, The Philippian church
(poverty-stricken) was one of them. That, despite their “extreme poverty,” their financial support for Paul’s ministry was outstanding for its consistency and generosity.
I. Gospel generosity is a “partnership” (a koinonia or fellowship; Philippians 4:14-16)
Thank you for your “Partnership.” Their giving has apostolic approval. “Koinonia” means “fellowship,” or “partnership,” or “active participation” (often with financial implications).
A. In “suffering” - Here at the end of the letter, Paul declared, “Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble [συγκοινωνήσαντές μου τῇ θλίψει]” (Philippians 4:14). The Philippians were Paul’s partners in his
affliction.
i. Kent Hughes – “Though the Philippians were not in
prison with Paul, they participated in his afflictions by
their sympathy and monetary sacrifice.
And as they thus participated in his
afflictions, they were doing so amidst the
context of their own sufferings in Philippi
(1:29-30).”
B. In “support” - Paul viewed the Philippians’ generosity as evidence of their partnership or fellowship with him in ministry.
i. Romans 15:26, “For Macedonia and Achaia have been
pleased to make some contribution for the poor among
the saints at Jerusalem.”
ii. 2 Corinthians 9:13, “By their approval of this service,
they will glorify God because of your submission that
comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and
the generosity of your contribution for them and for all
others.”
iii. Paul continued, “No church entered into partnership
(ἐκοινώνησεν) with me in giving and receiving, except
you only” (Philippians 4:15).
iv. “Giving and receiving” – Words of affection and deep
friendship.
v. Generosity is a biblical indicator of spiritual health.
vi. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be
also” (Matthew 6:21). What we do with our resources is
a window into our souls. The question is, what does God
see when he looks in in?
II. Gospel generosity produces fruit (Philippians 4:17)
“Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.” A. Fruit as spiritual profit - Paul uses the word “fruit,” a term drawn from agriculture but used here as an economic metaphor. “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his deed.” (Prov. 19:17)
B. Fruit as ongoing increase - Paul says the fruit “increases,” a word that conveys compounding growth. “Sell what you
possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in
heaven.” (Matt. 19:21). The Philippians’ giving was not a loss
but a long‑term investment in the kingdom. God alone
produces the increase. The Spirit uses generosity to enlarge the believer’s capacity for joy, obedience, and eternal reward.
C. Fruit as a sincere motive -
Illustration: Have you ever asked your kids for something, and they didn’t give or share?
III. Gospel generosity pleases God (Philippians 4:18-20)
A. The “aroma” of gospel generosity – “Fragrant offering”
- Exodus 29:18: “…And burn the whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord. It is a pleasing aroma, a food offering[a] to the Lord.”
- Genesis 8:21: “And when the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma…” Paul draws a parallel between the OT sacrifices and a church’s financial generosity. Their support for gospel ministry, in God's eyes, is like the pleasing aroma that once filled the air in OT places of sacrifice (e.g. tabernacle; temple). It’s like the delightful scent of food on the grill, which is instantly recognizable and appealing. Paul emphasizes that this is how God perceives their generosity.
B. The assurance of gospel generosity (Philippians 4:19)
i. God supplies according to his wisdom (He supplies our need not our greed)
ii. God sustains out of his wealth in Christ (Illustration: A million dollars)
Conclusion and application:
1. Generosity flows abundantly from grace. Kent Hughes said, “The only money that we will see again is that which we give away. And that money will return with compounded interest.”
2. Generosity is a partnership in the gospel ministry that
produces spiritual fruit and brings pleasure to God.
3. Illustration: Hattie May Wiatt and her 57 cents (Church,
Temple University, Temple Hospital, and Temple Sunday
School)
4. “Praise to God is the proper response when God’s people are generous” (Kent Hughes)
William W. How (1858)
We give Thee but Thine own,
Whate’er the gift may be:
All that we have is Thine alone,
A trust, O Lord, from Thee.