Supporting Ministry Through Giving.

Giving to the Lord is an important part of the Christian’s walk. Mark talks about supporting ministry through giving?

Support Through Giving

Paul wrote to the Philippian church,

Nevertheless, you have done well to share in my affliction. And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:14-20 (NLT)

We’re coming toward the end of our study of Paul’s letter to his beloved saints in Philippi, and once again, in this passage, we see him expressing his deep appreciation, especially for the way they supported his ministry through their giving.

A Heart For Giving

It’s apparent that the church in Philippi had a heart for giving. Paul notes their generosity; there was a time they gave when no one else did, and there was another occasion when they gave more than once. Paul was very appreciative and did not take it lightly. He saw it as evidence that they truly valued the work he was doing for the Lord, and he put their giving on the highest level; seeing it as a sacrificial offering that brought great pleasure to God.

What the believers gave, whether financial or material, was not only to help keep Paul and his co-workers from going hungry and staying clothed; it was about the Saints in Philippi partnering with them in the spread of the gospel. The reality is that money and resources are necessary for the Lord’s work, whether it’s for Bibles, tracts, printed materials, transportation, and more. It all costs money.

Even when ministry efforts are completely volunteer based, with no overhead, the resources needed are rarely 100% free or by full donation. Everywhere you turn, there’s a cost involved. Beyond that, those laboring in ministry need to be fed and clothed.

The Old Testament Principle

On a couple of occasions, Paul referenced the Old Testament principle of not muzzling an ox while it treads out the grain (1 Timothy 5:18; 1 Corinthians 9:9), applying it to human labor, specifically to those in ministry, affirming that they are worthy of receiving compensation for their work.

This underscores the truth that ministry is not meant to be self-sustaining; it is designed to be shared and supported by local churches. While there are indeed times when the Lord miraculously provides for every expense, church members are still called to actively participate in giving.

Shying Away From the Topic of Giving

Often, we shy away from teaching or discussing the topic of giving. Money is a subject we tend to avoid in our churches because it can be easily abused, and scripture teaches that we need to be cautious with it. For example, church leadership is to be selected based on how they view and handle finances, as seen in Titus 1:7 and 1 Timothy 3:3, 8.

1 Timothy 6:10 warns that money is a source of temptation. Over the past few decades, countless churches and ministries have become entangled in financial scandals. Because of this, understandably, the topic of “giving money” is often avoided—but this reluctance to teach biblical principles on giving can actually hinder the advancement of the gospel.

Good Giving Principles

What are some good principles and practices that local churches and leadership should follow in the stewardship of monetary funds?

Only Take Money From Fellow Believers

Money should be received only from fellow believers, not from those outside the faith, as seen in Genesis 14:23 and 3 John 1:7.

Abraham refused to take money/reward from a pagan king, for the reason that he did not want anyone to point a finger at him and say, “you are so rich only because of what the King of Sodom gave you!” He wanted to be blameless and above  reproach when it came to the riches he had.

Be Highly Sensitive

2 Corinthians 6:14 advises believers not to be unequally yoked with non-believers; a principle that also applies to financial dependence. In line with this, 3 John 1:7 highlights that mission efforts were intentionally not supported financially by non-believers.

Any church or ministry should be highly sensitive to anything that could lead to accusations of wrongdoing, or even create the appearance of impropriety, especially regarding finances. Upholding the principle of keeping giving and the circulation of funds within the Body of Christ is a valuable safeguard worth maintaining.

How many people today absolutely refuse to step into a church or listen to the gospel because they’ve grown calloused by the idea that churches are just after their money? It’s a sad reality—and a real obstacle we face. But may we never give them reason to believe it’s true. Let’s treasure our testimony and strive to be lights in our communities, all for the sake of our precious Savior.

Be Honorable

Paul wrote,

“We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.” 2 Corinthians 8:20-21

Paul said,

“We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.” 2 Corinthians 8:20-21

This passage clearly shows Paul and his co-workers making every effort to remain above reproach in how they handled the substantial gift entrusted to them. In the same way, ministries today must exercise care, openness, and honesty in their financial practices. Transactions and financial statements should be available for public review to foster transparency.

When records aren’t open and clarity is lacking, suspicion can arise, especially since many people are highly sensitive about how “the Lord’s money” is being used. Transparency promotes accountability; and when nothing is hidden, a ministry can serve the Lord freely, with a clear conscience and unhindered by doubt.

It Is The Lord’s Money

Being mindful of whose money it truly is, namely, the Lord’s, is vitally important. However, this awareness, to its extreme, can sometimes lead individuals to withhold or hoard, when exercising excessive caution when spending. Careful stewardship is admirable, it’s important that we don’t come across as stingy, after all, “the cattle on a thousand hills” belong to the Lord (Psalm 50:10). He is neither poor nor lacking, and everything we have comes from Him alone; He will provide.

At the same time, we should avoid spending in ways that appear indulgent or frivolous. Finding a proper balance is key. Having multiple decision-makers accountable for how funds are used can help achieve that balance. Diverse life experiences coming together in collaboration bring valuable perspectives to the table. When spiritually mature individuals unite with a shared desire to honor and glorify God with the resources He has provided, much mistrust can be prevented.

Giving is a Vital Part of a Believer’s Walk

These are a few short thoughts on giving and money that I thought might be helpful.

Giving is a vital part of every believer’s walk of faith—whether it’s financially, through time, or by sharing resources.

Do you give? Is it important to you? Is it something you might need to consider more? Coveting and hoarding are selfish sinful behaviors that put us in a negative frame of mind and holding back is detrimental to our well-being. Our giving really matters.

For those who follow Jesus Christ, giving is a reflection of faith in God and a demonstration of love toward others.

The Example of the Philippian Church

Let’s take to heart the example of the church in Philippi. Their giving was a sweet-smelling sacrifice to God, it encouraged Paul and his colleagues, and their example will be remembered for ages to come. What a chain reaction of blessing!

When we give, we are not left wanting. We are called to live out our faith based on the promise Paul gave to those who give:

“God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Do you give? What motivates you to give to the Lord? We would to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.