The Backstory of Generosity: A Partnering Church

back-sto-ry

noun 

a history or background, especially one created for a fictional character in a motion picture or television program. - Google’s English dictionary

What if we told you that the backstory of generosity isn’t fictional? It’s real and the characters at its forefront lived in real-time. You think you already know what you need to know about generosity? Think again.

In our new 4-week series The Backstory of Generosity, you’ll learn about the biblical birthplace of generosity (spoiler alert: it’s in Genesis!). Find out about its great purpose to bring heaven on earth. Take in how you can live generously via real-life practices and patterns. Finally, discover how you can develop a passion for generosity. Remember, generosity isn’t a behavior, if you are a child of God, generosity is a part of your very being.

How to Use This Guide 

Thank you for taking the time to do this Bible study. When we dig deeper into God’s word, He promises to bless us. We follow in the footsteps of King David, who wrote in Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

This guide will provide a weekly framework for spiritual conversations with friends or family. We encourage you to reach out to a friend or two, pick a time to get together each week, and work through this guide together. This Bible study can also be a good tool for families, perhaps coordinated with mealtimes.

What does the Bible say?

Last week, we looked at the purpose behind the concept of generosity and considered some of its goals. We found that generosity is an important component for furthering the history and goals of redemptive history.

This week, we’ll see what we can learn from Paul’s letter to a generous group of Christ-followers in the Roman colony of Philippi. This congregation held the honor of being the first one that Paul founded during his second missionary journey to Macedonia. You can read about how this happened in Acts 16:6-40. For additional background information on the city of Philippi, see this article.

Read Philippians 4:10-20.

If you read the rest of Paul’s letter, you’ll find that he is writing from prison (see Philippians 1). Despite such terrible conditions, a hallmark of this letter is Paul’s joy, mentioned no less than five times (see Philippians 1:4, 25; 2:2, 29; 4:1). There was something special about the Philippians, a quality that sparked joy in the apostle, even at the very thought of this group. Perhaps it was their generosity.

We’re going to focus on the conclusion of Paul’s letter. In Philippians 4:10, Paul had yet another reason to rejoice over the generosity of the Philippians. Skipping ahead to Philippians 4:18, what is the reason Paul gives for the praise He bestows upon the Philippian community?  

Now, we can go back and see what made the Philippian's generosity so special to Paul. In typical Pauline fashion, Paul focuses on the well-being of this special group and not on his own circumstances. Paul turns what could be a simple thank you into a teaching moment. 

In Philippians 4:10, what is the reason that Paul rejoices greatly in the Lord? Paul seems to take great care here when he expresses his gratitude. He is glad that the Philippians thought about him and then sent him gifts, part of which were funds brought to him by his friend Epaphroditus (Philippians 4:18). But, Paul also clarifies what his expression of gratitude does not mean in the first half of Philippians 4:11. Paul wants the group to know that his gratitude for their gifts is not because he is in need. According to Philippians 4:11b-13, why did Paul say that he was not in need of anything? Which part inspires you?

So, we see that Paul is grateful for their gifts, but he doesn’t want the Philippians to misunderstand why. He shares his personal views and experiences about being in need. Paul then explains his gratitude.  

In Philippians 4:14, Paul turns the focus back on the Philippians. What praise does Paul bestow upon the community in Philippians 4:14? The Greek verb translated as “to share” in this verse is an important word in Paul’s writing. The noun form of the root word here might be familiar to some of you: koinōnia. 

Koinōnia occurs five times in this letter, four times in its noun and verbal forms and one time as the main component of a compound verb. In Philippians 1:3-6, Paul states the reason why he is grateful every time he thinks of the Philippians and how joy fills his prayers to God for them. Why is this so? In Philippians 1:5, Paul gives the reason: because of their partnership [koinōnia] in the gospel. The next instance of koinōnia is in Philippians 2:1. Here, Paul encourages the Philippians to consider the importance of unity within their group. They are to think of themselves as being “united with Christ” and as having “common sharing [koinōnia] in the Spirit.” The third instance of koinōnia is in Philippians 3:10. This time, Paul uses this word to emphasize the Christ-followers participation [koinōnia] in the sufferings of Jesus Christ. It is interesting that Paul associates koinōnia with the Philippians' partnership in the gospel and how the congregation experiences God the Father (Philippians 1:2-5), the Spirit (Philippians 2:1), and Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:10).

Now let’s turn to how Paul uses the verb form of koinōnia in Philippians 4:14 and 4:15. Since Paul has already established the importance of partnership and sharing in the letter, even pleading (see Philippians 4:2-3) with two of the women in the congregation who had “contended at my side in the cause of the gospel” to reach an agreement on some undisclosed matter, he is now going to connect their giving with the concept of koinōnia. 

What good thing did the Philippians do in Philippians 4:14? What else did this group do that was praiseworthy in verses 15 and 16? Now, Paul again makes sure his audience doesn’t misunderstand him. In Philippians 4:17-18a, he tells his friends that he wasn’t seeking out their gifts, even though he appreciates them. Paul believes that their generosity will ultimately be for their own benefit, not his. How does Paul describe their gifts at the end of Philippians 4:18? This is the language of worship.In the end, Paul views meeting needs positively, but he states that the real point of generosity has more to do with fellowship and partnering. In the letter, he has shown that koinōnia sourced in God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–makes fellowship and generosity with one another possible. What promise does Paul relate in Philippians 4:19? Paul adds his own praise in Philippians 4:20. What does he say?

When we focus on fellowship with God and other believers, we need not worry about how our needs will be met. This is because we will experience true koinōnia. Paul attributes all that he has received to God. When others are involved, he attributes their generosity to their partnership with him in his God-given mission which was to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. When all who follow Christ live in koinōnia with God and with one another, our unity and common purpose will be a undeniably effective witness to the world that God is real. The opposite is also sadly true. When Christians disagree and oppose one another, it is to our shame. More importantly, it hurts our witness to the world.

We don’t know the reason for the disagreement between the two women Paul mentions in Philippians 4:2. You can read about one possibility here.

There is no evidence in the text to support our characterizing the situation between Euodia and Syntyche as a mere squabble over unimportant issues. Paul believes the two can come to an agreement about their conflict. Why? Because these women are not only his co-workers, they have also proven their allegiance to the cause of the gospel with their actions (see Philippians 4:3). If their disagreement were over primary or foundational issues of the Christian faith such as the Triune nature of God, salvation through Jesus Christ, or the Bible being the word of God, then Paul would not be able to say that their names are written in the book of life in Philippians 4:3. In that case, unless one of them changed their mind, they would have to go their separate ways. But, because they are partners in the truth of the gospel, these two can find common ground and move forward together. 

But, what happens when Christians who are partners in the cause of the gospel disagree? The  koinōnia can be put in danger when a church has to address issues such as how we administer communion, modes of baptism, or ethical doctrines such as a church’s stance on human sexuality or women’s roles. Topics like these are one reason why there are different denominations within Protestant Christianity. Many churches have and will continue to split over such matters, doing damage to the cause of the gospel. Positions can be taken that go beyond what the Bible has to say. 

We can’t know for sure whether or not Paul is addressing a disagreement over an issue that would fall into the category of so-called secondary issues, but we can keep in mind that when co-workers in the cause of the gospel disagree, we must attempt to build a bridge and find common ground. Taking in Paul’s words, we can know for sure that we must address any matter that threatens the koinōnia which is the fellowship or partnership between believers. Even more importantly, when we refuse to work toward koinōnia, and instead take sides and draw red lines when it comes to the secondary issues of our faith, we are likely to forfeit the fruit of the Holy Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, goodness, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Such fruit makes for convincing evidence to everyone who sees it that the gospel is true and effective. 

Prayer: God, we worship You for the generosity of Your fellowship. Our Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit, You have made it possible for us to join in Your fellowship and thus experience fellowship with one another. May we know true koinōnia and show it to the world. Amen.

Small Group Discussion Questions

In last week's sermon, you thought about the marks of partnership in a flourishing church. Discuss how these qualities exist at Northland and evaluate the impact of each one.

1. The gospel message is made known to neighbors and nations.
2. A commitment to live boldly in the midst of our culture.
3. An example of rejoicing in all circumstances.
4. Thanksgiving and gratitude for God's gifts in the church.
5. Flourishing in the mission of God.