In AWE of God’s Blessings to His Church

I am in AWE of God’s blessings to His church. He provides in so many ways both big and small, but most importantly, we, as a church family, are blessed together in Christ Jesus. When we come together as a church and follow the mandates of God, He blesses us because of our faithfulness, and we are blessed with fruitfulness and fullness. Let me explain using Paul’s letter to the Philippians (4:14-16).
Paul writes of faithfulness in the church. He talks of their Generosity in verse 14: “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.” The building of the Early Church was no simple task, and all the disciples gave up much, even their lives, to do so. Even then, most of their work would have been impossible without the faithfulness of the churches they built. Paul commended the Philippians’ generosity. They assisted Paul in his times of adversity and supported his work however they could. They were a faithful partner in ministry.
Paul writes about the fruitfulness that comes from joint efforts in ministry. In Philippians 4:17 he says, “Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.” Paul rejoiced in the church’s faithfulness. He knew their actions and faithfulness would produce fruit that would be added to their account. God would honor their sacrificial giving and bless them. This is one of the great joys and benefits of partnering with others in ministry. As we partner with others in ministry, fruit from the joint-effort is being added to our account.
Finally, Paul writes to them about the fullness they will receive. In verse 19 he writes, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Paul experienced complete fullness in Christ. Because of his experiences, he wanted to encourage the church so they also would receive the fullness available through Him. He mentions three areas of fullness that I believe apply to you and I still today: the supply, the source, and the provider.
“My God will meet all your needs.” Paul wants all Jesus’ followers to rest in the provision of God. He will supply all of our needs!
“According to the riches of his glory.” The people in Philippi knew the pains of having limited resources and even facing poverty. But this is never the case with the Lord. He has the riches of glory at His disposal. As a Jesus follower, you and I will never encounter a need that God can’t provide for, no matter how big the need!
“In Christ.” Paul reminds the church in Philippi, and you and I, that every blessing, every met need, comes because of a relationship with Jesus. Without Jesus, we couldn’t enjoy the blessings He gives us!
I’ve preached in churches around the world, and I want to tell you today that nothing compares to being a part of the body of Christ and being in fellowship with a local body of believers. It doesn’t matter if you worship under a tree in a dust-covered village in Africa, a giant mega-church in Asia, a little country church in England, or right here in Miami. We are blessed because we are a part of the body of Christ and as the body of Christ He calls us to be a blessing. We share what we have and we receive from one another when we are in need. We have the exceptional privilege to give together to partner with missionaries spreading Jesus’ message of love around the world. And as we give sacrificially, we are blessed together and by ourselves in Christ. I am truly in AWE of God’s blessings to His church, both in Paul’s time and in ours!