Not that I speak in respect of want
William MacDonald emphasizes that Christians should live by faith in God's provision rather than publicizing their personal needs or soliciting funds.
In this teaching sermon, William MacDonald explores the biblical principle of living by faith in God's provision rather than publicizing personal needs or soliciting funds. Drawing from the example of Paul and insights from Christian writers like C. H. Mackintosh and Corrie Ten Boom, MacDonald challenges believers to trust God fully for their financial needs. He warns against the spiritual dangers of fund-raising techniques and encourages dependence on God's supernatural provision as a testimony of faith and glorification of God.
Text
“Not that I speak in respect of want…” (Philippians 4:11)
It is noteworthy that Paul never made his own financial needs known. His was a life of faith. He believed that God had called him into His service, and was utterly convinced that God pays for what He orders.
Should Christians today publicize their needs or beg for money? Here are a few considerations: There is no Scriptural justification for this practice. The apostles made known the needs of others, but never asked for money for themselves.
It seems more consistent with the life of faith to look to God alone. He will provide the needed funds for anything he wants us to do. When we see Him providing in just the right amount at just the right time, our faith is greatly strengthened. And He is greatly glorified when the provision is undeniably miraculous. On the other hand, He does not get the credit when we manipulate our own finances through clever fund-raising techniques.
By using appeals and solicitation, we can carry on works “for God” that might not be His will at all. Or we can perpetuate a work long after the Spirit has departed from it. But when we are dependent on His supernatural provision, we can continue only as long as He supplies.
High-pressure solicitation introduces a new way of measuring success in Christian work. The one who is most clever in public relations is the one who gets the most money. It may be that worthy works suffer because the fund campaigns siphon off the money. This often gives rise to jealousy and disunity.
C. H. Mackintosh took a dim view of publicizing one’s own personal needs. “To make known my wants, directly or indirectly, to a human being is departure from the life of faith, and a positive dishonor to God. It is actually betraying Him. It is tantamount to saying that God has failed me, and I must look to my fellow for help. It is forsaking the living fountain and turning to a broken cistern. It is placing the creature between my soul and God, thus robbing my soul of rich blessing, and God of the glory due to Him.”
In similar vein, Corrie Ten Boom wrote in Tramp for the Lord, “I would much rather be a trusting child of a rich Father, than a beggar at the door of worldly men.”
Sermon Outline
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I
- Paul's life of faith and financial needs
- God's provision for His servants
- The example of the apostles regarding needs
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II
- The issue of publicizing personal needs
- Lack of Scriptural justification for begging
- Faith in God's timely provision strengthens believers
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III
- Dangers of solicitation and fund-raising
- Potential for disunity and misplaced priorities
- Dependence on supernatural provision only
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IV
- Quotes from C. H. Mackintosh on faith and provision
- Corrie Ten Boom's perspective on trusting God
- The spiritual cost of relying on human help
Key Quotes
“Paul never made his own financial needs known. His was a life of faith.” — William MacDonald
“To make known my wants, directly or indirectly, to a human being is departure from the life of faith, and a positive dishonor to God.” — William MacDonald
“I would much rather be a trusting child of a rich Father, than a beggar at the door of worldly men.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Trust God to provide for your needs rather than publicizing them or seeking help from others.
- Avoid high-pressure fundraising methods that can undermine faith and unity in the church.
- Depend on God's supernatural provision as a way to strengthen your faith and glorify Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Paul ever ask for money for himself?
No, Paul never made his own financial needs known or asked for money for himself.
Is it biblical to publicize personal financial needs?
According to the sermon, there is no Scriptural justification for publicizing personal needs or begging for money.
How does God provide for His servants?
God provides the needed funds in just the right amount and at the right time, strengthening faith and glorifying Him.
What are the dangers of high-pressure solicitation?
It can lead to disunity, jealousy, and perpetuate works that may no longer be led by the Spirit.
What is the spiritual consequence of relying on human help?
It dishonors God, betrays faith, and robs the soul of blessing while giving God no glory.