10/16/22 - Our Future Together - Plant, Water, Feed - Pastor Jason Fritz

I have a few trees in my backyard that have been there for a long time. I know this because I planted them myself 21 years ago. For the first couple of years, they didn’t seem to make much progress. But the consistent water, fertilizer, and sunlight have made them my favorite places to relax for one simple reason - shade from the heat. I often think of Illuminate in this way. We are the generation that has the unique opportunity to establish shade in the Valley of the Sun for many years to come - a work that will provide spiritual shade to those in need. Paul used a similar illustration to describe his ministry...

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.
-1 Corinthians 3:6-8

Notice there are resources needed for this work: tree, water, laborers. God takes these resources and gives the gospel its growth.

Resources don’t always come free. The New Testament contains a letter from Paul to the church in Philippi. Paul planted, watered, and fed this church by bringing the gospel and making disciples. No doubt he personally led many of its attendees to Jesus. He’s writing from prison and he owns next to nothing. The church members heard about Paul’s condition, took a generous offering and sent it by way of a man named Epaphroditus. Paul was grateful and writes back, sending his heartfelt appreciation. The reason we have this New Testament letter is because of the financial generosity of the Philippian church.

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
-Philippians 4:10

Let’s focus on a key word here. Do you have a guess as to what it might be? Content 

Please don’t miss the point Paul is making – generosity comes through contentment. I’m convinced that we are very bad at being content and it’s not easy because we are bombarded by messages telling us that we don’t yet possess what it takes to be happy. Coveting is a serious and pervasive human tendency that God specifically addresses in the Ten Commandments. The real danger of coveting is that it misdirects money toward things that God never intended for you to have. Instead, we are instructed to be "rich in good deeds”  and to “lay up treasure in heaven that nothing can destroy.” This week we will be challenged to consider how we can continue to plant, water, and feed the work of God that is Illuminate Community Church.