When a Church Cares

Over the last two weeks, we’ve talked about why we as a church worship and why we need to pray. With those questions answered, it’s important to see that another of the characteristics of a true church that represents Jesus is that it really does care.

The church in Philippi really cared for Paul. This church was the first church Paul planted in Europe. They cared so much about him that they sent him money while he was in prison in Rome. He had probably already thanked them for the gift, but in our Scripture today, we see that he ends his personal letter to the church with a reference to their care for him and what it had meant to him.

Philippians 4:10-20- I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me, but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don't say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me. Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship. And you, Philippians, know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that is increasing to your account. But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, a welcome sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

From their example as a church, let’s look at what happens when a church cares.

When a Church Cares
1) It Gives Expression to Concern (Philippians 4:10a).
It is easy to say that we are concerned. We can make the proper facial expressions, use the right tone of voice, and even say the right words. But what the world is looking for is an expression of that concern.

Paul knew this church was concerned for him because they expressed it tangibly by sending him money.

How can we as a church express our concern for others?
When a mother is sick- care for the kids, do the laundry. When a person suffers loss- take them some groceries, deliver a meal. When a person doesn’t know Jesus- Share Jesus with them.
*Concern must be expressed tangibly!

When a Church Cares
2) It Seizes the Opportunity to Act (Philippians 4:10b).
The church always cared for Paul, they just had not had the opportunity to act before. When we really care, we will take the opportunity when it comes. We cannot always schedule when other people might need our help. It is not a matter of doing what is expected of us- anyone can do that. It’s about doing the unexpected because it is what is need at that time.

When a Church Cares
3) It Shares in the Lives of Others (4:11-16).
Paul praises the church for sharing in all that he had done and accomplished for Jesus. They became a part of the life and ministry of Paul by helping him financially. In the same way, we become a part of the lives and ministries of those we help.

When a Church Cares
A) It Receives a Blessing Itself (Acts 4:17-20).
B) Caring Blesses the one who gives as well as the one who receives.
C) Caring Causes us to shift our attention from ourselves to others.

Closing– When a church cares, that care is expressed in actions. We know the world is not going to care, so it’s up to us. Imagine what would happen in our community if all of us began to act out the kind of care that the church at Philippi did, the kind of care Jesus modeled. I believe it would energize and empower people to see and experience the Grace and Forgiveness of Jesus Christ. And I believe that it would radically change the time and season in which we live. We need to be people who care- because if we don’t, who will?