Words and Giving are Powerful

For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:16-19)

The Greek word Paul used for account in Philippians 4:17 is logos. That doesn’t just mean a numerical amount; it means a spoken word. Giving isn't only about money, according to Paul. It's also about speaking faith over the ministry, church, and to yourself.

Words matter a great deal to God and to your own life. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, which should make us ask ourselves, “What words have I sown into myself and others this week?”

Paul reassured the Philippian church God would give them everything they needed because of their financial giving and faith. Not only would He fulfill the basic desires of their lives, but Paul also explained to what extent God would provide. Paul explained God desires His provision to be according to His riches in glory. Do you know what that means? Allow me to give you an example.

If I had a need for $100 and my friend was a billionaire, and he knew of my struggle and my need, and blessed me with $100, then he would have provided according to my needs.

But Philippians 4:16-19 doesn’t say that God provides according to our needs. He provides according to His riches. If instead, my billionaire friend, who knew I needed $100, gave me $10,000, he would no longer be providing based on my need, but based on his riches.

Your giving and your words are vitally important. Angels of God are released based on them. And demons work against you based on words of fear and doubt or poor sowing.

Practical Application

What words are you sowing this week? When you feel frustrated, pay attention to the words you speak. Don’t allow yourself to sow complaint, worry, or doubt. Only speak and sow words of faith!

Proverbs 6:2; Proverbs 18:21

The Account of Your Words

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12)

The Greek word used here for account is logos. It means word, and it signifies not just a casual record of a single word, but the entirety of our speech. It encompasses every word we have ever uttered. Consider the sheer weight of this revelation: we will account for every word we say. Every syllable, every sentence, every conversation is etched in eternity. Does that make you pause and consider what you said this week?

In Romans 14:12, Paul warned against using our mouths to judge others, for we will give an account of every negative word spoken about someone. Our words can either build or destroy, heal or wound, bless or curse.

Mature Christians must cultivate a heightened awareness of the words we allow ourselves to speak. We should use our speaking for edification, encouragement, and love.

Think about showing God a record of supportive and compassionate words, not hurtful ones. How different that account would be! What an amazing moment we would have!

To safeguard our future and impact the world around us, we must choose our words carefully. Let's make sure our words are an offering to God. We should speak what is helpful and powerful to the situation and the person, not what we feel like. We need our words to live as a symphony of praise and a testimony to the transformative power of God in our lives.

Every word we speak matters, so we must sow them with power and purpose.

Practical Application

When you are tempted to complain, gossip, or speak hate-filled words, pause, and consider the fact that there is an account of your words. Do you want this conversation to be in your account? Choose to speak life, faith, and truth.

Matthew 12:36; 1 Peter 4:5

Every Knee Will Bow

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (Romans 14:11)

Every being on earth, above the earth, and under the earth will one day bow before the throne of Almighty God. If you have not called Jesus Christ your Lord willingly in this life, one day you will be made to do it. You don’t want to wait until it’s not your decision. God wants you to love Him now and confess Him willingly. God wants our confession of faith and allegiance to be an act of love, gratitude, and genuine surrender to Him. He longs for our knees to bow and our tongues to confess the Lordship of Jesus Christ out of the overflow of our hearts.

Those who do not make that confession with their mouths from their hearts will one day do it, but not out of loving surrender. On that day, the reality of God’s power and might will overwhelm them. At that point, it will be too late for them to decide from their own heart. Their acknowledgement of Jesus as Savior will not bring about their salvation because they rejected Him when they could choose.

As mature believers, we should be inspired to witness, outreach, and pray for those who haven’t yet confessed Jesus as Lord.

We need to set an example for others by sincerely worshipping the Lord, obeying Him out of love, and having unwavering faith in Him.

We have the privilege of bowing willingly, with a heart of love and a life of faith.

Let us bow every part of our lives, giving God the Lordship of every choice, every word, and every moment as examples to the world around us of His goodness and love.

Practical Application

Who do you need to pray for today that you are not sure has given their lives to Christ? Intercede on their behalf and ask the Lord what He would have you say or display before them to be a witness to His love and power.

Number 14:21; Psalm 72:11