The Benefactor – Part 1

Introduction

This Year’s Theme:

• One Vision, One Voice

This Year’s Scripture:

• 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NKJV): ¹⁰ Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
  • Paul is talking about the development of a culture.
  • Most culture is expressed unconsciously
  • A reflection of the culture around them.
  • Bring a different spirit.
  • You can’t contest evil people with the same spirit they’re embodying.

The Spirit of the Culture

• Every culture has a spirit
• 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NKJV): ¹⁰ Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Paul’s Call for Unity Among the Philippians

Similar advice to the Philippians, but more specific:

• Philippians 2:2 (ESV): ² complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

The Spirit of the Benefactor

• Philippians 2: 3-8 (ESV): ³ Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
  • Paul is talking about the spirit of a benefactor
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• Definition [Meriam-Webster Dictionary] Benefactor: someone or something that provides help or an advantage: one that confers a benefit, especially a person who makes a gift or bequest (a gift made through a will or trust)
• Literal Meaning (Latin): One who does good
  • Bene = well, good
  • Fact = to do or make
  • Or = the person who performs the action
• Conceptual Use of the Word for the Series:
  • James 1:17 (ESV): ¹⁷ Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. . .
  • Bene = Good = Blessing
  • Factor = Someone or something that contributes to a result
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  • Philippians 4:11–13 (ESV): ¹¹ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹² 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. ¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
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  • Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): ¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
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The Spirit of the Beneficiary

• Philippians 2:4 (ESV): ⁴ Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

You’re Not Going to Lose by Being a Blessing

• Luke 21:1–4 (ESV): ¹Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, ² and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. ³ And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. ⁴ For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
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• 2 Corinthians 8:1–3 (ESV): ¹ We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, ² for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. ³ For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,
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• 2 Corinthians 8:4 (ESV): ⁴ begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—
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• 2 Corinthians 8:5 (ESV): ⁵ and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
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• 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): ⁷ Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
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• 2 Corinthians 9:6 (ESV): ⁶ The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
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• 2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): ⁸ And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
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• 2 Corinthians 9:11 (ESV): ¹¹ You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
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Generosity is not Just Money

© Joshua D. Smith, Ph.D., 2025