THE GIVER | PASTOR ANTHONY LOMBARDI

"Generosity is an invitation to partner with God." — Pastor Anthony Lombardi

In this message, Pastor Anthony Lombardi continues The Tree Church’s Entrusted series by addressing generosity through the lens of partnership rather than obligation. Teaching from Philippians 4:14–20, he walks through the Apostle Paul’s relationship with the church in Philippi and highlights how their generosity reflected both spiritual maturity and trust in God.

Rather than framing giving as a transactional requirement, Pastor Anthony emphasizes that generosity begins with perspective. When believers recognize God as the owner and provider of all things, generosity becomes a natural response to what God has already done. This message challenges common cultural assumptions about money and invites listeners to consider how generosity reflects what they value most.

Pastor Anthony explains the historical context of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The church in Philippi was largely made up of Gentile believers who came to faith through Paul’s ministry during his missionary journeys. Despite their limited resources, this church consistently supported Paul, even when other churches did not.

Paul describes their support as a partnership. By sharing in his trouble, the Philippians joined him in the work God had called him to do. Their generosity was not motivated by pressure or guilt, but by kindness and shared responsibility for the mission of spreading the gospel.

"It was kind of you to share in my trouble," Paul writes, pointing to a posture of generosity rooted in love rather than compulsion.

One of the central themes of the message is that generosity is an invitation to partner with God. Pastor Anthony highlights Paul’s language of giving and receiving, explaining that generosity connects believers to ministry beyond their immediate reach.

The Philippians were not simply supporting Paul as an individual. Through their generosity, they were investing in God’s work and participating in the expansion of His kingdom. Pastor Anthony draws attention to Paul’s statement that he was not seeking the gift itself, but the fruit that would increase to their credit.

This perspective reframes generosity. Giving becomes less about what is lost and more about what God produces through faithful stewardship. Financial generosity allows believers to take part in ministry impact they may never personally see.

Pastor Anthony explains that generosity is one of the primary tools God uses to build His kingdom. Financial support fuels ministry, enables churches to grow, and allows the gospel to reach people across communities and nations.

He shares examples of how collective generosity makes ministry possible, including church planting, missions, and outreach efforts that individuals could not accomplish on their own. By giving, believers contribute to work that extends beyond their personal time and abilities.

"Not that I seek the gift," Paul says, "but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit." The focus remains on lives changed and spiritual growth, not on money itself.

Pastor Anthony emphasizes that generosity is not merely practical, but spiritual. Paul describes the Philippians’ gift as a fragrant offering and a sacrifice pleasing to God. This language connects generosity directly to worship.

Giving reflects priorities. What believers choose to invest in reveals what they value most. When generosity involves sacrifice, it becomes a declaration that God is worthy of trust and obedience.

Pastor Anthony compares generosity to other meaningful sacrifices in life. While sacrifice often carries cost, it is accompanied by purpose and joy. In generosity, believers willingly give up something they could use for themselves in order to honor God and support His work.

The message concludes with a focus on trust. Paul reassures the Philippians with the promise that God will supply every need according to His riches in Christ Jesus. Pastor Anthony explains that this promise is rooted in God’s character, not in a transactional formula.

Generosity requires surrender. It challenges fears related to control, security, and provision. Pastor Anthony acknowledges that many believers struggle with trusting God fully, especially when finances feel tight or uncertain.

However, Scripture consistently teaches that God honors those who honor Him. When believers prioritize God’s kingdom and trust Him as their provider, they can rest in His faithfulness.

Pastor Anthony closes by calling listeners to examine what holds them back from generosity. Fear, control, and uncertainty can all hinder surrender. Yet God invites honesty and dependence.

When believers shift their perspective from ownership to stewardship, generosity becomes an act of faith. It reflects gratitude for God’s grace and a desire to be part of something greater than themselves.

Generosity, as Pastor Anthony teaches, is not about money alone. It is about worship, partnership, trust, and aligning one’s life with God’s purposes.

The Tree Church is a life-giving church serving communities in Lancaster, Ohio and Logan, Ohio. With Sunday services at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, The Tree Church exists to help people follow Jesus and experience life in Him.

If you are looking for a church in Lancaster or a church in Logan, we invite you to join us at one of our campuses. Each location offers engaging worship, biblical teaching, and a welcoming community focused on growing together in faith.