Showing Concern

Pray

Christian Author, Nancy Guthrie writes in her book, “Holding onto Hope: Drawn by Suffering to the Heart of God:” the following, she explains: Not long after my six-month-old daughter Hope died, I was at a cosmetics counter buying some mascara. "Will this mascara run down my face when I cry?" I asked.

The girl behind the counter assured me it wouldn't and asked with a laugh in her voice, "Are you going to be crying?"

"Yes," I answered. "I am."

We had Hope for 199 days. We loved her. We enjoyed her richly and shared her with everyone we could. We held her during her seizures. Then we let her go.

The day after we buried Hope, my husband said to me, "You know, I think we expected our faith to make this hurt less, but it doesn't. Our faith gave us an incredible amount of strength and encouragement while we had Hope, and we are comforted by the knowledge that she is in heaven. Our faith keeps us from being swallowed by despair. But I don't think it makes our loss hurt any less."

It is only natural that people around me often ask searchingly, "How are you?" And for much of the first year after Hope's death, my answer was, "I'm deeply and profoundly sad." I've been blessed with many people who have been willing to share my sorrow, to just be sad with me. Others, however, seem to want to rush me through my sadness. They want to fix me. But I lost someone I loved dearly, and I'm sad.

Ours is not a culture that is comfortable with sadness. Sadness is awkward. It is unsettling. It ebbs and flows and takes its own shape. It beckons to be shared. It comes out in tears, and we don't quite know what to do with those tears.

Many people are afraid to bring up my loss. They don't want to upset me. But my tears are the only way I have to release the deep sorrow I feel. I tell people, "Don't worry about crying in front of me, and don't be afraid that you will make me cry! Your tears tell me you care, and my tears tell you that you've touched me in a place that is meaningful to me, and I will never forget your willingness to share my grief."

We hear this story this morning, and if you’re like me, your touched by the idea of this young mom, losing her sweet baby only just a year after she was born. And so often, we wrestle with why bad things happen to good people… right? and yet here’s the point, we live in a world where sickness is a thing, where loved ones pass away, where things don’t always make sense to us at the time… and yet we also live in a world, where Christ comes and gives us freedom.

And still, this morning, as brothers and sister in Christ… we have a role to play with one another. Jesus would tell us: 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Or to put it a different way, we are to… Preach the gospel at all times; and if necessary, use words. And yet here’s the question, how well do we do that this morning? Let me put it a different way, when is the last time, you truly went out of your way to show your concern for someone else?

If you have your bibles, turn with me to the book of Philippians 4, and as we’re turning there, we’re going to be talking about showing our concern for others and what that looks like. 3 Sermon points: Showing concern means 1. Sharing in troubles 2. giving generously 3. Expressing love

1. Showing concern means sharing in troubles

If you’re not already there, turn with me to Philippians 4:10-14

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

As we stop and consider the scripture this morning, this is our last week in the book of Philippians. And the Lord would use Paul, to write this letter, to the Philippian church, somewhere in the timeframe of AD 66-67, as Paul is in a Roman prison cell.

And you’ve probably heard many sermons, or teachings, centered around the idea of verses 11-13… The idea that we can be content, whatever the circumstance and as it says in vs 13 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

But I want us to lean into verse 10 for a moment… it says: 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

Paul here is referencing the time that has passed between his visit 10 years prior and now. He says 10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me this word renewed,in the Greek carries the imagery of a plant, a plant that is shooting up, that is sprouting, or growing green again.And it’s the same idea of grass being dormant over the winter and then coming to life again In the spring.

And we’re not told why the Philippian church had for a number of years not given to Paul, whether it is from their own financial difficulties, or perhaps their unaware of Paul’s financial challenges.

But notice with me 2 key words in vs 10: Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

We’re going to stop for a moment, and consider showing concern. What is it exactly the Philippian church did right, and what should we do for brothers and sisters in Christ this morning. Look with me at verse 14…

The first thing the Philippians did, that we can do, is to share when someone is in trouble.

Paul writes 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles

What does that mean? to share in my troubles… how did the Philippians share in his troubles? Well for one, it was a financial sharing… The Philippian congregation was by-in-large a poor congregation,and yet they were a tremendous blessing, they gave financially. And we’ll talk about that.

But It was more than that, it was the Philippian having one of their key members, go and be with Paul. Epaphroditus was sent to visit Paul, not just to bring money, but also to be an encouragement to Him. And of course, the people would have Prayed for Paul in his circumstances, in his situation…

What about us this morning? Are there people that you know, that are hurting? Are there people that you know who are going through a really difficult season? That are facing trials of many kinds?

Philippians 4:14 tells us: Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. It’s good for us this morning… to show our concern for others, by sharing in their troubles.

Along these lines, I’m reminded of the teamwork and unity that’s required for navy seals to pass and complete basic, underwater, demolition school, or buds (in short.) Aside from 2-mile ocean swims, underwater knot tying, and drown proof testing, in which trainees’ arms and legs are tied as they jump into the pool and they are then forced to bob in the water for over 10 minutes. I’m also reminded of the log pt tests. In this exercise, trainees of about six or seven men will have to carry a log that weighs between 180 to 210 pounds for close to two hours… in this 2 hours, they will be asked to perform a variety of tasks including calisthenics exercises that consist of sit-ups, push-ups, carrying the log overhead, running with it down the beach, carrying it up over the berms and all of this is nonstop. This is where team work really comes in because if one person falters the log begins to tip and everyone loses their balance. This is an exercise that requires you to be on top of your game and in great physical and mental shape.

Here's the point, if one party goes down… they all suffer, if one goes down, they all feel the effects.

Philippians 4:14 tells us: Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

Are we doing that this morning?Are we carrying each other’s troubles?

Galatians 6:2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

It’s that song. Lean on me, when you’re not strong, ill be your friend… ill help you carry on, for, it won’t be long… till I’m gonna need… what? Somebody to lean on…

Friends, would we be people that are there for our brothers and sisters…. Would we be people that are showingour concern for others… as we share in their trouble.

2. Showing concern means giving generously

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Php 4:14-19

As we stop and consider the scripture, Paul expresses another way that the Philippian church had shown their concern, and ultimately it was from financial giving. Paul highlights this idea in verses 14-16, and explains:

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.

Here, Paul is highlighting his time in Macedonia before he set off for Athens and Corith. And he writes when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only.

Out of 3 churches… Paul mentions in his letters, the churches of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Paul distinguishes the Philippian church for their giving. And remarks 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.

The point is this, the Philippian church was a generous church, and Paul applauds them for it. He continues to express his gratitude for their resent gift in verse 18 and explains: 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Here’s the point. The Philippian church… although poor… although a young church… although Paul hadn’t even been there to visit for 10 years… they had Paul on their hearts. They loved him, they cared about him. And they showed their care through their generous giving.

And you’ll recall at the top of the letter, back in verse 1, Paul had commended them for their giving. Paul expressed his gratitude.

3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Paul’s grateful for their partnership, Paul’s grateful for their support, Paul’s grateful, he has the Philippian church in his life… they’re an encouragement.

What else this morning? How are we in areas of giving today? Paul would express in his farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:35

35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

Church, are we a people that are giving this morning? (or letter from Joel Cagwin?)

Even crows and ravens seem to understand the importance of giving gifts. John Marzluff and Tony Angell, in their book, Gifts of the Crow, detail the intelligence of birds which results in them behaving like humans. The authors relate many accounts of people routinely receiving gifts from crows, thought to be in response to kind actions such as providing food for the birds. Crows are known to give gifts such as coins, bits of colored glass, flowers, a blue plastic Cap’n Crunch figurine, shiny rocks, keys, and even false teeth.

This gift giving could be accidental, intentional, or perhaps a form of reciprocity. The authors write:

Reciprocity may not be a practice exclusive to humans. The ability to quickly associate behavior with reward that is so prevalent in (crows) may underline their innovative gifting behavior. Leaving gifts suggests that crows understand the benefit of reciprocating past acts that have benefited them and also that they anticipate future reward. In their case … it is a planned activity; the crow has to plan to bring the gift and plan to leave the gift.

Church God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He knows what we need before we even ask… and yet his desire is to be bless us…

Paul would express that idea to the Philippian congregation as he closes out his letter… He explains:

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Php 4:19

God will meet our needs. And yet, he desires that we are a part of what He’s already up to this morning…would we be faithful to that?

3. The Last sermon point is that showing concern, means Expressing love

Paul concludes his letter by writing: 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

As we close out of the sermon this morning, Paul concludes his letter to the Philippian congregation by expressing a doxology. A word of praise and glory to God. as he writes in verse 20. He then transitions to a subtle but important detail in verses 21 and 22 and writes:

21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

This word Greetor greetings appears 3 times here at the end of this letter. And the meaning of the word in the Greek, means to: 1. to draw to oneself, 2. Means to salute and wish well and finally 3. to receive joyfully.

And the reality is, this expression of greeting from the brothers and sisters, in Christ, who were in close proximity to Paul. To the Philippian church… may seem like a subtle detail… but there’s a sweetness, a sense of endearment, and expressed love that is conveyed from the Christians close to Paul, living in Rome… to the Philippian brothers and sisters some 800 miles away.

And the key is, although there is great distance between the Christians in Rome who Paul is in contact with… and the Philippian Christians… although, there may be 800 miles and days upon days of travel. Although the Two groups would likely never see each other in person… there is a bond, in Christ… from one group to the next.

And Because of this bond, the idea of greeting the Philippian church, is paramount.

I’ve seen this play out in my life personally, where I’ve visited parts of Africa, or perhaps Mexico, or other areas… and although I may not be able to even speak the same language, there is a mutual bond between myself and other believers.

Paul would write of this bond, in the book of Ephesians 4:1-6 4 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Friends, for us this morning… there are millions and maybe even billions of Christians alive right now… many of who we won’t ever know… and yet, we share a bond in Christ…

There’s a small detail… but it’s important. There’s an expression of love from one congregation to the other…there is a heart of love that permeates from the roman Christians, to the Philippians…

What about us this morning? How are we doing at showing others we care about them? How are we doing at expressing our love toward others today?

1 John 4:10-12

10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

If we love one another… If… is a big word… Love is a choice… it’s an invitation, and yet, it’s what we’re called to as Christians this morning.

Call the worship team back up at this time…

As they come forward . How are we doing at showing our concern for others?

· Share in other’s troubles / be an encouragement, blessing.

· Give generously

· Express love

Pray