Philippians 4:8-23- Work Flow and Notes

Observations and Questions

The Over All Text

Made all observation on diagram

Word & Phrase Study

“8 Finally, brothers,

whatever is true,

truthful , honest, righteous, real, genuine, not imaginary, trustworthy, consistent with scripture. [opposite: line, rumors, deceptions, not true, exaggeration]

Ethical truthfulness - anything that aligns with the mind of God is true.

Not pragmatism : “does it work” or “is it good for me” or “will it cause trouble” or “will it be divisive”.

John 17:17 “17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

Colossians 1:5 “5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel,”

Every avenue of life, from faith to science to relationships to public life to business should be infiltrated by what accords with the truth of God.

whatever is honorable,

Noble, to be respected,

Titus 2:2 “2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.”

1 Timothy 3:8 “8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.”

whatever is just, [right]

Giving what is deserved. A pursuit of right living

[opposite] :Psalm 36:4 “4 He plots trouble while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not reject evil.”

Romans 1:30 “30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,”

He gets bored easily so he has to come up with new ways to sins.

Albert Mohler covered a story reported back in May of a Harvard Business School professor’s Tenure being revoke after multiple allegation were confirmed of her falsifying document in her research. Can you guess what he research was in? “Honesty and ethical Behavior”

That is like stealing a Bible so you can memorize scripture.

Christian’s mediate on way to do what is right.

Cut the grass, do homework, you will not settle. [list more way to think rightly]

Remember the world delights whenever a Christian doesn’t do what is right. You co-worker that know you are a Christian are just waiting for you to fail at representing Christ so they can shame you faith.

whatever is pure,

morally clean and blameless, holy in relation to God.

1 Timothy 5:22 “22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.”

Titus 2:5 “5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.”

James 3:17 “17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

1 Peter 3:2 “2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct.”

1 John 3:2–3 “2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.”

whatever is lovely,

only uses in the NT, pleasing, beautiful, attractive, “that which produce love”

opposite: thing that provoke ugly thoughts

whatever is commendable,

praiseworthy, people agree it good, worthy of repeating

only use in the NT

if there is any excellence,

1st class conditionals - If there are excellence things and there are.

So if you find yourself not able to think of anything, keep thinking because they are out there. they exist.

if there is anything worthy of praise,

think about these things.

Jesus added the mind to the Shema

Mark 12:30 “30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’”

λογίζομαι - english word Logarithm - Pauls’s command the same deliberate, prolonged contemplation of these virtues that it take to solve a weighty a mathematical problem.

9 What you have learned

Pauls teaching and preaching

and received

Paul’s apostolic authority

and heard

their own ear

and seen in me—

That seen Paul and his life

practice these things,

Apply them.

Translate Biblical principals into Biblical patterns.

The doctor and lawyers profession is called a practice not because they are practicing on us, but because this is what they do. This is what a believer does.

and the God of peace will be with you.

“The God of peace” is the one who grants “the peace of God”

This is a promise.

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived

revived means to bloom again. - like perennials in the spring - This is an Alice Krehbiel word.

Paul is in a rented prison quarters and when Epaporditus showed up, its was like spring flowers suddenly bursting into bloom in the Apostle cell. [Paul room has become a fresh garden in full bloom.]

your concern for me.

You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.

Paul aware that his words could be misunderstood as a backhand offense clarifies that he know that he was on their minds but they were prevented from expressing it.

Paul’s change of location, maybe they didn't realize he was in prison. Maybe their own poverty prevented them. maybe it was the 800 mile distance between them and Rome and they didn’t have anyone willing to risk the journey until Epaphorditus. Either way Paul know that he was on their hearts as they were in his.

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

Paul aware that his words could be misunderstood as “in it for the money” that his joy came from the prospect of receiving a generous gift and getting a good meal and warm clothes, he reveal that its not the gift.

content - [αὐτάρκης] - would have been shocking to Paul’s readers. It was a Stoic Philosophy word

Kent Hughes: The Stoics regarded contentment as the essence of all virtues. For them contentment described the mind-set of the person who had become independent of all things and all perople. The Stoic lines was, “man should be sufficient unto himseld for all things, and able, by the power of his will, to resist the force of circumstances..” The Stoic Seneca put it this way: “the happy man is content with is present lot, no matter what it is, and is reconciled to his circumstances” The Stoic ideal was a kind of self-contained superman who could rise above it all in independent self-sufficiency and serenity.

BUT Paul transformed the term and gave it a Christ Centered redefinition. Paul is suggesting that Christians are God-sufficient as oppose to self-sufficient. Paul is sufficient and content NOT because he is independent, but because he is totally dependent.

Someone who resources are within him so that he doesn’t have to depend on substitutes around him.

Salary package, health, relationship, title, degree, popularity, retirement plan, kids progress in life. These things all come and go like the oceans tide.

Contentment is and assignment of life in which you wage war against the flesh to reach for that one more things. To compare your life, to fixate on what you don’t have.

12 I know how to be brought low,

and I know how to abound.

In any and every circumstance,

I have learned the secret

Learn in bible terms in never just absorbing information. Learning in applying to life. You have not learned it, if you are NOT living it.

The opposite of wisdom is NOT stupidity disobedience. Refusing to apply what you are learning.

Only used here in the NT - a common term used by Greeks when the initiated someone into their mystery religion. This could be translated I have been initiated. I am on the inside. [back stage pass]

Paul is saying this is the insight I have learned from being on the inside. And He is about to let the secret out so that it’s not so scrert anymore.

Paul take a pagan term that would have been understood to be connected to the pagan sects and he steals it backs o glorifies the beauty of what Christ does for the Christians.

of facing plenty

and hunger,

abundance

and need.

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

abused verse that people mean they can do something superhuman if they put their minds to it and ask Jesus to help them.

This verse is tapped on the ceiling over bench presses.

edge of bathroom mirrors

its been printed on t-shirts and hats, woven into pillows, Crocheted into baby onesies.

14 Yet it was kind of you

to share my trouble.

Intense, overwhelming difficulties.

Fellowship, partnership, active participation

more literally “Yet you did good to become partners in my affliction”

Though the Philippians were not in prision with Paul, they participated in Hhis affleiction by their sytmptahy and moneray sacrifice.

15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia,

no church entered into partnership with me

in giving and receiving,

Techical accounting terms that in the Greco-Roman culture were filled with affection and friendship. It brings to mind the exchanging of services during a time of affliction. it highlights marker of a lasting relationship.

except you only.

16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.

17 Not that I seek the gift,

but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

The present participles used here indicates a continuing multiplication that creates compound spiritual interest credited to their account. The Philippians generous gift would compound interest in their spiritual accounts until Christ returned.

They are still collecting interest on their gift and partnership with Paul because here we are two thousand years later studying and benefitting from the letter to the Philippians.

Matthew 19:21 “21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.””

Matthew 6:19–20 “19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

18 I have received full payment, and more.

I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent,

a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

Paul switched from accounting terms to high biblical sacrificial language.

Paul paints the picture of an Old Testament burting offering in which the offering was consumed, so that a roast-like aroma rose up to God as an acceptable and please sacrifice.

19 And my God

will supply every need of yours

according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus.

The brothers who are with me greet you.

22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

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

Goal/Purpose

What are you trying to accomplish with this sermon. Should be linked to the inspired meaning of the text.

People to pray

Who are some people this sermon will benefit?

Who are some people that represent groups of people to keep in mind when thinking through Application.

Prayer

What should you be asking God for yourself and your people.

What are some hurdles or hindrances to understanding this text.

Opening Statement [HOOK]

Is there something that relates well to this topic that will draw your people into understanding why they need to open their bibles to this passages.

The type of thinking and contentment Paul is speaking about in our text is not something that happens over night. It is a lifetime of accumulated trust in God being faithful to Himself that you draw from during the difficult times of life to find contentment.

This is not get holy in a hurry way of thinking. This is a lifetime surrender.

Background to Understand

Who ?

What?

Where?

Why?

How?

So what?

Near Context to Understand

Paul was just talking about a anxiety [the mind being pulled in two different direction. A God glorying concerned being elevated to the level of NOT trusting God to care for you. Not believing God is IN CONTROL and GOOD.]

Here Paul is giving us a method for dealing with that. Fixing our mind in a particular direction of thinking.

Proposition Statement

Righting thinking produces contentment and frees the believer to be joyfully engaged in Gospel parternersip, giving and receiving for the advancement of Christ’s mission.

How we think about Christ, about others, and about our personal circumstances is bound to be a determining factor in how we live the Christian life.

Exegetical Outline

Pursue Right Thinking [vv8-9]

Present- What does the text say?

Philippians 4:8–9 “8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Explain – What does the text mean?

Right Thinking - What’s on your mind? What are you thinking about these days?

1 Corinthians 2:16 “16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”

When you became a Christian you didn’t lose your mind [contrary to popular belief], you begin to use it for the first time as God designed it.

Christians have the ability to think differently then they ever did as unbelievers

This is a fundamental difference between you and the person sitting in the cubical or affine across from you. If they are an unbeliever or if they are in the seat next to you in class. There is a distinction in how they act, but its rooted in the way they think

Norman Vincent Peale: [don’t mention him]: You are not what you think you are, but what you think, you are.

Proverbs 23:7 —7 For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, “Eat and drink!” But his heart is not with you. (NASB95)

The greatest battle taking place today is not on a battlefield, or political, the greatest battle is the one taking place in your mind.

Proverbs 4:23 “23 Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” [and by extension you can add death] - protect you heart and mind and what you put into them.

Our culture is no help to us. We can’t let our guard down. Those small entertaining boxes in our living rooms can be one of our greatest enemies.

David Frost [British television Journalist and host] “Television is that strange invention that permits you to be entertained in your living room by people you would never allow inside your house”

Placing whatever before the adjectives on his list, Paul forces us to conjure up a boundless set of items that met the criteria. “Whatever” functions like a fill-in-the-blank exercise. Paul doesn’t give a wooden list and say think about this or think about that, by keeping the list general Paul forces the list into timeless application to be considered [filtered] by the redeemed mind. To weight the think that cross our mind with the truth of God’s word.

If something vindicates these attribute of thought life, then they are good for the Christian. If there is anything in the reverse do not have anything to do with them. Do not give them the time of day.

The best remedy to worry and anxiety of the mind is [by God’s grace enabled by the Spirit] to push those thoughts aside with God glorifying thoughts.

Romans 12:2 “2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Envision a solider full deck in military fatigue. Standing guard at your heart and mind protecting you from anxiety, fear and doubt. This is what proper thinking does.

Philippians 4:7 “7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

6 Adjective and 1 noun to govern our thought life. These hang on to the command to dwell on/think about these things, so this is not a suggestion from Paul. He is commanding believers here.

One Pastor said: “These are not elective in the curriculum of holiness they are assigned course and the assignment for these course are day by day practice. ”

The practice of right thinking for the Christian also involves the practice of refusing to think about what is not right.

Kent Hughes [inversion of the verse]: Finally brothers, whatever is untrue, whatever is dishonorable, whatever is unjust, whatever is impure, whatever is unlovely, whatever is uncommendable, if there is anything not morally excellent, if there is anything unworthy of praise, do NOT think about these things.

Thinking as we ought demands the discipline of refusal.

Psalm 101:1–3 “1 I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music. 2 I will ponder the way that is blameless. Oh when will you come to me? I will walk with integrity of heart within my house; 3 I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me.”

Titus 2:11–14 “11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”

Thinking as we ought demands the discipline of Scripture intake and meditation.

Thinking God’s thoughts after Him

Psalm 119:9–11 “9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10 With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

2 Corinthians 10:5 “5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,”

Sam Coldren: One commentator writes a story in his commentary reflecting a dioluge between a little girl and her dad

Little Girl: Dad the pastor confused me today.

Dad: What do you mean sweetie?

Little Girl: The Pastor said that God is bigger than us, is that true?

Dad: Yes that is true

Little Girl: Well he also said that God lives in us, is that true?

Dad: Yes that is true as well.

Little Girl: Well if it is true that God is bigger that us and its true that He lives in us, then wouldn’t He shine through?

Right Practice

Illustrate – Relate it to your people [Examples]

Apply – What are the implication in life [Sometimes the illustration can do this]

Prove – Usually a cross reference

Summarize and Transition

Right Thinking Produces Joyfull Contentment. [vv10-13]

Present- What does the text say?

Philippians 4:10–13 “10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 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.”

Explain – What does the text mean?

The Secret of Contentment [The Solution to Discontentment] 4 Principals for Contentment [Gratitude v:10, Responsibility v:11, Acceptance v12, Dependence v13 ]

contentment can be so allusive

in verse 10 Paul is practicing what he preaches when he called the church to rejoice in the Lord always.

Thomas Watson [Puritan Pastor]: Discontent Dislocates the souls it dries the brain it corrodes the comforts of life and it waste the spirit away.

Paul does not want his word to be misunderstood as a backhand rebuke “now at length you have revived”

He could have wrote something like “it’s about time you finally sent help” - Paul could have chosen to focus’s on what he didnt have, but gratitude helped him to focus on what he does.

The discontented heart usually thinks that everything he does for God is over the top and everything God does for him is too little or too late.

This is like mom dux: “Hey son it’s good to hear from you. I forgot I had a son for a moment.”

Not only should we be thankful for what we have, we should apply what we have learned. - Responsibility. Paul had to learn contentment. Gripping ahold to God in the midst of every circumstance is not something we are born knowning how to do. So even when we are born again we must learn how to properly walk with God through this life content with each circumstance of life, because we are satisfied with him.

Paul is the last person you would expect as an old man to have learn contentment if you consider his life. 2 Corinthians 11:2-28

v:12- Paul provides these extreme or polar opposite of experiences as a way of encompassing all the between as well. “low, and abound, abundance hunger”

Paul had repeatedly been beaten and stoned within a inch of his life and Paul was caught up to the third heaven.[2 Corinthians 11:24, 25, 12:1-6 & Acts 14:8-20, ]

Living with abundance might be even harder : John Calvin: He who knows to use present abundance soberly and temperately with thanksgiving, prepared to part with everything whenever it may pleas the Lord, giving also a share to his brother according to his ability, and is also not puffed up, that man has learned to excel and to abound. This is an excellent and rare virtue, and much greater than the endurance of poverty.

External circumstances can NOT rewrite the internal conviction that life is not a series of accendents BUT divine appointments as the divine tutor desires to teach us contentment.

v:13 - This verse is often quoted but when It is what is usually meant by it is “You can do anything you want to do, if you put you mind to and while you are at it ask Jesus to help you” - Most popular and misquoted verse. [coffee cups, shoes, t-shirts, hair cuts] [Google some picture to see if you tell where all this verse has been placed. ]

One Pastor says that brings to mind his favorite Hebrew word [Ba-lon -ney]

The all things is what he just mentioned. To hold the overflowing cup of life without losing balance.

God has promised to give us the strength to do the things he wants us to do.

Colossians 1:28–29 “28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”

Saying I can do all things to Christ is the same as saying I can do nothing apart from Christ.

This contentment is not sourced from your own strength. it is only Christ through you.

If Michelangelo, Mozart, Michael Jordan, Beethoven, Einstein were able to inhabit me. The things they were able to accomplish, i would be able to accomplish. [detail this out. find the names of the famous works. ]

Illustrate – Relate it to your people [Examples]

Discontentment: Jason Lehman [14 years old]

“It was spring, but it was summer I wanted, The warm days, and the great outdoors. It was summer, but it was fall I wanted, The colorful leaves, and the cool, dry air.

It was fall, but it was winter I wanted, The beautiful snow, and the joy of the holiday season. It was winter, but it was spring I wanted, The warmth and the blossoming of nature.

I was a child, but it was adulthood I wanted, The freedom and respect.

I was 20, but it was 30 I wanted, To be mature, and sophisticated. I was middle-aged, but it was 20 I wanted, The youth and the free spirit. I was retired, but it was middle-age I wanted, The presence of mind without limitations. My life was over, and I never got what I wanted.”

Content is not a pre installed app in your heart. it must be download from the App Store of life and the cost could be trails, afflictions, suffering, good day, etc. through which God instructs you of the suprassing worth of knowing Christ and convinces you that since you have him, you have everything you need. Produces within you. Contentment.

Apply – What are the implication in life [Sometimes the illustration can do this]

Morning and Evening Morning, February 16

These words show us that contentment is not a natural propensity of man. “Ill weeds grow apace.” Covetousness, discontent, and murmuring are as natural to man as thorns are to the soil. We need not sow thistles and brambles; they come up naturally enough, because they are indigenous to earth: and so, we need not teach men to complain; they complain fast enough without any education. But the precious things of the earth must be cultivated. If we would have wheat, we must plough and sow; if we want flowers, there must be the garden, and all the gardener’s care. Now, contentment is one of the flowers of heaven, and if we would have it, it must be cultivated; it will not grow in us by nature; it is the new nature alone that can produce it, and even then we must be specially careful and watchful that we maintain and cultivate the grace which God has sown in us.

Prove – Usually a cross reference

Contentment is learn over time - 2 Peter 1:5–9 “5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.”

Summarize and Transition

Contentment Free us for Gospel Partnership. [vv14-23]

Present- What does the text say?

Philippians 4:14–23 “14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

Explain – What does the text mean?

You still envision Paul’s smile on his face as the wrote Philippians 4:10, 14. The Philippians believers love and gift prompted joy in Paul’s heart that leaked through is pen.

If you come across someone who know how to thank God, that person will also know how to thank other people.

Find Author: The more mature prayers are the not the ones offered for the obvious blessings, but those spoken for obstacles overcome, for insights gained, for help received in time of need.

The Philippians have been supporting Paul for over 10 years now. Remember this is a thank you letter.

The Partnership of Giving and Receiving

The Philippians believers supporter Paul continually throughout his ministry. He tells the Corinthians church about how he depended on the Philippians churches gift in order to minster faithful among them.

2 Corinthians 11:8 “I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you.”

Paul gave to them his life received from them love, prayers, financial gifts.

This church was poor and didn’t have a lot, but they gave

There are dozens of churches that Paul planted. This is late in his Ministry, so it’s telling that the Philippians alone were the only church that supported him. - He was in Rome and the church didn’t support him. Can you imagine getting this letter years later after it had begun to circulate and to read this. To know that the ball was dropped to partner with what God was doing in this world through the ministry He gave to Paul. All the other churches missed investing in the most important missionary in history.

It’s important to remember the people that have poured into your life.

2 Corinthians 8:1–5 “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, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.”

They gave to Paul prayer, love, financial gifts and received credit from God in His ministry. - Rewards from God for Partnership v:17

This is financial terminology. Get out your spiritual calculator and realize that God is multiplying that Gift to your account every time you support .

You are not just partnering with their ministry but with their reward. You are not giving anything away, but the dividends will be applied to your account.

The Philippians believers investment is still paying dividends because here we are 2000 years later reaping benefits from there work in Pauls life as we studied this letter. They are still impacting. They are staging to Paul’s ministry account.

God even supplied the hole that was created by their faithful giving out of their property.

I have received everything in full is a commercial term saying that all past debts have been settled. Paul had to pay according to Roman law the bill for the rented quarters where he was staying. Paul didn't have any money to make the payment, but their gift paid the past bill and gave he enough for the future.

As they supply every need Paul had, God will supply there every need.

Their sacrificial giving that created a void would be backfilled by God.

One Pastor said its like a kid playing in the sandbox. As they dig the hole and the sand from on top keep falling back into the hole.

God would supple according to his riches.

Gordon Fee: The Philippians’ generosity toward Paul, expressed lavishly as the beginning of verse 18, is exceeded beyond all imagination by the lavish “wealth” of the eternal God, who dwells “in glory” full of “riches” made available “in Christ Jesus”

His riches include and infinitely exceed the aggregate wealth of the universe.

According to His Riches, NOT out of it.

If I had one millions dollars and gave you 10 dollars. I have given to you out of my riches. But if I handed you a blank check and said write what every number on there you want, up to one million dollars I have given to you according to my riches.

Gods riches are infinite and can not be diminished by the endless zeroes of a celestial bank check.

Paul turn my God into our God.

Illustrate – Relate it to your people [Examples]

Apply – What are the implication in life [Sometimes the illustration can do this]

Prove – Usually a cross reference

Summarize and Transition

Conclusions

Discussion Questions and Hand out Material

On the back of the hand out. Add the 6 ways to find contentment from Philippians. John Piper has something helpful.

The question is how do you actually live out there verses of being content. [how to be miserable and to have much in Christ?]

Abounding, having Plenty and abundance.

Freely admit to God that you do not deserve this abundance, and realize that is all of Grace.

Philippians 1:7 “7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.”

Give Thanks for the abundance as utterly undeserved.

Philippians 4:6 “6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Call to mind how freely, at any moment, God could replace the abundance with suffering, since both are his gifts.

Philippians 1:29 “29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,”

Call to mind the supreme. all satisfying value of Jesus Christ and Consciously count the abundance coming to you as rubbish compared to the value of knowing Christ.

Philippians 3:8 “8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ”

Enjoy the abundance as a gift from God and a taste of His goodness with contentment that receives the gift joyfully, but rest so fully in the superior worth of Christ that even if the gift were taken away, the contentment would remain.

Philippians 2:27–28 “27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious.”

Hunger, Need, Low

Acknowledge with joy and tears that this misery is from God’s loving hand.

Philippians 1:29 “29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,”

Call to mind with confidence the truth that God turns all miseries for good.

Philippians 1:12–13 “12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.”

Call to mind with satisfaction that Christ is more to be desired than all this world can give.

Philippians 3:8 “8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ”

Make all you longing know to God in confident, thankful prayer for whatever you need in this misery and trust that He will fulfill His promise to give you the peace that passes all understanding.

Philippians 4:6–7 “6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Rest in the fellowship of Christ, that whether this present misery leads to life or death, you are content.

Philippians 1:21 “21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Outline: Right Thinking → Contentment → Gospel Partnership

I. Right Thinking (vv. 8–9)

The Call to Dwell on Truth (v. 8)

Think on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable.

Right thinking shapes inner peace and godly perspective.

The Call to Practice What is Learned (v. 9)

Follow Paul’s example in teaching and living.

Promise: “The God of peace will be with you.”

➡ Principle: Right thinking trains the heart to rest in God’s presence and peace.

II. Right Thinking Produces Contentment (vv. 10–13)

Paul’s Joy in the Philippians’ Care (v. 10)

Their concern revived; they were always concerned, but lacked opportunity.

The Secret of Contentment (vv. 11–12)

Content regardless of circumstances—plenty or need.

Learned by experience, not natural disposition.

The Source of Strength (v. 13)

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Christ-centered dependence makes contentment possible.

➡ Principle: Right thinking anchors contentment not in circumstances, but in Christ’s sufficiency.

III. Contentment Frees Us for Gospel Partnership (vv. 14–20)

The Philippians’ Sharing in Paul’s Trouble (v. 14)

Partnership (koinonia) expressed through support.

Their History of Generosity (vv. 15–16)

Only they partnered from the beginning.

Repeatedly sent aid to Paul.

Paul’s Perspective on Their Giving (vv. 17–18)

Not seeking the gift, but fruit to their account.

Their gift is a “fragrant offering” to God.

God’s Promise of Provision (v. 19)

“My God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

The God who satisfies contentment also sustains generosity.

Doxology (v. 20)

All glory belongs to God, the source of all provision.

➡ Principle: Content hearts are free to give, support, and participate in gospel advance.

IV. The Fruit of Partnership: Fellowship in Christ (vv. 21–23)

Personal Greetings (vv. 21–22)

Saints greet one another across distance.

Even members of Caesar’s household included—evidence of gospel advance.

Final Benediction (v. 23)

Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ is with their spirit.

➡ Principle: Gospel partnership flows from grace and results in shared fellowship across boundaries.

Big Idea:

Right thinking produces contentment, and contentment frees believers to joyfully engage in gospel partnership, giving and receiving for the advance of Christ’s mission.