Sunday PM, Oct. 6

A Thank you note

Their gift helped, but their care produced rejoicing

Philippians 4:10 CSB

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it.

phil

Paul did not want them to view their gift wrongly.

Philippians 4:11–13 CSB

11 I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12 I know both how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

phil 4

1. Paul makes it clear that he did not need the gift

He has learned to be content in whatever circumstance he finds himself in. God’s grace, not money, is what fuels kingdom growth!

For Americans this is hard to grasp. For us, it would be a tragedy if one of our missionaries went without food. But look at this principle in Scripture:

Paul explains to the Corinthians that if they give their offerings with joyful hearts…they will not go without:

2 Corinthians 9:6–8 CSB

6 The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8 CSB

8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.

2 cor 9 6-8

Paul tells Timothy not to pursue riches:

1 Timothy 6:6–10 CSB

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. 8 If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. 9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

1 tim 66-10

The writer of Hebrews explains that we should be content with what we have, because God is our helper:

Hebrews 13:5–6 CSB

5 Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. 6 Therefore, we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

2. Paul makes it clear that he did not expect the gift: they were not obligated

Because Paul makes it clear that he did not expect the gift, he therefore makes it clear that he did not expect the financial gift from them.

He did not feel like as a missionary that he was entitled to the gift from them.

3. Paul makes it clear that the gift has not advanced the gospel: The gospel will spread regardless of how much money is available.

Paul emphasizes that there have been times when he has not had enough money…there have also been times when he has had too much money.

Philippians 4:11–13 CSB

11 I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12 I know both how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

phil 4 11-

He wants them to understand that the gospel advanced regardless of how much money he had in his pocket.

v 13…one of the most misused verses in the Bible. Paul is saying that the gospel doesn’t rely on money. The church should not think that if it doesn’t send him money that the gospel will not spread.

it is not money that strengthens him. It is God who strengthens him to do all things.

So…Paul is not rejoicing that money has arrived and he can continue the work. He is rejoicing that the church cares about him and have shown him that care through a financial gift.

If the cooperative program goes away…the church will find a way to send missionaries.

If America’s economy crashes, the Lord will continue to raise up missionaries and the church will send them.

This principle is true for us at home as well: it does not take much money to meet someone and share the gospel. It takes a lot of money to put on events…but not much to share the gospel

The Benefit of their gift

1. They have not enabled the gospel to advance, but they have done well

phil 4 14-

Philippians 4:14–16 CSB

14 Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship. 15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times.

How have they done well? First, they have shared in Paul’s distress.

They sacrificed their money and did without something.

In order to send the money, they did without one of their leaders.

Helping Paul cost them something. In this, they were sharing in Pauls hardship. This is the height of their demonstration of care for him. It was good for them to do without something in order to demonstrate their concern for him.

Second, they knew that no church was helping Paul and they decided to stand in that gap!

2. Their gift was not to Paul, but to God.

phil 4 17-

Philippians 4:17–20 CSB

17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul understands that their gift was not to him, but to God. Therefore, Paul knows that their will be fruit that increases to their account with God.

He says that God will supply all their needs. Let me give you a framework to show how this works.

God declares that He is Sovereign…that He calls men to execute His counsel from a far country:

8-

Isaiah 46:8–11 CSB

8 “Remember this and be brave; take it to heart, you transgressors! 9 Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and no one is like me. 10 I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place, and I will do all my will. 11 I call a bird of prey from the east, a man for my purpose from a far country. Yes, I have spoken; so I will also bring it about. I have planned it; I will also do it.

Paul instructs the Corinthians that they should not give out of their need. Instead, they should give out of their excess, and in turn, others will give to them when they have a need.

2 Corinthians 8:10–15 CSB

10 And in this matter I am giving advice because it is profitable for you, who began last year not only to do something but also to want to do it. 11 Now also finish the task, so that just as there was an eager desire, there may also be a completion, according to what you have. 12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 It is not that there should be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality. 14 At the present time your surplus is available for their need, so that their abundance may in turn meet your need, in order that there may be equality. 15 As it is written: The person who had much did not have too much, and the person who had little did not have too little.

2 cor 8 10-

Paul says that God is governing this equality:

2 Corinthians 9:10–15 CSB

10 Now the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the proof provided by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone. 14 And as they pray on your behalf, they will have deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 cor 9 10-

A testimony of God’s fulfilled promise

Philippians 4:21–23 CSB

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings. 22 All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

There are brothers with Paul…he is not alone.

Many in Caesar’s household have been saved! The kingdom is spreading with no barriers…like leaven.

The Lord is at work in you…His grace is with their spirit.