Philippians 4:10-20
Notes
Transcript
Illustration of monkey trap
Measurement of giving and receiving is often done in terms of amount.
Things are often weighed in quantities
Material things are entrances to participate in resources beyond us and a cause greater than us.
Material things are entrances to participate in resources beyond us and a cause greater than us.
V. 10 Focus on the tough subject of dealing with need and supply- how do I show gratitude without suggesting I need more? How do I say don’t send more. How does one speak of need to those who are needy themselves.
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Need is often measured by lack of supply rather than the brokenness of the wanter
Need is often measured by lack of supply rather than the brokenness of the wanter
Focus on the entrance into joy, contentment, and God’s strength
Material things are entrances to participate in resources beyond us and a cause greater than us.
Material things are entrances to participate in resources beyond us and a cause greater than us.
Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Gifts are often measured in terms of amount rather than investment
Gifts are often measured in terms of amount rather than investment
Personal investment
Investment toward others
Investment toward God who is pleased and supplies our need
Silas has ended up in Raveloe because the members of his religious sect in Lantern Yard, an insular neighborhood in a larger town, falsely accused him of theft and excommunicated him.
Much shaken after the accusation, Silas finds nothing familiar in Raveloe to reawaken his faith and falls into a numbing routine of solitary work. His one attempt at neighborliness backfires: when an herbal remedy he suggests for a neighbor’s illness works, he is rumored to be a sort of witch doctor. With little else to live for, Silas becomes infatuated with the money he earns for his work and hoards it, living off as little as possible. Every night he pulls his gold out from its hiding place beneath his floorboards to count it. He carries on in this way for fifteen years.
“Formerly, his heart had been as a locked casket with its treasure inside; but now the casket was empty, and the lock was broken. (1.10.22)”