Thanksgiving and Greetings
Philippians • Sermon • Submitted
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Scripture Reading
Scripture Reading
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 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; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; 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. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Introduction
Introduction
As Paul begins to draw his letter to a close, he does two things.
Firstly, Paul gives thanks to the Philippian believers because they had proved to be significant source of help and encouragement to him in a time of great difficulty. He wants to commend them for their generosity and kindness towards him.
Secondly, and flowing out of that thanksgiving, Paul outlines a wonderful theology of giving for the Christian, and the Philippian believers are themselves the example that Paul refers to as he outlines this theology of Christian giving.
So let us consider these two points
1. Paul’s Thankfulness At Their Gift (v.10-13)
1. Paul’s Thankfulness At Their Gift (v.10-13)
1.1. Paul’s Commendation (v.10)
1.1. Paul’s Commendation (v.10)
Paul begins in v.10 with commendation
Firstly, Paul will give thanks to the
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.
Their assistance of him leads to great rejoicing.
Context:
Some 10 years prior - Paul had been involved in planting the church in Philippi.
As Paul left Philippi, ministered in Athens / Corinth, these believers had supported him.
But now, Paul in prison, isolated, on trial for the faith.
The gifts, however, lead to GREAT rejoicing.
When churches have concern for those out in the mission field, and express that concern through practical means, we must not underestimate the great value this is. The great joy it presents to those working on the front line.
We must learn the challenges that face missionaries… leave comforts, leave all they have.
So often, we just keep going in our comfortable lives… little regard to those in difficult places.
Note the encouragement to Paul, and seek to form partnerships / support those in the field!
Paul says they have “renewed” their concern.
Their support had stopped.
This was not because they lacked any concern… they certainly always had concern.
However, when they became aware, they sprang into action - and they sent gifts.
As the opportunity was there, they responded, and they not only got gifts together, but sent their messenger Epaphroditus to them.
Again, this is a source of great encouragement, and leads Paul to great rejoicing in the Lord.
With that said, Paul seems quick to want to allay any idea that he is in desperate need of their support.
We see in verses 11-12,
1.2. Paul’s Satisfaction (v.11-12)
1.2. Paul’s Satisfaction (v.11-12)
He says in verse 11,
2.1. Satisfaction (v.11)
2.1. Satisfaction (v.11)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Keep in mind Paul’s difficult situation - in jail. Suffering for the sake of the Gospel.
In this last week I was reading about Paul’s sufferings, and how many times he was whipped and scourged for the sake of the Gospel - what an incredible testimony to his diligent perseverance… his was a true faith!
Even now, Paul is in no way discontent!
The word that Paul uses in this place has the meaning / implication of being self-sufficient.
He isn’t dependent on others, and he’s not dependent on other things, other people’s things, for his contentment.
We live in a world that is unapologetically self-centered.
Paul are driven by their perception of greater needs.
People are also very often unable to discern between needs and wants.
Discontentment is everywhere around us.
But Paul’s sufficiency is entirely based in Christ, and his contentment rests in the God who provides.
Notice how Paul expands on his own contentment to include any kind of circumstance that he may find himself in...
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.
Paul is a man who has experienced the full range of financial means.
2.2. Secret of Contentment (v.12)
2.2. Secret of Contentment (v.12)
“Know” means experiential knowledge.
Within his own life experience, Paul has known both sides of the spectrum - having much, and having exceedingly little.
Paul was a man who faced severe trials and difficulties in life.
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.
Much of this is seen through the book of Acts. Summary in ...
Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
2 cor 11:22-
That is a tremendous track record of suffering.... living in want.
But what does Paul say? I’ve learnt to be content in every situation.
Paul’s contentment was not based on his circumstances.
What theology leads to such a mindset of great contentment?
A high theology on the sovereignty of God.
A high view of the grace of God being sufficient for us.
No doubt Paul was one who lived out - thinking upon true things, noble things, right things...
Paul was one who set his mind on the kingdom to come - being with Christ.
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Col
Pil 4 12
In , Paul writes....
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
This is the reality that Paul lived with every day.
I would encourage each of us to grow to know God in this way!!! To live
What is it that gives Paul the ability to live in this way?
We see it in verse 13...
1.3. Paul’s Strength (v.13)
1.3. Paul’s Strength (v.13)
We see here the source of Paul’s ability...
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
In the times of challenge, Paul was strengthened by Christ, and a relationship in Christ.
Paul was content because he trusted in a Sovereign God that was all-powerful, and a Saviour that was sufficient.
Paul didn’t need all the things that we typically think that we need, because he knew that with Christ, in Christ, he was well provided for.
Even if he was hungry; even if he was in dire circumstances, Paul’s contentment was in Christ.
When Paul says “I can do all things through…” he’s not saying that he achieve great success, and pull himself out of this hole of lack of means.
He simply saying that he can endure these tough challenges; he can endure lack of food; he can endure the suffering and the pain; he can endure the scorn and the shame; he can endure imprisonment; he can endure all of this through / in Christ.
His trust was in Christ.
His hope was in Christ.
2. Paul’s Theology on Giving (vv.14-19)
2. Paul’s Theology on Giving (vv.14-19)
As Paul goes on, he wants to bring some further assurance that the gift sent by them is indeed appreciated.
He’s balancing things - he is content with what he has, he’s not asking for more… but he’s also appreciative.
In verse 14, he says...
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.
Despite the fact that Paul was content in every circumstance...
Despite the fact that it is Christ that gives him strength… Paul says it was good… they did well!
In verse 15, Paul goes on to remind them of their history of giving...
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;
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; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.
Philippian believers were very supportive of Paul.
Philippian believers were very supportive of Paul.
As Paul laboured, he didn’t want to be a burden to any church…
When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
He didn’t want to come across as peddling the Gospel!!
So what did he do? He worked… as a tent-maker…
Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.
nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
But Paul was also supported by churches like that in Philippi....
I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you.
Again, Paul served the Corinthians by receiving support from other churches.
From our passage in Philippians, it seems that this was instrumental in supporting Paul.
He goes so far as to say that no other church shared with him...
3.1. Praiseworthy (vv.15-17)
3.1. Praiseworthy (vv.15-17)
The Philippian church, on the other hand, sent aid again and again.
It wasn’t a once-off gift.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 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; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.
Not simply to make them feel good...
They kept on supporting.
Note that this support was not done out of riches....
And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
Philippi was a Macedonian church… this was the first place that Paul arrived at and made disciples when he was called by God to go there....
So the Philippian church was one in which there was even poverty.
But although they were lacking in physical resources, they nonetheless gave abundantly.
Self-sacrificing… they excelled in the grace of giving.
Their profession of faith in Christ was demonstrated by the love for and support of other people.
In verse 17, Paul goes on to say...
Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account.
Again, Paul is careful to not put a burden on the church.
He doesn’t want to send them on a guilt trip. He’s not looking for their support. He’s not manipulating them for personal gain.
Rather he seeks to encourage them through his words, that they may receive due praise.
In - command for rich people to be generous...
In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
And so here, this community that is poor is commended by Paul for their generosity...
He says that he wants to credit this to their account.
I have received full payment and even more; 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.
3.2. Practical (v.18)
3.2. Practical (v.18)
Paul clearly states that having received this special gift, he is amply supplied… he’s received in abundance.
Paul doesn’t bemoan his situation… he doesn’t grumble and complain about where he is.
Rather he’s thankful!!
And this gift that he receives - leads him to be amply supplied…
This gift is a fragrant offering… acceptable sacrifice… pleasing to God...
The picture from the OT...
Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.
In the OT, sacrifices were offered up to God extensively as part of their worship of God.
He is to wash the inner parts and the legs with water, and the priest is to burn all of it on the altar. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the Lord.
and you present to the Lord offerings made by fire, from the herd or the flock, as an aroma pleasing to the Lord—whether burnt offerings or sacrifices, for special vows or freewill offerings or festival offerings—
these I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations.”
Then there will be righteous sacrifices,
whole burnt offerings to delight you;
then bulls will be offered on your altar.
and you present to the Lord offerings made by fire, from the herd or the flock, as an aroma pleasing to the Lord—whether burnt offerings or sacrifices, for special vows or freewill offerings or festival offerings—
“ ‘When you sacrifice a fellowship offering to the Lord, sacrifice it in such a way that it will be accepted on your behalf.
Paul uses that imagery of burnt offerings being a pleasing aroma to speak of the New Testament acts of kindness and generosity being a pleasing offering.
Through the Philippians giving generously to Paul in his time of need, they were not only giving to him, but were offering praises to God.
Paul uses that imagery
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.
I have received full payment and even more; 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.
One of the realities of the Christian life is tihat of giving, serving, living for others...
Through self-sacrificial service of others, God is praised in our lives.
We must ask, are we giving ourselves for the body of Christ?
Am I serving others?
Remember .... each of you should look not only to own interests...
Paul is in effect saying that through their giving, they have lived this out in a practical way...
Are we living this out in a practical way?
3.3. Productive
3.3. Productive
Paul then gives another promise in verse 19...
And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Our God is a God who meets the needs of His people!
Even when they are generous through their poverty, perhaps even because they are generous in their own poverty…
Paul has experienced the gracious hand of God’s provision in his own life.
Now he says the same applies to them…
Their needs will be met.
Again - Biblical truth, not only contained here...
One man gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
A generous man will prosper;
he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,
and he will reward him for what he has done.
A generous man will himself be blessed,
for he shares his food with the poor.
He who gives to the poor will lack nothing,
but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.
And so the question, do we live thinking about and considering others?
Perhaps even in times when our own means are stretched.
God loves a cheerful giver...
3. Final Greetings
3. Final Greetings
As Paul now draws his letter to a final close, he is going to do so by offering praise to God, and final greetings to the church.
3.1. Praise to God (v.20)
3.1. Praise to God (v.20)
Firstly we see his praise to God.
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
This verse is a doxology - a word of praise - to God.
Paul directs his praise and thanks to God as he closes, since all that he has spoken of in this letter leads him to do so.
In other words, as Paul concludes having considered all that he’s said to the Philippians, all that he’s been thankful for, he must sing praise to God. He must bring honour and glory to the holy One!
All good theology, all good understanding and knowledge of God will lead to exuberant praise of God!!
We cannot be truly struck in our hearts and minds by who God is, and fail to be moved to praise!
The corollary to that is, if we are not living in praise to God, perhaps it is because we do not know God.
Or at the very least, we have been dulled in our walk with him, and His glory has been hidden from our eyes.
When we think these true and noble and right thoughts that Paul outlined in verse 8, it must lead us, as it did Paul, to an outburst of praise, and to a life lived in praise of God.
3.2. Salutation (v.21-22)
3.2. Salutation (v.21-22)
Having given this word of praise to God, Paul will now go on to send his own greetings to the people in the church in Philippi.
He begins in verse 21 by saying: “Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus.”
This is Paul’s own personal greeting to every believer in Christ in the church.
Paul wants the church to know that he thinks of the, and that he greets them.
The greeting flows out of a deep connection with the people, as is typical of Christians, disciples of Jesus Christ.
Paul wanted each and every member to receive the greeting from him.
But not only that.
Paul goes on to say, “The brothers who are with me send greetings.”
Paul speaks here of a distinct group of brothers in the faith, referring to those who were ministering to Paul and alongside Paul in his time of need.
Although he doesn’t name them here, Timothy - Paul’s protege - would have been included… In 1:1, this letter was sent from both Paul and Timothy..
Others working closely with Paul would also have been implied.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
But Paul is not so focused on one or two individuals, but rather on the unity of all the saints...
He goes on to say, “All the saints send you greetings...”
There is a bond between Christians that is unique.
Paul sends these greetings from all the saints to the church.
Obviously this would have referred specifically to all the saints that were in communication with him.
It’s great thing to have this fellowship of all the saints.
It’s a great encouragement to believers, and to the church, when other churches that are faithfully following Christ are able to send greetings and communicate with each other and provide encouragement to each other.
Paul then gives special mention to a special group of people.
He says… “especially those of Caesar’s household.”
What an encouragement this would have been to the Philippian church.
Remember, they were part of a Roman colony, where there was Roman rule.
They were somewhat fearful in their own context because of Paul’s imprisonment as a result of the Gospel.
They were perhaps concerned that they too would be persecuted.
But Paul sends greetings from those in Caesar’s household… those who were under his command, and even servants in his own household.
This would refer to governors, those who were involved in the rule of the land.
Even these had been impacted by the Gospel, many of them probably due to Paul’s direct ministry.
The Gospel of Christ is powerful!!
Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
3.3. Benediction (v.23)
3.3. Benediction (v.23)
In verse 23, Paul ends his letter with a very basic but important benediction...
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
It is the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ that saves us.
We have been saved by grace through faith in Christ.
But it is also the grace of God in Christ Jesus that provides the impetus for our continued life in Christ to God’s glory.
Paul’s closing word to the Philippians is a prayer that the grace of Christ would be with them so that they could continue in the faith and be productive.
All that Paul has exhorted them to is possible only in Christ.
Application / Conclusion
Application / Conclusion
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
Meaningful partnership in the Gospel is our life’s calling.
3-5
Meaningful partnership in the Gospel.
As Christians, we are called to be partners in the Gospel.
As Paul has closed this letter, he’s once again celebrated the partnership of the Philippians.
They were faithful givers.
They were not necessarily so wealthy (although they may have had their wealthy members)...
But the fact was, they were eager to be partners.
They were eager to give of themselves.
They were eager to bless others.
My encouragement to us as a church - develop this mindset.
We gather as a community… to serve.
was a central part of this letter…
Christ’s humility, giving of himself.
The Philippians are the example here - and are praised.
We are to be those who give of ourselves for the sake of the Gospel.