Thank You Notes

Introduction: Jimmy Fallon Thank You Notes

2 Ways to say thanks.

Express Your Thanks.

Paul is in prison for sharing the Gospel.

The Philippians heard about it and so sent a care package by way of Epaphroditus - probably included money.

Phillipians is a Big Thank you Note - Paul began the letter thanking them for the gift, and he ends the letter here for giving the gift.

Thanks for their concern for him personally and expressing it to him.

Thanks that they have always been a church that supported the spread of the Gospel through him.

He Gives Thanks to God, “Rejoiced in the Lord greatly.” Because he sees the Lord working through the Philippians.

Who has been generous to you this season that you can express thanks for? How can you thank the Lord for how this person, or persons are participating in the Lord’s Mission?

Now Paul Gives Thanks, but says he didn’t need the gift.

Sacrificial Acts of Kindness.

The Situation…

Street Teachers - Taught in order to get money from people.

Paul - Looked like one of them, so to not make money an issue, he worked a side job and did not ask for money from the Churches.

So, Paul operated in a way in which he did not need financial support from the Philippians.

But He praises their act of kindness, because they were showing gratitude to God through their actions.

The Message of Philippians.

The Gospel Story is Jesus was in a high place, but he sacrificed all of that to come be a servant and die for us. Because of this God exalted him to the highest place.

As Believers we are to live out this Gospel Message as Thanks for Jesus’ sacrifice.

So, Paul is rejoicing, because they are an example of what it means to live the Gospel as Thanks for Jesus’ sacrifice.

Paul uses sacrificial language to describe their action - a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

20+ Operation Christmas Child Boxes, 13 Pies.

How Can you share your thanks to God this season by sacrificially sharing with someone else in need?

Conclusion: There are two types of Thank You Notes. Expressing Thanks, and Sacrificial Acts of Kindness. How can you express those towards others?