Philippians 4:11-23 Joy in the Journey: Joy from investing in ministry

Prince Philip the husband of Queen Eliz II died in April at 99 years old

I will have to say I don’t understand monarchies.

Over that last number of months we have been watching the Netflix series The Crown. It is a supposedly based on fact drama. It’s kind of a mixed bag, and I don’t know that I would totally recommend it based on the occasional language and the less than desirable life styles of some of the characters. However, I have found it insightful in capturing an inside view of the monarchy thing.

One conclusion that you reach pretty quickly, is that those in the royal family are just people. And subject to the very same issues and struggles as all of us.

This week we viewed an episode that finds Prince Philip in late middle age. One of the richest men in the world. Living in a mansion with 1,000 rooms. Having 11 other homes. Regularly traveling around the world. Recognized and admired by millions of subjects.

But unfulfilled. His dreams of pursuing a military career has long since been given up. In every situation he must take a secondary and often invisible role to his wife. What has life been about? What has he achieved? He finds that material possessions and fame are empty. He finds no purpose or meaning in life.

He disregards his parish pastor. He discovers that the American astronauts found no ‘deep meaning’ in walking on the moon. Where does he turn?

Video

No matter who you are, true peace and contentment only comes in faith in Christ. Netflix didn’t explore the details, but the implications is that Philip found peace and content. In faith in Christ.

We have been looking through the book of Philippians. A book that discovers joy in the journey for the Christian. Last week we discovered joy in the peace that comes in Christ. Today we will finish this study by discovering contentment and joy in ministry.

I. Joy from investing in ministry: Founded in contentment

A. Regardless of situation

(ESV) Philippians 4 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

1. Circumstances have a way of exposing the truth in our lives. Do we have contentment? Do we have peace?

2. Paul declares a contentment that is greater than his circumstances.

a) Content with a flourishing ministry in Ephesus

b) Content when arrested and taken to Rome

3. Specifically his contentment here reflects being in need

a) When he is prosperous and without need of help content

b) When in great need and deprives he is content

Eating pizza and popcorn or living on steak

Buying whatever you desire or unable to afford the necessities of life

4. Resting in the provision of God / trusting that what he has is sufficient / resting in having what is really important in life

B. A trait that is learned

11 … 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 secretof facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.

1. Only way to gain it – learn it

a) Be with

b) Be without

2. Learn what is important (Sveta)

C. Comes from the Lord

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

1. Able not by strength of will but by the Lord

2. Main meaning of this passage – contentment that comes from within by His strength

II. Joy in investing in ministry: Investing in ministry

Passage is about monetary giving. Our money can be a source of joy – when it is invested in ministry

A. A cause of rejoicing to the recipient

(ESV) Philippians 4 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. … 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

1. Paul ecstatic that they are showing their concern

2. Tell what is important by looking at the checkbook

3. Detective shows – follow the money

4. Money represents our life / what we trust --- how we use it says what is important to us / where we trust for the future

B. A means to partner and to meet needs

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

1. It really meets needs. Helps the people and the ministry ---- ministry requires money

2. A way to be a partner even though you are not there – we will be there in Mexico at the end of the month thru our giving / you are there in this church’s ministry even when you are not personally involved by your giving

C. A pleasing act before God

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.

1. Smells good – a sacrificial offering

2. Coffee – Indian coffee that smells like milk chocolate – don’t need to drink it – just want sit there and smell it

3. Like wearing Axe for a teenager

4. Makes God pleased – our giving is an act of worship to God / reflects trust in Him / Shows we value the things that He values / Like giving to Him

D. A conduit to have one’s own needs met

19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

1. God honors giving

2. First fruit / give to God the first & best and trust Him for the rest

3. Allows Him to trust us to be given to so we give more

III. Joy in investing in ministry: Making life about Him and His community

A. A passion for Him

(ESV) Philippians 4 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

1. Its all about Him / His glory / Our life lived totally for Him

2. Joy from making our life about Him / ministry for Him

B. A heart for people

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brotherswho are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

1. Is then about people / Even the unlikely

2. Joy from making our life about people / ministry for them

C. Living in grace

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

1. Not about obligation or living for the law / but about living based on the grace we have received

2. Received – unworthy yet received – what joy

3. Given – Grace reproduced in us and given to others – what joy to engage people with grace rather than as judge.

Are you chasing what cannot satisfy? Are you unhappy with the emptiness that life brings?

Come to Christ and find joy

Align with Christ and find joy

Make life about ministering and giving to Christ and find joy

By giving life away, we find it in Him.