Seven Words to Remember

Intro

We round the corner into the final portion of Philippians. Before giving his farewell salutations, Paul addresses generosity.

I’ve never lived in mansions, and I’ve never slept in shacks.

I’ve never known millions, but I’ve never missed a meal.

We have lived paycheck to paycheck, but we’ve always had a paycheck.

I’m better off than some and broke compared to others.

Gratitude (v.10)

In case there was any doubt, Paul reminds the church of his attitude toward them for their gift.

Does this negate what Paul has said, that circumstance isn’t reason for joy?

Paul doesn’t dismiss circumstance as cause, he simply reminds us that joy isn’t dependent upon circumstance

Remember context: this was a gospel partnership for which he was joyful.

Their “renewed” or “revived” care indicates something that is growing and blooming, much like an Easter lily that lies dormant for most of the year but at the right time brings forth a beautiful bloom. The church “lacked” or had no opportunity to show it, but now they do/have. The sympathy for Paul had remained in the church, but the opportunity to do something about it had not presented itself.

Now that their concern for Paul has been expressed, and we believe this is Epaphroditus’ gift, he rejoices in God’s provision through the church’s generosity.

When is the last time our hearts overflowed with joy because of God’s provision? What about in your personal life? Our jobs, they’re by God’s grace. Every need met? God’s grace. Every breath, every ounce of strength? God’s grace.

When’s the last time you were grateful for God’s provision for your church? Where we are financially is astounding. There is freedom to do ministry without concern. Do we see the generosity of God and praise Him for it?

Contentment (vv.11-13)

First, Paul doesn’t mention this to drum up more support. He overflows with joy because of their gift, but he’s content no matter his circumstances.

Paul can be satisfied with how things are. Notice that Paul has learned contentment. Why do we learn contentment?

We are natural-born consumers.

We are pleasure seekers.

We are born rebellious against the One who can satisfy.

We have a tendency to be stubborn: it takes us a while to learn lessons…if this thing doesn’t satisfy, maybe something else will.

Paul rejects all of this and instead prefers Christ. (see Phil.4:13 “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”) You will not find contentment in life apart from Jesus.

Here is a mark of great maturity modeled for us in Paul. Not that he’s arrived…we know he hasn’t. But, what a sign of maturity — no matter what life’s circumstance, to rest contentedly in where God has you.

Partnership (v.14)

What the church did was right in regards to Paul.

When Paul says “still” or “yet,” he’s providing a natural break to emphasize a point: gospel partnership, particularly through giving, was that important.

First, the root of this work for “partnering” is koinonia, though it is modified with the preposition syn (“with”). It places emphasis on the partnership, but also points where the partnership is shared: Paul’s “hardship.”

Because of Paul’s invest in the gospel, and because o the church’s investment and Paul and consequently the gospel, they were willing to take his hardships on as their own.

This is true koinonia, true fellowship — being willing to dirty your hands with someone else’s troubles for the sake of the expansion of the gospel in and through each other. This is the relational side of ministry.

Investment (vv.15-17)

Paul wants the church to know the return on investment. Literally they gave from their poverty, but God will bless abundantly in return, a theme we’ll return to in a moment.

They were unique among all the churches that supported Paul. From their first embrace of the gospel, they saw its importance and implications for others and purposed to help Paul expand the kingdom.

Notice that the Philippian’s involvement was not a one-time gift. Seriously, this is the opposite of a televangelist, right? For this one-time gift, sow a little “twenty-twen-twen” of faith, receive this prayer cloth dipped in the purified and blessed waters of the Jordan, and expect for all of your debt to go away…you know, if you have enough faith. They invested though Paul did not solicit. They were compelled by the gospel, not the man, and he used it to further the gospel, not himself.

As a matter of fact, Paul did not seek the gift, just the return on their investment. Their R.O.I. was heavenly, not earthly. That in and of itself completely changes the dynamic.

Where is your investment…or, more poignantly, where do you hope for your return? Are we willing to forsake this world and this life for the sake of the one to come?

Worship (v.18)

The Philippians’ gift through Epaphroditus was more than enough because their gift was “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”

Paul draws on OT imagery where offerings and sacrifices were made to God in an acceptable and appropriate way. Worship brought to God in this manner glorified God and was pleasing to Him.

Did you know that your giving can be pleasing to God. It can also not be pleasing. So, what sets the Philippian giving apart?

It was sacrificial. In 2 Cor. 8:1-5, Paul commends the Macedonians for giving out of their rock-bottom poverty, and in all likelihood, it the Philippian church leading the charge here.

It was consistent. Notice again what Paul said in Phil.4:16 — they’d sent gifts “several times.”

It was for the sake of the gospel. Again, we’ve noted the partnership nature of Paul’s relationship with the church.

We can surmise it was done for God’s glory because of Paul’s certainty that God will reward it (see v.17, 19).

Faithfulness

Grace