Philippians 4:10, 14-23 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. 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 you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 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. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
The gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to live for Him in all things
1. Living for the gospel
· As Christians, we’re on a mission & we've been called to live differently than the world around us
· Living for the gospel is seen as we partner together with other believers in the gospel.
· Living for the gospel is seen in our practical care and concern for fellow believers.
· Living for the gospel is demonstrating its transforming effects in our lives daily.
2. Giving for the gospel
· A life worth living for is a life worth giving for.
2 Corinthians 8:2 “for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part”.
· A common affect that the gospel has on all new believers is a radical transformation from self-centered people to God-centered and others-centered people, willing to sell all to gain the gospel.
· Jesus Christ is Himself immeasurable riches and we could have no greater wealth than Him.
· Spending our lives to support the proclamation of the gospel is a most noble endeavor.
· Giving is an evidence of the grace of God at work in a person’s life – a clear sign that they are not living for themselves.
· Right giving is worship – a “fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God”.
· The grace of giving is a tangible way we can partner in the gospel and put to death self-interest.
3. Trusting in Jesus Christ
· Not only can we trust God for strength & ability in all our circumstances (as we learn from verses 11-13), we can trust God to supply our every need – in this life and the life to come.
· We can trust God to perfectly provide for us as His children, knowing and trusting that He will take care of us in every way – materially, physically and spiritually just as He perfectly knows we need.
“One cannot imagine a more fitting way for this letter to conclude, in terms of Paul's final word to them personally. In the midst of their "poverty" (2 Cor 8:2), God will richly supply their material needs. In their present suffering in the face of opposition (1:27-30), God will richly supply what is needed (steadfastness, joy, encouragement). In their need to advance in the faith with one mindset (1:25; 2:1-4; 4:2-3), God will richly supply the grace and humility necessary for it. In the place of both "grumbling" (2:14) and "anxiety" (4:6) God will be present with them as the "God of peace" (4:7, 9). My God, Paul says, will act for me on your behalf by "filling to the full" all your needs.” – Gordon Fee, New International Commentary on the New Testament
· Our confidence that God will sustain us and provide what we need is based on the fact that we have already received the greatest riches of all in the inheritance, benefits and blessings that we have because of the sacrifice of Christ on our behalf.
· If we really saw the endless riches that are ours in Jesus Christ we wouldn't seek so aggressively after the momentary satisfaction that possessions on earth promise.
Potential Application:
1. Recount your conversion and the passion you had to live for the Lord in all things. How did you live and what were some ways that you responded to God?
2. How are we living now? How is our partnership in the gospel seen practically in how we live?
3. What are we investing our lives and our money in? Will what we are investing in reap eternal rewards?
4. Where are you tempted to be anxious about your needs or circumstances?
5. How does remembering that God is over all and that He alone possesses great riches affect your thinking?
6. How does it build your faith to know that God will supply every need of yours, according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus?
7. How can we practically pursue trusting the Lord to provide and to care for us?
