1 It lightened Paul's load.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.
- How can we use our finances to lighten the load and share the burden?
- 1 Disadvantaged women and children:
- James 1:27 (ESV) — 27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
- 2 Suffering believers:
- Hebrews 13:3 (ESV) — 3 Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.
- 3 Ministers of the truth:
- 3 John 8 (ESV) — 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
- 1 Timothy 5:17 (ESV) — 17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.
- 1 Disadvantaged women and children:
2 It engaged them in the mission.
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 [twice].
- 15 No church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving:
- The gospel had reached them, and now they were partners in helping it reach more than them.
- They'd heard the Father say, Luke 15:24 (ESV) — 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.
- And now they were partners with Paul.
- Amazing attitude from Paul (in prison).
- 1 Samuel 30:24 (ESV) — 24 Who would listen to you in this matter? For as his share is who goes down into the battle, so shall his share be who stays by the baggage. They shall share alike.”
- The gospel had reached them, and now they were partners in helping it reach more than them.
3 It impacted eternity.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
17 Fruit that increases to your credit: Investment terminology.
Jesus' parable of the dishonest manager:
- Luke 16:9 (ESV) — 9 And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.
Paul's concern was the impact the gift could make.
4 It deepened their worship.
18 I have received full payment [like a receipt], and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent , a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.
- 18 Full payment: Word like a receipt.
- 18 Well supplied / Having received:
- Paul: I'm full. I don't need anything else. Please stop.
- 18 Fragrant offering / sacrifice acceptable / pleasing to God:
- The Levitical offerings, fragrant sacrifices to God, are in view here.
- Worship is, in a sense, leaning on someone greater. And financial giving is a great way to lean!
5 It unlocked God's provision.
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
19 And: Resultantly.
19 My God will supply every need of yours: Context -- Philippians (they'd given).
Question: Does the Bible teach God will provide for those who give?
Proverbs 3:9–10 (ESV) — 9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Proverbs 11:24–25 (ESV) — 24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. 25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
Malachi 3:10 (ESV) — 10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
Luke 6:37–38 (ESV) — 37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Matthew 6:3–4 (ESV) — 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
2 Corinthians 9:6–11 (ESV) — 6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written [from Psalm 112], “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
How is this harmonious with the gospel?
- We give, like the Philippians did, because of the gospel.
- We will never out give God who already gave to us.
- We will never out give God who will give more to us.
How will God supply your every need?
- Jobs
- Promotions
- Gifts
- Protection over possessions
- Generosity
- Support
How much?
2 Corinthians 8:3 (ESV) — 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord...
This suggests that his answer to the question, how much should one give? would be, give all you readily, easily, and comfortably can, and then prove your zeal and wholeheartedness for God by giving something more.
This is certainly how John Wesley was thinking when he told his lay preachers, “Give all you can,” and how C. S. Lewis was thinking when he directed a correspondent who had put our question to him, “Give till it hurts.”
-- J.I. Packer, Weakness Is The Way: Life with Christ Our Strength
6 It developed their ecclesiology.
20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
20 Glory: It's all God's glory (not the Philippians').
20 To our God and Father be glory: God is our God.
- Matthew 6:9 (ESV) — 9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.
- 21 Every saint in Christ Jesus: There is no room for uptight denominationalism dividing people into opposing camps.
- We should expect true believers in Jesus Christ to have varying views on secondary issues and doctrines, for humans attempting to interpret Scripture are bound to disagree.
- But we need one another, even if part of different local congregations.
22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
- 22 Especially those of Caesar's household: Soldiers, Caesar's relatives, those engaged in imperial service, as slaves and free, in Rome and elsewhere.
- They saw service to Caesar as a way to serve Christ, not because Caesar acted or thought like Christ, but because Christ had deposited them in that role. Humanity would be bettered by their faithful service.
- Commander in chief they might not have agreed with.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
- 23 Grace: We have a deep need for grace.
Applications
1 Consider how you income, home, or possessions could help the disadvantaged or persecuted Christians of the world.
2 Give to your local church for the rest of your adult life.
3 Support ministers of the gospel in practical ways.
4 If ever able, pray about helping a young minister of the gospel buy a home or find lower rent.
5 Join a Life Group (or rejoin a Life Group).