By Beverly Conover
We've come to the last section of Paul's letter to the Philippians. It, like the chapters that have gone before, is FULL of treasures for us!
4:10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned for me again, I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn't have the chance to help me.
We have already learned how the believers at Philippi had supported Paul from the beginning, both financially and as partners in spreading the Good News (Phil. 1:3-5). Now they are continuing that support.
4:11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.
4:12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Paul says, "I have learned how to be content".
How do we learn contentment?
Choose it because all the circumstances in our lives are allowed by our God who loves us, Who gave up everything, suffered everything and rose victorious to bring us to Himself.
Begin with thanking Him for the gifts we can see He's already given us.
Trust Him and lean on His strength when we can't see or understand what He's doing.
Open up to the outflow of His grace through us to others.
4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength
This verse is often quoted out of context: on t-shirts, quoted by athletes, invoked by students about to take an exam, turned into inspirational wall art or sofa cushions. The meaning is often: through God's power, I can accomplish my purposes. Oops!!
In context, this is the 'secret of living in every situation that Paul was talking about in verse 12. He is learning to lean on Christ in everything that God allows in his life, empowered to accomplish God's purposes.
4:14 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
More about this when we get to verse 17.
4:15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then travelled on from Macedonia. No other church did this.
4:16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once.
Here is the outflow from Paul of the grace he had received from "Christ, who strengthens me", thanking them for their support and partnership with him in God's work.
So, how do we support those who are doing God's work? How do you chose who to support, for how much, for how long? A few thoughts:
Seek God! Review periodically.
Do you know them personally, or are they connected to your church? If it is an agency (like Samaritan's Purse) what is their track record, fiscal transparency, leadership structure?
Is their work local, in another country, or global?
What is their priority? Evangelism (among reached or unreached people?), church planting, discipleship, Bible translation, or??
Short term or long term?
Do you agree with their statement of faith, ministry goals and methods?
Do they partner with local believers?
How do they communicate with supporters? How often?
To whom are they accountable?
4:17 I don't say this because I want a gift from: you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
Paul is commending them because they have done well (as it said in verse 14) and will receive God's reward, which includes the incomparable joy of partnering with God in His work!
Paul says in Acts 20:35 "And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard.” You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'
The Philippians also lived this. Paul tells the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 8: 1-3: Now I want you to know dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia.
They are being tested by many troubles and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.
4:18 At the moment I have all I need--and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.
4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Again, the contentment Paul has learned flows out in encouragement to the Philippian believers --his supporters and partners in spreading the Good News.
4:20 Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.
4:21 Give my greetings to each of God's holy people--all who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you their greetings.
4:22 And all the rest of God's people send you greetings, too, especially those in Caesar's household.
In Caesar's household? Nero - One of the most evil rulers in history? What a triumph of God's power in darkness!!
4:23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
This is the same grace that supplied all Paul's needs, as well as all the Philippian believers' needs, that brought salvation to those in the household of evil Nero, that saved us and lives in us and empowers us through His Holy Spirit.
May His grace so fill us that it pours out on everyone!