INTRODUCTION
Outline.
3. Learning to be Contingent
Remarks.
1. This lesson three, in our sermon-series theme: "Learning to be Content.” The apostle Paul now in prison, in the city of Rome: imprisoned for his work in Christ among the Gentiles. We will consider the blessings of contentment, commending others, and our contingent (dependence) upon the Lord: in our time of trials, our needs, or in our daily substance. Paul expresses his deep love and thanks to these saints. He declared that they were his beloved, brethren, Philippians 4:1
2. In this lesson, we will investigate the blessing of being contingent (dependent) upon the Lord for all things. Paul concludes: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me... But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:13; Philippians 4:19. Paul finally assures the saints that he could do all things through Christ, who strengthens him. In Christ, Paul found all his strength, did all things, and endured all things.
3. He also promised that God would continue to supply all their needs, according to the same riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Church, beloved brethren, and people of America: God will supply all our needs according to the riches in glory in Christ Jesus. With this brief introduction, let’s consider lesson three in this sermon-series: “learning to be contingent.”
BODY OF LESSON
III LEARNING TO BE CONTINGENT
A. I can do all things. Paul concludes: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me...But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:13.
1. The apostle had seemed to boast of himself and his strength: but here he transfers all the praise to Christ. That strengthened me. The phrase “strengtheneth me” in Gr., is the verb endynamoo or en-dü-nä-mo'-o, which means to empower:—enable, (increase in) strength (-en), be (make) strong, endue with power, strengthen, to receive strength, be strengthened, to grow in strength. Observe--
a. The word means a present and continued act; as if Paul had said: “Through Christ, who is strengthening me, and does continually strengthen me.” It is His continual strengthening me that ensures I can do all things.
b. It is by His constant and renewed strength, I am enabled to act, endure, or be triumphant in all things. If the Lord is for me, neither man nor situation can be against or dissuade me. Who can--?
1) First, be against us: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” See Romans 8:31-32.
2) Second, accuse us: “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died and is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us,” Romans 8:33-34.
3) Third, alienate us: “Who shall separate (alienate) us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword...be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord?" Romans 8:35-39.
4) Fourth, prosper: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper. And every tongue which rises against you in judgment. You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD. And their righteousness is from me: Says the LORD,” Isaiah 54:17.
c. Paul was wholly and entirely contingent (dependent) upon Christ for all my spiritual and physical strength and power. The word “contingent” means to be dependent, reliant, or liable unto the Lord, in and for all things.
2. It is only through Christ who strengthens me that I can do it, not in my strength. So we are required to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Paul wrote to the Ephesians:
a. One, “To be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man,” Ephesians 3:16.
b. Two, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might,” Ephesians 6:10.
NOTE: The Whole Armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-19. Illustrate the whole armor of God. Discuss our battle equipment, our enemies, and our battle environment. With all of it’s “rules of engagement.”
3. To Timothy, he wrote: "You, therefore, my son.” Timothy was his son in the Lord, 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2. And so was Titus, Titus 1:4. He continues,
a. First, “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also,” 2 Timothy 2:2. Herein are our strength, our faith, and our peace!
b. Further, “You, therefore, must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ,” 2 Timothy 2:3. Endure hardships, don't be a complainer of them. Thank God for them, and ask for His strength to endure them faithfully. Complaining will annul the blessings coming!
c. Next, “No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier,” 2 Timothy 2:4. Don't busy yourself with life's affairs; stay focus on your work as a minister of the gospel of Christ. But watch thou “in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry,” 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
d. Again, “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules,” 2 Timothy 2:5. Compete following the rules! When we compete following the rules, God will grant us a crown of life with honors and eternal glory. Only those competing lawfully will be crown.
e. Finally, “The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops,” 2 Timothy 2:6. Plant the word in fertile minds, and allow God to raise the plant, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; Luke 8:4-15.
4. Conclusion: Paul encouraged the saints and Timothy to trust in the Lord’s strength and be a good soldier, enduring hardships and not entangling oneself in the affairs of this life, that all might please Him who hath called them to be a soldier of the cross, 2 Timothy 2:2; Philippians 2:25; Philemon 1:2.
B. Through Christ’s strength. He instructs us to be strong in the grace and power of the Lord in all things. Paul finally assures the saints that he could do all things through Christ, who strengthens him. Let’s consider some of the words of this verse before moving toward a conclusion. Observe--
1. I can do it. The verb in the phrase “I can do,” in Gr., is ischyo or e-skhü'-o, which means; to have (or exercise) force:—to be able, avail, can do (-not), could be useful, mighty, prevail, be of strength, be whole, to do much work.
2. These are the words of a "positive mental attitude." Approaching every situation of life with such an attitude will only yield positive results for self, others, and the mission! I recall,
NOTE: The motto of the noncommissioned officers at Hanau Army Airfield was: "Can do, will do, done!" Every task assigned to them was successfully completed! These were their guiding principles while serving with me as their ATC Chief, from July 82-April 85.
3. These men and women in uniform accomplished excellence in their duties as supervisors and managers during my tenure with them.
4. Their subordinates strived to manifest the same attitude in all that they did while serving as Control Tower Operators, and Ground-Control Approach controllers, maintenance specialists, and others. All members of the airfield team performed their duties superbly. We need the same commitment from every American, regardless of party, race, or wealth.
NOTE: America’s motto must be: “Can do, will do, done.”
5. We are witnessing the same courage and dedication today in our hospitals and healthcare workers, first responders, and the entire public health community team members.
a. These professional men and women are hazarding their lives for the American people's health and safety.
b. We owe them our thanks and gratitude. They need our praise for their work.
c. Each day, we fail to comply with their warnings and instructions; we put them in danger and possibly even causing some of their lives.
d. We must follow their health and safety guidelines to lessen their workload and save lives. Maybe they might save one of our family members. How could we not follow their instructions if it would only save one life? Maybe your own!
e. As Christians were are instructed: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God,” Romans 13:1.
1) First, “Whosoever, therefore, resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation,” Romans 13:2.
2) Further, “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good,” Romans 13:3-4a.
3) Next, “But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil,” Romans 13:4b.
4) Finally, “Wherefore, you will need to be subject to them, not only for wrath but also for your conscience sake,” Romans 13:5. To be in good conscience with God, we must be subject to the powers that God has ordained.
NOTE: Illustrate obeying traffic laws, insurance requirements, and car safety belts. These are all design to save lives. Wear a mask, gloves, and practice safe distancing rules. Wash your hands and face; this enables all Americans to reduce the spread of the virus. Why shouldn't we do it? We must follow these safety rules because we are good citizens of this Nation. Paul continued--
C. Which strengtheneth me? The verb here, "strengtheneth" in Gr., is endynamoo or en-dü-nä-mo'-o, which means to empower:—enable, (increase in) strength (-en), be (make) strong. The idea is to receive power, to be strengthened, or to grow in strength. Christ was the force providing Paul this continued strength to do the work of an apostle.
1. His work in the ministry: “But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ,” Acts 9:22. His revelation of truth gave him the power to overcome those objecting to the nature and glory of Christ, whom he was sent to declare to the entire world.
2. His equipping for the work: “According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, that was committed to my trust. And I thank Christ Jesus for our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief," 2 Timothy 1:11-15. The verb “enabled” in this text in Gr., is “en-dü-nä-mo'-o.” It was Christ's strength that enabled him to be an apostle.
3. His help at trial: “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that He may not lay this to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom is the glory forever and ever. Amen,” 2 Timothy 4:16-18. What a line-up of promises and assurances. Christ is my counselor, delivered, and preserver. Praise the Lord!
4. It was in Christ Paul found all his strength, to do in all things, and endure all things. To be content, commending to others, and be contingent (dependent) upon the Lord for His strength at all times in every situation of life.
a. In whom do you find your strength? Where does your help reside in times of trials, difficulties, and troubles? For Paul, it rested in the Lord, Philippians 2:19; Philippians 2:24.
b. David wrote: “I will lift my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day or the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even forever,” Psalms 121:1-8; Psalms 123:1; Psalms 146:5-6.
c. Isaiah wrote: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem,” Isaiah 2:2-3; Micah 4:1-2.
d. Jeremiah wrote: “Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills and the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel,” Jeremiah 3:23. We look to the mountains, where cometh our help from the Lord!
e. Conclusion: In who have we placed our trust? It cannot be in a man, not in princes. David wrote:
1) First, “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help,” Psalms 146:3.
2) Further, It is better to trust in the Lord: “Than to put confidence in men or princes,” Psalms 118:8-9.
3) Finally, “Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity," Psalms 62:9. Therefore, beloved, put your trust and confidence in the Lord, and not in any man, prince, or president! The Lord will never let you down. With men, they will not only let you down but mislead and betray you. They do so because they do not care what example it sets or how it might violate your trust and confidence in them. They are void of righteousness and goodness.
D. God shall supply all our needs. He also promises that God would continue to provide for all their needs, according to the same riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
1. The word “supply” in Gr., is pleroo or pla-ro'-o, which means to make replete, i.e., to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or to furnish (or imbue; diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify:—accomplish, after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfill, (be, make) full (come), to perfect, or supply.
2. Jesus said: “Give and God shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you again,” Luke 6:38. How God gives unto us is consistent in how we give unto others.
a. The Master said: “Give, and I shall give it unto you." Herein is God's Law of Reciprocity: "Give, and He shall give unto you." It must be first understood and believed: we cannot out-give God. And our giving unto others, set forth God’s replenishing unto us. As we give unto others: so God gives back unto us. What is our "return on investment?" Observe—
b. What can we expect as an ROI? Here it is! A good measure, pressed down, and shaken together and running over. This represents a bountiful return on our gift. For in truth, this is what giving is unto all. It is an investment in others, which men shall give back to you overflowing.
c. How shall we receive it? Jesus said: “Men shall give into your bosom.” How shall it be returned? For with the same measure that ye mete withal, He shall be measured to you again.
d. Law of reciprocity. Jesus promised: “For with the same measure that ye mete withal God shall measure it to you again." What a tremendous blessing God has prepared for the saints at Philippi!
3. To Corinth, Paul wrote: “But this I say:”
a. First, “He which soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly.” Give a little, expect a little on your return.
b. Further, “He which soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully.” Give plenty; expect a great return on your investment.
c. Next, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give:” Purpose in your heart. This is done beforehand, 2 Corinthians 9:5; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. Now give--
1) One, “Not grudgingly, or of necessity.”
2) Two, “For God loveth a cheerful giver.”
3) Summary: “First, purpose in your heart; then give, not grudgingly (giving with bitterness or in covetousness), or out of necessity (being forced or threaten): for God loveth a cheerful giver.” Observe your ROI--
d. Finally, “And God can make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth forever,” 2 Corinthians 9:6-9.
NOTE: Download our lesson entitled: “The Day of Their Contribution,” from SermonCentral.com, by Ron Freeman, Evangelist. This lesson discusses the blessedness of our giving unto the Lord.
3. Paul’s needs. God will supply his needs through the abundance of these saints in Philippi. Who gave not once but again in Thessalonica unto the ministry of Paul. He had just received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent unto him, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God,” Philippians 4:12-18. Consider--
a. Jesus said: We should make prayer a daily affair. The Lord has promised to provide for them. Observe--
1) First, “Give us this day our daily bread,” Matthew 6:11.
2) Further, “Therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek :) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye need all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof,” Matthew 6:31-34. Jesus spake of our care and gifts to others. And how He rewards those that have done well for others.
3) Finally, “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, since ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me,” Matthew 25:40.
NOTE: Illustrate King shall judge the good and evil at His coming, Matthew 25:32-46. He shall separate the sheep from the goats. The righteous from the unrighteous. The good from the bad; the just from the unjust on the last day!
b. David wrote: Regarding the righteous being supplied by the Lord. The Lord will not withhold good from the saints that do well unto others.
1) First, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly,” Psalms 84:11.
2) Second, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread,” Psalms 37:25.
c. Job wrote: “But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand,” Job 32:8.
d. Solomon wrote: Regarding the liberal soul unto the poor. God promises His blessings to those that care for the poor and needy. He penned--
1) First, “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall also be watered himself,” Proverbs 11:25.
2) Second, “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse,” Proverbs 28:27; Job 22:9.
3) Third, “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth,” Ecclesiastes 11:1-2. God looks in favor on the liberal soul and their giving to the needs of the poor. Isaiah wrote also concerning this love and care for the poor and needed. Observe--
e. Isaiah wrote: “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house?” Isaiah 58:7a.
1) First, “When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” Isaiah 58:7b.
2) Second, “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy reward,” Isaiah 58:8.
3) Third, “Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am...And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday,” Isaiah 58:9-10.
4) Fourth, “And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not,” Isaiah 58:11.
f. James wrote: “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world,” James 1:26-27.
4. Philippi’s needs. God shall provide for them according to the riches in Christ Jesus. The Lord will supply for His saints' needs to care for the saints' needs and those in need. We must trust in Him to provide for our needs through the riches in Glory by Christ Jesus. Consider--
a. The Lord said: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof,” Matthew 6:33-34.
b. Solomon wrote: “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine,” Proverbs 3:9-10.
c. Malachi wrote: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it,” Malachi 3:10.
d. Paul wrote:
1) To the Corinthians: “And God can make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth forever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness ;) Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God,” 2 Corinthians 9:8-11.
2) To the Galatians: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith,” Galatians 6:9-10; Galatians 6:6; Hebrews 13:16.
3) To Timothy: “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they are not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they are rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate,” 1 Timothy 6:17-18.
E. According to His riches in Christ Jesus. America, God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. The word “riches” in Gr., is ploutos or plü'-tos, which means wealth (as fulness), i.e. (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (mostly), valuable bestowment:—riches. God shall supply all of our needs.
1. God shall supply. We have discussed this already, so no more is required. But how will God do this? Through the riches in Christ, Jesus.
2. According to His riches. David wrote:
a. Earth full of riches: “O LORD, how manifold are thy works! In wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches,” Psalms 104:24; Psalms 24:1.
b. Cattle on the hills: “For every beast of the forest are mine and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof,” Psalms 50:10-12.
c. Job wrote: “Who hath prevented me that I should repay him? Whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine,” Job 41:11.
d. Conclusion: All things in heaven and earth belong to God, our Father. He has placed them temporarily into the hands of the Lord, Matthew 28:18. Heaven and earth have been made subject unto Christ. "We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture," Psalms 100:3.
4. In glory by Christ, Jesus. What is meant, “In glory by Christ Jesus?” Paul told the saints that: “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:19.
a. Riches in glory. There is laid up in glory through Christ Jesus, all the riches and treasures in heaven and earth. They are His to distribute unto the children of God; to supply all their needs. We will, at some time or another, become lacking in our daily substance.
b. But, Paul promises that: God shall supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus our Lord.
1) David wrote: “Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!" Psalms 31:19. God has laid up for His children many blessings.
2) Isaiah wrote: “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him,” Isaiah 64:4. Isaiah speaks by a prophecy of these blessings. Peter writes to the scattered Jews of this blessing, 1 Peter 1:9-12.
3) Paul wrote: “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him,” 1 Corinthians 2:9. Paul wrote of these blessings of God. Neither eye has seen, or ear has heard of his bountiful gifts.
c. We could divide these blessings into three categories: 1) Physical, 2) spiritual, and 3) heavenly. Let’s consider each of them carefully.
1) First, physical blessing. These will encompass our “daily bread,” Matthew 6:11. Eating, drinking, and clothing: "Therefore take no thought, saying, what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek :) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye require all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God... Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof," Matthew 6:31-34. All these needs shall be provided unto us by our Heavenly Father, through Christ Jesus, our Lord.
2) Further, spiritual blessings. Paul wrote: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ,” Ephesians 1:3. All these blessings are in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
NOTE: Download our lesson entitled: Are you in Christ? We discussed these blessings in this lesson. Obtain it from SermonCentral.com, Ron Freeman, Evangelist.
3) Finally, heavenly blessings. We might consider these some of our divine gifts promised unto us by our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
a) Eternal life: “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world,” Matthew 25:34; Matthew 25:46.
b) Eternal home: “But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city,” Hebrews 11:16. This city was not made with hands, 2 Corinthians 5:1; John 14:1-3.
c) Crown of life: “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him,” James 1:12; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4.
5. Paul’s benediction and remembrance. He wrote: “Now unto God and our Father is the glory forever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is with you all. Amen,” Philippians 4:20-23. Observe--
a. To God, our Father: “Now unto God and our Father,” Philippians 4:20a. Paul's God and Father were their God and Father. God accepted them graciously.
1) It is a great blessing and favor that God has established a relationship of Father to children, and to allow us to call Him, our God and Father, 2 Corinthians 6:17-18. All should covet to become the “children of God,” Galatians 3:26-27.
2) It is a name and position that is part of the “dispensation of the grace of God,” Ephesians 1:10; Ephesians 3:2.
a) Abraham was called the “friend of God,” James 2:23.
b) We are the “children of God,” John 1:11-12; John 11:52; Romans 8:14-16.
c) We have become the “adoption of God,” Galatians 4:5-6.
d) We are become ‘heirs of God through Christ,” Galatians 4:7; Romans 8:17.
3) It is also a great privilege and encouragement for us to consider Him as our Father, as one so nearly related and who bears so tender an affection towards us.
4) We should look upon God, under all our weaknesses and fears, not as a tyrant or our enemy, but as our Father: Who has given His love, mercy, and grace unto us, through Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:4-10.
b. We must attribute glory and honor to God as our Father. “To whom be glory forever and ever,” Philippians 4:10b. Paul gives similar salutations or benedictions in many of his Letters to the saints. Observe—
1) To Rome: “To all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ,” Romans 1:7.
2) To Corinth: “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, and live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints salute you. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, is with you all. Amen," 2 Corinthians 13:11-14.
3) To Ephesus: "Peace is to the brethren, and love with faith, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ insincerity. Amen," Ephesians 6:23-24.
c. Paul’s salutations to friends at Philippi: “Salute every saint in Christ Jesus; give my hearty love to all the Christians in your parts." Philippians 4:21.
1) Paul desires remembrances not only to the bishops and deacons, and the church in general but to every particular saint.
2) Paul acknowledges all his friends and brethren with him in Rome. They all send greeting to the saints at Philippi.
3) Paul had a kind affection for all his brethren. He remembered to include them in many of his salutations and benedictions. Remember those that labor with us in the Lord.
d. He sends salutations from Rome: “All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household,” Philippians 4:22. Observe--
1) First, “All the saints from Rome,” Philippians 4:22a. Some earlier believed the gospel of Christ from among the prominent and favored Jews in Rome. The brethren who are with me salute you; the ministers, and all the saints here, send their affectionate remembrances to you.
2) Second, “Chiefly those in Cæsar's household,” Philippians 4:22b. Though Paul was imprisoned in Rome, some Christians were in his own family for preaching the gospel by the emperor's command. Chiefly those of Cæsar's household, the Christian converts who belonged to the emperor's royal court also salute you at Philippi. It was Philippi's generosity that made their faith and obedience possible, through the grace of God.
3) Third, the apostolic benediction ends as usual: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen,” Philippians 4:23. The love, favor, and blessings of Christ Jesus be with you all. This is my prayer for you, the church, the nation, and the entire world. As I conclude this last lesson in this sermon-series: “learning to be contingent,” let’s review what we have discussed...
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
3. Learning to be Contingent
B. Summarize main points.
1. Last, we investigated the blessing of being contingent (dependent) upon the Lord in all things. Paul concludes: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me... But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:13; Philippians 4:19.
2. Paul finally assures the saints that he could do all things through Christ, who strengthens him. In Christ, Paul found all his strength, did all things, and endured all things. He also promises that God would continue to supply all their needs, according to the same riches in glory by Christ Jesus. America, God will supply all our needs according to the riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
I submit this verse unto you that I may: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
ronald.e.freeman@wwmchurchofchrist.org
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org/
Website: https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
