BIG IDEA:
GOD CAN BE TRUSTED TO PROVIDE ALL MATERIAL NEEDS FOR
THOSE WHO PARTNER IN THE MINISTRY OF THE GOSPEL
INTRODUCTION:
Paul and the Philippian believers were partners in the ministry of the gospel
I. (:10-16) CONTENTMENT AND COMMENDATION EXPRESSED TO
SUPPORTERS
A. Contentment -- The Lesson of Contentment Must be Learned by Christian Workers and Communicated to Supporters
1. (:11) Summary: Contentment vs. Complaining Despite the Circumstances
"Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am."
"in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret"
2. (:12a) Contentment in Hard Times
"I know how to get along with humble means"
"I have learned the secret of going hungry"
"and of suffering need"
3. (:12b) Contentment in Prosperous Times
"and I also know how to live in prosperity"
"I have learned the secret of being filled"
"both of having abundance"
4. (:13) Secret of Contentment
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me"
B. Commendation -- Repeated Commendation Should be the Response to Repeated Generous Gifts
1. (:10) Commendation for Concern Shown As Opportunity Allows
"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity."
2. (:14) The Principle of Contentment Does Not Nullify the Need for Support
"Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction."
3. (:15-16) Commendation for Repeated Faithfulness in Supporting Paul
"And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in
Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs."
II. (:17-20) PROFIT AND PROVISION
A. Profit -- Who Ultimately Profits More from the Gift?
1. (:17) The Giver
"Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account."
Wiersbe: "Paul looked upon their missionary gift as an investment that would pay them rich spiritual dividends. The word ’communicate’ is our familiar word ’fellowship.’ The church entered into an arrangement of ’giving and receiving’; the church gave materially to Paul, and received spiritually from the Lord. The Lord keeps the books and will
never fail to pay one spiritual dividend! That church is poor that fails to share materially with others."
2. (:18a) But the Recipient Profits as Well
"But I have received everything in full, and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent"
3. (:18b) More Importantly, God is Well Pleased
"a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God."
B. Provision -- Who Ultimately Must Trust God for the Provision of Materal Needs?
1. (:19) Both the Giver
"And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Pentecost: Examples of God supplying needs --
- Israel in the wilderness for 40 years
- 12 disciples sent out to preach (Luke 9:2,3; 22:35; Matt 6:25-33)
2. (:13) And the Recipient
Repeat: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
3. (:20) Doxology
"Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen."
(:21-23) CLOSING GREETINGS AND BENEDICTION
A. (:21-22) Mutual Greetings
1. (:21a) Giving the Greeting
"Greet every saint in Christ Jesus"
2. (:21b-22) Receiving the Greeting
"The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household."
B. (:23) Benediction
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit."
* * * * * * * * * *
DEVOTIONAL QUESTIONS:
1) Are we aggressive in taking the initiative to invest in the Lord’s work and making the most of our opportunities? Do we believe that the Lord will respond with "profit which increases to our account "?
2) How would our lives be changed if we experienced the same type of deprivation that Paul did and had to learn to trust the Lord in such circumstances of "going hungry" and "suffering need". What kind of lessons about themselves do the people on the TV series
Survivors learn about themselves?
3) How is verse 13 sometimes used out of context? What is the right application for this precious promise of God?
4) Is God well-pleased with the types of sacrifices that we have been presenting to Him?
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