Philippians 4:10-23

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.  Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.  Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.  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.  Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.  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.  And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.  Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you.  All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Thanksgiving is one of the most important aspects of a believer’s life.  As simple as that may be to understand, it is not so easy to practice.  Buy nature, we tend to notice things that are wrong more than we notice things that are right.  It is far more common for us to complain about the things we don’t have than to be grateful for the things we do have.  This passage points to three commitments towards which every believer should strive.

 

CONTENTMENT IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES: The occasion for this letter is a sort of extended thank you for an offering that the church sent to Paul while he was in prison in Rome.  These are obviously not ideal circumstances for Paul.  Apparently, he was experiencing a lack of provision for his basic needs prior to the offering.  His declaration about learning to be content in both times of scarcity and abundance is instructive to all of us.  God is ultimately in control of the circumstances we face and certainly has a purpose that may be unknown to us.  Our job is not to understand the “why” behind our circumstances but to trust the Lord in those circumstances.  He will give us the strength to face any situation in a way that brings honor and glory to Him.  

 

COOPERATION WITH OTHER BELIEVERS: One of the tools that God most often uses to strengthen us for our walk with Him is the body of Christ.  He wants us to be involved in one another’s lives in way that provides help and hope.  Paul’s missionary efforts were often self-funded as he made tents to help support himself and his traveling companions.  However, the church in Philippi was the first to join him in this work by supporting him through prayers, encouragement, and financial donations.  Paul is involved in praying for, instructing, and encouraging the believers from the church.  It is a relationship of mutual edification that provides a model for churches and individual believers to continue to follow.

 

CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S PROVISION: The reason we can give with generosity and receive with thanksgiving is because we have a clear understanding of how God is at work in our lives.  He is faithful to meet the needs of both the receiver and the giver according to His abundant riches.  He promises eternal rewards and temporal provision for those who walk with Him in faithfulness.  There are times, as Paul experienced, where the temporal provision may seem to be lacking.  However, these are times where we are called upon to trust the Lord and understand His provision in our lives is according to His sovereign and gracious plan.  His glory must be our priority and focus as we walk in the light of His Word.

 

APPLICATION: Develop contentment no matter what circumstances we are called to face.  Be thankful for whatever level of provision we experience.  Look for ways that the Lord is calling us to be involved in making provision for others.  Graciously accept the help of others in times of necessity we might experience.  Trust God in all the realities of our lives with an understanding of eternal rewards and His ultimate glory as our priorities.

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