The Focused Journey. Main Idea: Believers can find true contentment in the Lord and can trust Him to provide for their needs.

Transcription

1 The Focused Journey Support Philippians 4: /9/2018 Main Idea: Believers can find true contentment in the Lord and can trust Him to provide for their needs. Lesson Objective: Seek to be led by the Lord and give. FARMSTEAD BAPTIST CHURCH 1

2 Introduction A few hundred years ago the great preacher and evangelist John Wesley showed us another way. Wesley lived in economically uncertain times, yet from humble beginnings he became so well known that his income eventually reached 1400 pounds per year. In 2001 this would be the equivalent of earning around $300,000. So what did he do with all this wealth? Did he tithe it? No. Wesley went way beyond tithing. He disciplined himself to live on just 30 pounds of the 1400 pounds he earned every year. He gave away 98% of all he earned and lived on just 2%! Wesley once preached a sermon on Luke In it he spelled out his philosophy: money is a tool that can be used for great good or great ill. It is an excellent gift of God he claimed, answering the noblest ends. In the hands of his children, it is food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, raiment for the naked: It gives to the traveller and the stranger where to lay his head. By it we may supply the place of a husband to the widow, and of a father to the fatherless. We maybe a defense for the oppressed, a means of health to the sick, of ease to them that are in pain; it may be as eyes to the blind, as feet to the lame; yea, a lifter up from the gates of death! It is therefore of the highest concern that all who fear God know how to employ this valuable talent; that they be instructed how it may answer these glorious ends, and in the highest degree. He went on to spell out three simple rules which can guide us: gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can. Wesley lived out these principles, on another occasion remarking: If I leave behind me ten pounds you and all mankind [can] bear witness against me, that I have lived and died a thief and a robber. FARMSTEAD BAPTIST CHURCH 2

3 Sufficiency of Christ Philippians 4: 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. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 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. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. During his second missionary journey, Paul and his coworkers preached the gospel in Philippi. A businesswoman named Lydia was their first convert (Acts 16:12-15), but Paul also delivered a slave girl from an evil spirit (16:16-18). That deliverance led to Paul and Silas s being arrested, beaten, and imprisoned by pagan city officials, only to be later miraculously rescued. Paul and Silas then led their jailer and his family to faith in Christ (16:25-34). These and other converts later met with Paul and Silas in Lydia s house (16:40). After Paul and his team left the city to take the gospel to Thessalonica and other cities, the Philippian believers sent gifts of support to Paul several times. These gifts moved Paul deeply, because he knew the Philippian believers were facing crises of their own. In this moment of writing, perhaps Paul had despaired of their love for him since so much time elapsed and since they were the ones who remembered him financially, and a financial gift uniquely expressed love. They FARMSTEAD BAPTIST CHURCH 3

4 expected Paul to be joyful because of the gift but, as the context clearly reveals, his joy was in the Lord. 1 The amazing aspect of Christian relationships is that when His people are walking in step with the Lord and they receive from the Lord, they in turn, being led by the Lord, give out of what they have received to others. Thus as Paul received from the church, he experienced their love for him through Christ s love and he in turn returned that love to the Lord. Thus it was natural for a material gift to become an occasion for Christian joy. That now (some translations contain at last ) should not be regarded as a rebuke, but merely as showing that it had been a while since they had spoken. Paul made it clear that the fault was not theirs but came from a lack of opportunity. Perhaps no messenger had been available. In addition, his own circumstances had been highly irregular in recent years, in part, at least, because of imprisonment and shipwreck. Now the demonstration of concern had bloomed again, like plants in the spring. 2 Paul wanted to make it clear that though he undoubtedly had a need, it was not relief of this need that primarily concerned him. He had learned to be content with what God provided, irrespective of circumstances. It is significant that Paul had to learn this virtue. Learned (Greek perfect tense) implies a lesson resulting in better knowledge. Contentment is not natural to most of mankind. Content (lit self-reliant ) is self-sufficiency that grows out of trust in Christ. 1 Richard R. Melick, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, vol. 32, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1991), Homer A. Kent Jr., Philippians, in The Expositor s Bible Commentary: Ephesians through Philemon, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein, vol. 11 (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1981), FARMSTEAD BAPTIST CHURCH 4

5 Paul spent a few moments evaluating some of his various circumstances. We can see that he had experienced difficult circumstances by having a little... hunger, and need. He contrasted these circumstances with the good that he had experienced in his life as having a lot... well fed... abundance. Together these taught Paul how to be content. He understood what it was to be brought low as well as to abound. He had learned the secret of trusting God in whatever situation and in every circumstance. One of the most popular verses of the Philippians letter comes out of a heart of contentment. In verse 13, all things refers to the economic fluctuations of life. Through Him who strengthens me teaches that Christ empowers believers to live in God s will. Paradoxically, Paul was strong when he was weak; independent only when dependent. Such is the life of a disciple. There are some key points that we can pull from this section. First, be thankful for Christian friends who reach out to help you. For some people, accepting help from others can feel like further humiliation. They re already embarrassed about being in a financial crisis. Accepting help from others requires an humble, honest view of oneself. Second, look for ways to make do with less. Paul explained that part of being content in life was never thinking God owed him a high standard of living. He didn t blame God for his crisis situations. Rather, he saw them as opportunities to honor the Lord and advance the gospel (Phil. 1:12). Third, draw strength from your relationship with Christ (4:13). Pray more. Read the Bible more. Worship more. Trust Christ to walk with you through every circumstance you re facing. FARMSTEAD BAPTIST CHURCH 5

6 Why do some people have difficulty accepting help from others, even in a time of crisis? According to verse 12, Paul had experienced both times of plenty and times of severe financial need. How can such experiences lead a believer to a sense of contentment? How can you express your gratitude to those who have helped you or stood by your side in a past crisis? What s one or two items you can remove from your budget this month in order to faithfully steward the resources God has given you and survive a financial crisis? FARMSTEAD BAPTIST CHURCH 6

7 Share in Suffering Philippians 4: Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 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. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 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. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen The Holy Bible: English Standard Version Paul reminded the readers that their share in his work was good. Our translation handles the meaning accurately but perhaps too casually by phrasing it, share my trouble. Trouble naturally implies hardship of any kind, but it had a deeper significance for Paul. In Col 1:24 he spoke of suffering the tribulations of the Christ (the same Greek word) so that his difficulties in spreading the gospel actually related to the Messiah. In reflecting on his tribulations, Paul realized the eschatological significance of his ministry and that those who supported him participated in that themselves. Their gifts evidenced their willingness to identify with the new era inaugurated by Jesus. The term share comes from the word that we know as fellowship, which means a deep partnership of two going the same direction. FARMSTEAD BAPTIST CHURCH 7

8 This expression contains the first hint of the significance of Christian giving. It also explains something of Paul s hesitancy in expressing his own needs to them. The Philippians recognized Paul s strategic place in the spread of the gospel, the mystery revealed to him (Eph 3:1 13). Others, particularly the Jewish Christians, had difficulty accepting Paul s ministry. The gifts from Philippi meant that the church eagerly participated in the work of God and that their gifts were, in reality, contributions to the spread of the gospel to other Gentiles. Paul knew he would suffer because of his distinctive apostolic calling. He accepted this suffering joyfully and learned the secret of triumph over any circumstance. Paul s ministry simply provided an occasion for sharing in the gospel. He knew that he handled sacred resources when they came from the people of God (see 4:18). Their gift was good because it demonstrated that they understood God s working in the world and that they willingly supported it through God s servants. Paul s thankfulness turned to commendation and promise of reward. Both the nature of their giving and its motivation pleased the Lord. Paul commended the church for the way it supported him. Its support was unique. It was the only Macedonian church to support him. Perhaps his greatest difficulty was that the other churches failed to help him. In this, Philippi was different! From the very first it supported his work, evidencing the genuineness of salvation and love for Paul. The other churches failed in their obligations to the gospel. Paul called the Philippian support a matter of giving and receiving (4:15). When he stated that other churches did not support him, he once agian used the common word for fellowship. Subtly and without complaining, Paul pointed out that others had received but not given. They had a one-way relationship in the gospel. Paul expected rejection and loneliness in his work; it came as no surprise. He was, FARMSTEAD BAPTIST CHURCH 8

9 however, troubled for two reasons. First, when they received they had a responsibility to share. Second, they missed the spiritual blessings that came from giving. The Philippians understood both principles and acted on them. That brought joy to Paul s heart. Paul also commended them because their support was immediate and consistent. He remembered that they supported him in Thessalonica, the city he had entered after being asked to leave Philippi. Beyond that, they continued to support him. His statement in 4:10, however, reveals that at some time their support ceased. Perhaps the deeper meaning of their giving enhanced Paul s joy when they gave again. Paul commended them because their gifts were an investment. Financial terms dominate this passage. The gifts were an investment in the work of God and in their future. Some believers may have mistakenly assumed that Paul sought gifts, but he clearly stated he sought the blessings it would bring to the givers. 11 Paul saw beyond the physical act to the spiritual transactions taking place. Even in acknowledging their support, his servant attitude surfaced. He thought of their growth and blessings. 3 What moved Paul most about the Philippian believers attitude about giving to advance God s work? What are some benefits that come to those who generously help someone facing a financial crisis? What are some ways that a believer in a financial crisis can continue to help advance the gospel? 3 Richard R. Melick, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, vol. 32, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1991), FARMSTEAD BAPTIST CHURCH 9

10 Grace to You Philippians 4: Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version The closing greetings come from four sources: Paul, the brothers with him, all the saints, and especially those of Caesar s household. They are addressed to two groups: the primary recipients of the letter, and all the saints. As in the opening verse of the book, the greetings take special character from being in Christ Jesus. Perhaps Paul wrote these closing words with his own hand, as we know he did on other occasions (1 Cor 16:21; Gal 6:11; Col 4:18; and 2 Thess 3:17). Since the letter would be read to the congregation, those called upon to greet the others may be whoever first read it. They would most likely be the overseers and deacons. Could the greeting have been meant for some Christians outside the immediate Philippian congregation? Neither greeters nor addressees are named. We do know the names of a number of Roman Christians from Rom 16:3 16, and some may have been in Paul s mind here. Caesar s household could refer to persons from high positions to lowly. They may be singled out by Paul to indicate the circles into which the gospel had penetrated. Since Philippi was a Roman colony there may have been special acquaintances between the Christians there and those of FARMSTEAD BAPTIST CHURCH 10

11 Caesar s household. The final benediction in verse 23 is a bestowal of grace, so that the book ends as it begins (1:2). 4 How can you (or we as a group), in Jesus name, best help someone who is currently facing a personal crisis? What type of crisis is most likely to upset your sense of contentment? Since God does not always change our outer circumstances immediately, what does He need to change in you so that contentment is possible? 4 Anthony Lee Ash, Philippians, Colossians & Philemon, The College Press NIV Commentary (Joplin, MO: College Press, 1994), Php 4: FARMSTEAD BAPTIST CHURCH 11