Give....
Philip. 4:10-23 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. [11] I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. [12] I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. [13] I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
[14] Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. [15] Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; [16] for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. [17] Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. [18] I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. [19] And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
[20] To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
[21] Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. [22] All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.
[23] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
It’s December 1st as I write this. Downstairs the boys have opened the first doors on their advent calendars and on my desk is a catalogue for a mail order firm called ‘I want one of those!” It’s a time of year when many of us think about receiving.
Paul’s words about himself here are inspiring. He has learned to be content with the circumstances that he finds himself in because of his trust in Jesus. He knows that it is Christ’s grace that he depends on, and since that mean that the riches of heaven will be poured out on him he is grateful.
But here Paul also relates to us a story of giving. This is a church who are used to giving, often at times sacrificially. Paul, amongst others has been the beneficiary of such giving. But it is their value to God that Paul focuses on. Not that God needs our stuff, but that he is pleased when some of his children abandon pursuit of the materialism in this world.
‘Things’ are not bad. They can bring us joy. But pursuing them relentlessly instead of finding contentment in serving God will ultimately damage us and the mission of the church.
[14] Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. [15] Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; [16] for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. [17] Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. [18] I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. [19] And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
[20] To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
[21] Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send greetings. [22] All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.
[23] The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
It’s December 1st as I write this. Downstairs the boys have opened the first doors on their advent calendars and on my desk is a catalogue for a mail order firm called ‘I want one of those!” It’s a time of year when many of us think about receiving.
Paul’s words about himself here are inspiring. He has learned to be content with the circumstances that he finds himself in because of his trust in Jesus. He knows that it is Christ’s grace that he depends on, and since that mean that the riches of heaven will be poured out on him he is grateful.
But here Paul also relates to us a story of giving. This is a church who are used to giving, often at times sacrificially. Paul, amongst others has been the beneficiary of such giving. But it is their value to God that Paul focuses on. Not that God needs our stuff, but that he is pleased when some of his children abandon pursuit of the materialism in this world.
‘Things’ are not bad. They can bring us joy. But pursuing them relentlessly instead of finding contentment in serving God will ultimately damage us and the mission of the church.
posted by Gordon at
11:25 am
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