Hello Friends!
During this week’s gathering we’ll CONCLUDE our sound “study” series through the powerful book written by the “Apostle Paul” to the Philippians as we consider the perfect PERSON and wonderful WORKS willed of our loving “Lord Jesus Christ” as decreed throughout this excellent Epistle…“Do NOT Be Anxious!”
The Book of Philippians: Do NOT Be Anxious! (Chapter 4: Verses 15-23)
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. 22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen – Philippians 4:15-23
OPENING POINTS TO PONDER: Some TEN years have passed since “Paul” had moved on to “Thessalonica” when the “Philippians” provided him with much needed SUPPORT during the tumultuous “time” he had left “Macedonia for Achaia” and the “cities” of “Athens and Corinth” as they sent him yet another garnered “gift” granted. The “Apostle Paul” was the FOUNDER of the “Philippian” faithful “fellowship” and they had a BOND of lavish – LOVE for Paul!
Giving AND Receiving!
In the “beginning of the gospel” planted PROVIDENTIALLY planted in “Philippi” as the purposed prelate “Paul” had diligently “departed from Macedonia” these finely fond memories FLOOD his heart:
Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only – Philippians 4:15
“Now” here the “Apostle” is rightly RECOGNIZING their gracious “giving and receiving” reciprocation: “I have NOT forgotten how GENEROUS you’ve been to ME on my second missionary JOURNEY as I came to Philippi when our loving Lord gave BIRTH to this fine fellowship!” These beautiful “believers” were indeed very poor as they gave LIBERALLY unto the beloved “Paul” out of their “deep poverty” provisions…
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God – 2 Corinthians 8:1-5
In fact, when “Paul” came to the camp in “Corinth he did NOT want to take any maligned MONEY from the congregation by chiefly CHARGING them for the “gospel” greatly granted…
Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it – 1 Corinthians 4:11-12
Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself – 2 Corinthians 11:7-9
And here “Paul” soundly says: “I had to responsively ROB the churches of Macedonia to surely SUPPORT my eager efforts to mindfully MINISTER unto all of YOU!” In other words, he TOOK it from those poor pundits in the “church” as a RELATIONAL response realized – Righteous ROBBERY!
Once AND Again!
This poignant “passage” is a consciously CLEAR indication that “Paul” was indeed a very careful solemn STEWARD and he kept accurate accounts of EXPENDITURES espoused. WHY? Because he no doubt deeply DESIRED to mindfully maintain his appropriated ACCOUNTABILITY to the charitable “churches” of whom soundly SUPPORTED him as such:
For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity – Philippians 4:16
Here “Paul” purports that in his TREACHEROUS travels over to “Thessalonica” the precious “Philippians” had surely “sent again” aptly according to his “necessity” for those two weeks to mindfully – MEET His Needs!
BIBLICAL BACKGROUND: In fact, he “writes” quite often concerning his DISTAIN of making anyone corruptly “chargeable” for his mandated “ministry” efforts as he personally “preached” the great “gospel of God” given unto him. Therefore, through “labouring night and day” in much “travail” he willingly WORKED with his own hands to surely SUPPORT himself financially…
For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God – 1 Thessalonians 2:9
For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us – 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9
And WHO was it that supported him when “he” was NOT belligerently being “chargeable” as such “unto” the thoughtful “Thessalonians” themselves? It was the “Philippian” parsonage – Once AND Again!
Acceptable SACRIFICE!
The real reason that “Paul” definitely did NOT deceptively “desire a gift” garnered for HIMSELF is that he lived preoccupied with the furthered “fruit” fostering well-being for all OTHER people:
Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God – Philippians 4:17-18
THEOLOGICAL THOUGHTS: And here “Paul” selflessly says: “I will NEVER forget that when I left Macedonia for Athens and Corinth in Achaia, you were the ONLY church that soundly SENT me a gift. And you are CONTINUALLY doing noble ACCEPTABLE acts of giving!” And they WOULD have surely “sent” such a “sweet smell” that is wonderfully “wellpleasing to God” much the MORE often but they never had an “opportunity” to do so in the intervening time…
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to 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. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift – 2 Corinthians 9:5-15
The desire of the righteous is only good: but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. He that withholdeth corn, the people shall curse him: but blessing shall be upon the head of him that selleth it. He that diligently seeketh good procureth favour: but he that seeketh mischief, it shall come unto him. He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch – Proverbs 11:23-28
Therefore, these gracious “gifts” have been aptly ACCRUED unto your “account” that which will bring spiritual DIVIDENDS dispensed through the bountiful “blessing of God” granted – Acceptable SACRIFICE!
RICH in Jesus Christ!
“But” the ardent “Apostle Paul” is night NOT so much concerned that he have EARTHLY blessings as that the “Philippians” surely secure SPIRITUAL blessings and righteous “riches” received:
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus – Philippians 4:19
This very vehement verse is quite OFTEN quoted by concerned “Christians” but it must to be set in its proper CONTEXT considered. WHY? Because it is a Sovereignly sure “supply” within the sense of SUFFERING submission. In essence, “Paul” is saying as such to the faithful “Philippians” populous: “I know you gave SACRIFICIALLY in a way that left YOU in need and I want to ASSURE you that God will NOT be in YOUR debt, as He will surely SUPPLY that which has ACCRUED to your SPIRITUAL account!” WHY? Because it is indeed an “acceptable sacrifice well pleasing to God” greatly and this righteous “gift” will rightly RESULT in our great “God” gladly giving BACK to you “pressed down” and “shaken together” and “running over” immensely…
Give, and it 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
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ – 1 Peter 2:5
The “Philippians” as a part of that magnificent “Macedonian” mindset had given SACRIFICIALLY and our glorious “God” would not remain in their DEBT depicted. In fact, ”God” will move men if need be and HE will surely “supply all your need” accordingly. This is “according” aptly TO wholly “His riches” and not OUT of “His riches” received and their nigh “need” would be MET magnificently. The righteous “riches in glory” that alone BELONG unto “Him” in His “eternal kingdom” are ALL ours to enjoy – RICH in Jesus Christ!
Glory to GOD!
Next “Paul” begins to close this excellent “epistle” with a great Doxology of which is directly derived from the Greek word “Doxa” of which means “Glory” ascribing it only unto “God” alone:
Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen – Philippians 4:20
As in this case, a dear Doxology is a righteous RESPONSE of proper “praise” pointing to great TRUTH and deeply dedicated “doctrine” determined…
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Amen – Romans 11:33-36
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen – Romans 16:26-27
And this overt outburst of proclaimed “praise” fervently FLOWS from the “Apostle's” exuberant “joy” over this entire “letter” of which has literally expounded the heretofore once UNHEARD of terrific “truth of God” in full – Glory to GOD!
SALUTE the Saints!
When “Paul” speaks of the solemn “saints” as such, the MAJORITY of the times his reference is set upon the very ordinary called-out company of “Christians” concerned INCLUDING those who had come to “believe” upon “Christ Jesus” living wholly within the corridors of “Caesar's household” itself. WHY? Because this ardent “Apostle” had boldly become a present “prisoner” proclaimed:
Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household – Philippians 4:21-22
HISTORICAL HINTS: According to archeological discoveries, MANY of the names aptly appearing in the book of Romans includes some “saints” sent from “Caesar's household” such as “Amplias,” “Apelles,” “Stachys,” “Rufus,” “Hermes,” “Tryphena” and “Tryphosa” along with perhaps many others…
Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household… Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them – Romans 16:8-10 & 12-14
And with “Paul” being the intended INSTRUMENT used greatly of “God” Himself, “we” can be quite SURE that the rank Roman centurion “soldiers” who had been clandestinely “chained” to him had indeed also “heard” the great “gospel” message – Powerfully PROCLAIMED!
THEOLOGICAL THOUGHTS: It is interesting to note that the most FAVORITE term of the “Apostle Paul” for a “Christian” is the word "saint" and he uses it some SIXTY times found throughout his enthusiastic “epistles” entirely…
To all that be 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
Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours – 1 Corinthians 1:2
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia – 2 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus – Ephesians 1:1
To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ – Colossians 1:2
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints – 1 Thessalonians 3:13
When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day – 2 Thessalonians 1:10
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work – 1 Timothy 5:10
Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints – Philemon 1:5
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister – Hebrews 6:10
The true “saints” are NOT themselves to be worshiped. NO! Rather, the true “saints” of “God” are to worship Him! The Divine DEFINITION of the saved “saint” is very simple as denoted by the “one” who is Sovereignly SEPARATED from their “sin” set unto “God” for His “holy” purposes of which occurred with that individual becoming “in Jesus Christ” through “faith” found ONLY in Him through His solemn sacrificial DEATH and real RESURRECTION from the grave. Therefore, ”Paul” is quite glad to rightly REMIND these practicing “Philippians” that they are indeed “saints” of the Most High – SALUTE the Saints!
GRACE Given!
Finally, “Paul” cordially CONCLUDES this enticing “epistle” as he BEGAN it as such, on a personal warm and friendly basis of “Christian” granted “grace” firmly FOUND within “our” loving “Lord Jesus Christ” Himself:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen – Philippians 4:23
Now the prelate “Paul” wraps his Apostolic arms around ALL the precious “people” planted in Rome of whom were called “Christians” with his apt AFFECTION for their spiritual wellbeing and growth garnered...
Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 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 1:2-3
Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in everything ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord – 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Beloved, that's the very HEART of celebrated “Christian” fostered “fellowship” in full! And “we” are ALL the saved “saints” of our great “God” with none superior to the other. Though differently “gifted” and at various points in our “life” differently “faithful” as such, “we” are ALL the one and ONLY beautiful “body in Christ” conceived through Him and His great – GRACE Given!
In closing:
Here “Paul” comes to the exciting END of his lovely “letter” lauded to the faithful “Philippians” congregation he rightly REMINDS them of the ideal identification he provided for “them” at the very BEGINNING of this excellent “epistle” expounded…
Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ – Philippians 1:1-2
They are in fact “saints” Sovereignly SAVED by God’s great “grace” granted ALONE and as the aged “Apostle Paul” bids this final FAREWELL fully, he intentionally introduces the term “saint” surmised. And he is PROVIDENTIALLY providing for each of “us” a heralded HOLY hook on which to HANG this tremendous text. WHY? Because “we” must correctly COMPREHEND its righteous richness and intentional implications for “our” own loving “lives” lived to “God’s” great “riches in glory” according to “Christ Jesus” alone – Glory to GOD!
REAL REFLECTIONS: When “we” each get to know our ETERNAL Lord and God “Jesus Christ” in ever INCREASING measure…
Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus – Philippians 4:6-7
The magnificent “message” penned to the Philippians makes so much “sanctifying” satisfied sense – Praise our LOVING Lord!
We are not guaranteed tomorrow – tomorrow may be too late! If you haven't yet made that most important decision of your life, won't you make Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior today - before it's too late? Today is the day of Salvation!
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Shane K. Morin <><
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