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On Sep 17, 2006: Philippians 4:10-23 · Teachings On This Day On FerventWord

• You are listening to FerventWord, an online Bible study ministry with teachings and tools to help you grow deeper in your relationship with God. The following message was taught by Jerry Simmons in 2006. He ends with some very important discussions, some important examples for you and I to learn from. Now, as we've been studying through the book of Philippians, we started back at the end of June. And at this point, I'm sure having covered it so many times, you're very familiar with the theme of this book. What is the theme of this book? Joy, right? And we've talked about that word. I'm sure that you're familiar with the saying of how to have joy in your life. You put joy. You put Jesus first and then the O is the others and then you put others second and then Y is yourself. And you put yourself last. And if you put that priority in your life and live that way, you will have joy. It's God's formula, God's design to give you joy, to give you the abundant life that he desires for you. Now, as we finish off this subject of joy, this book of joy, Paul gives us two more examples now, his own example and the example of the Philippian church. These are examples that will take place in our life of what will manifest itself as we follow the pattern of joy, putting Jesus first, others second and ourselves last. In Paul's example this morning, he teaches us to be content. But in the Philippian church example this morning, he teaches us to learn to give. So we learn to be content and we learn to give. And it's interesting, joy is an important part of both of those. And they kind of build upon each other because the more that you are content, the better you are At giving the more free you are to give and to be blessed and the more you can experience the joy of giving if you are content. And so let's look at what Paul has to say to us this morning, starting in verse 10. He says this, but I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again, though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Paul, as he's closing out the letter, he uses the word rejoice for the final time. He says, I rejoiced greatly that your care has flourished for me again. I rejoiced in the Lord again greatly. Notice again, rejoiced in the Lord. And that's very important in our joy and in our rejoicing. As we rejoice in the Lord, we can rejoice in all circumstances. But he says, I rejoiced greatly. Now, Up to the very end of this book, Paul is talking about joy. And we must remember that he is in prison writing to this. And with that in mind, I was looking back over the book this morning and thinking about the different things that brought Paul joy. What were the things that he specifically said he rejoices in? There's times where he commanded the Philippians to rejoice or he talks about having great joy. But there's three other times specifically where that he says i rejoice in this the thing three things that paul rejoices in pay attention see if you notice anything the first time it's found in philippians chapter 1 verse 18 paul says i rejoice that christ is preached whether it's you know false motivation or good motivation i just rejoice that jesus christ is preached the second time it's found in philippians chapter 2 verse 16 He talks about his rejoicing. He says, I rejoice that you're holding fast or hold fast that I may rejoice as I see you in eternity. And so he's rejoicing because they're holding fast. He's looking forward to them being in heaven and his work being fruitful. And then in the third time, found in the next verse, Philippians chapter 2, verse 17, he says, I rejoice that I'm being poured out as a drink offering. That I'm just, my life is a sacrifice. It's just a supplemental sacrifice to your life. Now, looking at those three things leading up to this one here, do you notice anything? Did you catch the word joy? The first thing he said, I rejoice that Christ is preached. He put Jesus first. The second thing, I rejoice that I may rejoice that you held fast. The Philippians were second for Paul. And he says, if I myself am being poured out as a drink offering, I rejoice. Jesus, others, yourself, and you will have joy. That's God's plan for you and I. It's God's purpose. It's God's priorities for our lives. We need to learn to apply them. It's more than just a cute saying, but it's the way that Paul lived and it's the example he gave for us. It's the formula that God has given to us. If you want to have joy, put Jesus first, others second, and yourself last. You have to lose your life in order to find it. You have to die to yourself in order to have abundant and joyful life. Paul says, I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again. Though surely you did care, but you lacked opportunity. The Philippians and the Apostle Paul had a really great relationship. And remember back in Acts chapter 16, he went there, he was persecuted, put in jail, but Lydia received the gospel, the Philippian jailer received the gospel, there's a church that's birthed there, and then he departed from Philippi, and he goes down to other areas around Philippi, then he goes down to southern Greece, but at that time, as he was... in their area, the Philippians, in response to what Paul had done there, they supported Paul. They sent aid to him and God Gives to him time and time again. And that's what Paul is talking about. He says, now at last your care has flourished again. You used to care for me a lot as far as giving and providing for me. But at this last time now that I'm in prison, it's flourished again. And if you remember, the book of Philippians was written. It was a thank you note from Paul writing to the Philippians to thank them for the gift that they had sent to him by the hand of Epaphroditus. So while he was ministering in the area of Greece, they provided for him. But then as time went on, they stopped probably. Well, Paul says it's not because they did not care, but just that the opportunity was not there anymore. They didn't have an opportunity before. But but now there was an opportunity. Now, at this point in Paul's life, there was a need like there was before when he was ministering in that area. And so they respond. And so a good example set for us by the Philippian church. We need to be responding to the needs of the body of Christ. Responding to need is so important for us as Christians. Paul, in giving instruction to Titus in Titus 3.14, he says, Let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. Meeting urgent needs or meeting needs of the body of Christ is an important element to our Christian walk. And Paul, in giving us himself as an example, as well as the church as an example this morning, needs to share with us and we need to receive from him this example that we might learn to meet the needs of those that are in the body of Christ. And again, this is why learning to be content is so important, because it's when you are content that you will be available to meet urgent needs. See, if you're always caught up or if I'm always caught up with, well, I still need to purchase this or to get that. You know, I was looking at some headlines this week and found that the yacht industry is booming and it's not the 30 meters and under yachts that are going big time. It's the 30 meters and greater. That's What is that, 90 feet, something like that? But, you know, these huge boats and they're talking about how it's so wonderful because, you know, it shows the economy is still booming because they're selling all these yachts like crazy. Well, you know, if that's my goal and that's my purpose, I'm not going to be available to meet very many needs. If I'm not content until I have that or this other thing or whatever it is that I might feel that I need. then I'm not going to be available to meet the needs that are presented to me in my life, the needs that God wants me to meet. Now, from time to time, we will have and we have had in the past urgent needs within the body of Christ, within the family that God has given to us, be it in Okinawa or Williamsburg or Watsonville, within our own body here at Living Water. There will be those needs. And we need to learn to be content that we might be available to meet those needs. Now, anytime we talk about money, things of this nature, it can be difficult as a pastor because there's so much abuse that goes on under the name of Christ. There's so much abuse that goes on under the name of the church. But understand that there are times when we will bring needs to your attention because they are genuine needs and opportunities for you as the body to participate and to share. Paul said that they lacked opportunity before. And it makes me wonder, well, how did this opportunity come about? He's not in Philippi. He's in Rome, quite a distance away. How was it that this opportunity presented itself when there was an opportunity before? Was it that Paul wrote them and said, Oh, man, ministry is going to stop. God's not going to be able to continue to work in Rome if you don't send money. You better send money right now. That's not the opportunity that presented it. That's not how Paul responded. That's not how Paul acted. And he goes on to share that. He makes it very clear this morning that that's not what it was like. No, the opportunity presented itself because they found out That he was in distress, as it says in verse 14. They found out there's a need. And so they responded to that need. That need presented itself as an opportunity for them. Sounds like sales tactics, huh? It's not a need, it's an opportunity, right? No doubt they heard that he was in distress, that he was in trouble. And they had this tremendous care for him. And so they sent aid to him. And so we have the Church of Philippi as an example. We'll see different aspects of their example this morning in the area of giving. But responding to need in the body of Christ is so important for us. Whether it's a need that's announced, maybe from the pulpit, maybe that's shared with you personally. Maybe it's a need that's from personal observation, justification. Just in seeing a situation or in talking with someone, you understand and know that there's a need. Or perhaps it's revealed in prayer. Not someone revealed it to you, but God just puts upon your heart that there's a need that needs to be met. We need to be available and open to respond to those things. And I want to take just a moment to... sidetrack ourselves for just a second here and use this opportunity to share with you the way things work briefly around here financially so that you can learn to respond to the things that God puts upon your heart. For some of you, this is familiar things, but just to make sure we all know how things work that we might properly respond. The offerings that are received on Sunday mornings are These are what we consider and call regular tithes and offerings. The gifts that are given that are not distinct or not set us apart for something specific when they're given just go to the general operational cost of the church. electricity, water, trash, mortgage, pastoral salaries, outreaches, and so on and so forth. And so Sunday morning is used to really operate the church and continue to have the studies and things that we're so blessed by that God has given to us. Wednesday evening is not the same. Wednesday evening is our missionary offering. And the gifts that are given on Wednesday go specifically and only to the missionaries that we support monthly. Now, the missionaries we support monthly and what is given on Wednesday never exactly matches. It's always less. And so we continue to contribute out of what's given on Sunday morning as well to those whom God has sent out. And we support different missionaries and and missionaries. And things like that. And so we continue to do that. But Wednesday night goes specifically to those missionaries and those that God has sent out. But aside from those things, just so that you know, you can always write a specific need down. That you want to meet on an envelope or the check that you write as you're giving to the body. So if it's Sunday morning, but you want to give to missions, you write missions. But if there's maybe someone specific on your heart, a specific missionary, a specific person or a specific need that needs to be met. Indicate that you can write that and you can use the church in order to bless them without your right hand knowing what your left hand is doing, if you know what I'm talking about and being discreet and giving and blessing. You're able to do that. Now, perhaps God will put it upon your heart to help someone attend a retreat or something of that effect as well. You can do that. And please do so if God puts it upon your heart. Indicate that as you give and and they will be blessed. Now, Now, you get the picture, I'm sure, and I'm not going to go on and on and all of this. But the point is, we're here to help you respond to what God puts upon your heart. Now, again, whenever I talk about money and giving, there's always the thought that it's bias, you know, because I have something to gain, right? Because I'm the pastor and I get, you know, the cut off the top. Well, that's not the case. It's not true. It's not a percentage that I'm paid by. My salary is set by the board of directors, which is all of the pastors that God has sent out from here. Pastor Tom, Pastor Rick, Pastor Dion, Pastor Tom Holland, Pastor Dylan. They said it's a set amount and that's what I receive every month. And so it's not biased. I have nothing to gain here. It's all just to encourage you. Just like Paul says, let me just read on verse 11. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. I'm not sharing these things in regard to need because I need more, so give more. But because there is needs, genuine needs, legitimate needs in the body of Christ. And so be aware and be open and be praying and ready and be available. so that you're able to help, to contribute, to bless those who are in need. So verse 11, Paul says, Not that I speak in regard... And so just like I'm kind of, you know, backpedaling a little bit, Paul's making sure, hey, they understand I'm not asking for more money. OK, I'm not I'm not asking to to give you more. He's thanking them and showing his appreciation, but wanting them to know that he is trusting in the Lord. As we continue through this passage, listen to the heart of Paul and use this as comparison. Whenever the subject of money is brought up in a church setting or in a giving type of setting, Paul. Use this as comparison because Paul shows the genuine heart, the right heart here. And we can use this to understand those who are legitimately in need and those who are not. Paul says, not that I speak in regard to need. Now, throughout his ministry, Paul often encouraged believers to give. He would speak to them in regard to need. but not his own personal need. It would always be the needs of others that he would encourage the believers in. He would encourage them to meet the needs of those believers in Jerusalem when there was that great need and so on and so forth. But it was not his own personal need. You know, please give because I really have these needs. Paul set the example for us. He set the model for us. It's an important distinction to make because for our personal needs... You and I, we must look to the Lord and trust in him. He promised to provide and he told us not to worry about our provision. In Matthew chapter 6, verses 25 through 34, he makes it very clear. The things that you eat or drink or wear, don't worry about those things. God knows you need them and he will provide them. Paul says, in whatever state I am, I've learned to be content. I'm not telling you all this, guys, because I have this need that I want you to meet. But I'm telling you all this to say thank you and appreciation for what you've done. Not because I need you to give me some more. He says, in everything, whatever state I am, I've learned to be content. This word content, it means sufficient for oneself, strong enough, To need no aid or support. Strong enough to need no aid or support. Paul says, this is how I am, guys. I'm strong enough. I don't need any aid or support. Now, please understand Paul. He's not being arrogant here. He makes it very clear as he goes on. His support, his strength, it doesn't come from himself. It's not from his own resources that he's strong enough or has enough that he needs no aid or support. But he is looking to and relying upon Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ only. He's not saying that he relies upon himself. He's saying that Christ gives him everything that he needs. He is sufficient because God is supplying his needs. Paul is taking seriously Jesus's words. Again, Matthew chapter six. Let me read to you a couple of verses from that portion. Verses 31 through 33. Jesus says, do not worry, saying, what shall we eat or what shall we drink or what shall we wear? For after all these things, the Gentiles seek for your heavenly father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Jesus's point. Listen, you have physical needs. You're going to have needs for your family. You're going to have needs for yourself. Practical things. They're genuine needs, but don't worry about them. I'll take care of those things as you seek first the kingdom of God, Jesus says. You put Jesus first. You serve him first and you be obedient to him first and I'll take care of all those things. All those things will be added on to you. It's not up to you to provide those things for yourself or your family. It's up to you to serve the Lord and he will take care of the rest. And Paul says, that's what I've learned. Whatever state I am, I'm just being obedient to the Lord. And he gives me everything that I need. Using different methods and different means, yes, but it's looking to the Lord and relying upon the Lord completely. I really like that Paul said he had to learn to be content. It's not something that happened automatically or naturally, but a process through which God taught him to be content. He learned those things by going through them. And so we need to take Paul's example and let it be a challenge to us. Learn to be content with what you have, with what God has given to you. In whatever state you happen to be, learn to be content. Contentment, again, is closely related to joy. Because when you put Jesus first and others second and yourself last, it's much easier to be content because you're last on the list. You're already living your life for Jesus and others first. You've died to yourself. There's not much room for you to be discontent because you'll be content in pleasing Jesus and serving him and serving others. Seek first the kingdom of God. Trust in him with all your heart and he will take care of the rest. He'll provide all the things that are necessary for you. Verse 12. Paul says, I know how to be abased and I know how to abound everywhere. And in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. He says in verse 11, whatever state I'm in. And here he gives us some examples of that. Here's what I mean by whatever state I'm in. I don't just mean the comfortable times, but when I'm abased, I'm And when I'm abounding, I know how to do both. I know how to be at both ends of the spectrum. I've lived there and I've learned to be content through it all. You know, it's one thing to be content when we're blessed and when we have more than enough, you know, to walk out of hometown buffet. I'm content. Right. That's that's one thing that's different. But the other side, what about when there's not money for food or what about when you are hungry? Will you still be content? Paul says, whatever state I'm in, it really does require, this is truly death to self, looking to Jesus first, putting him and making him the priority of our lives and not ourselves, not our flesh. We really must learn to die to ourselves, serving Jesus first, others second, so that we can learn to be content in whatever state we are. Abased, it means to be low. It means to be wiped out so that there's nothing left. It's just a plane. So that when your life, when there's just nothing left, be content. Or when it's abounding, when there's just plenty and piles and piles and piles, to be content. Full or hungry. Now, it's one thing to have experienced times in the past, but I was challenged as I was meditating on this portion. You know, I was thinking back to those times in my life. You know, I made all the foolish decisions, had all kinds of financial trouble. And, you know, there was a time where I just lived off of, you know, jumbo jacks for 99 cents. And so jumbo jacks and a package of crackers give me through the day. And, you know, that was enough. And I would be able to live most days. And every couple of days I would splurge and have, you know, two meals out in the day. And then that way, you know, I would be able to kind of carry on and go through because I just... Wasted all my money and I was very foolish. And so I remember those times of hunger, those times where, you know, it's like God taught me to fast without me being very willing to do so. And I remember those times. But then I thought, you know, does that mean, though, that I'm able to say I know how to be hungry and I know how to be full? Because now that I'm full, I think about being hungry. I go, oh, I don't know. I don't know if I can handle going back to that and just being content. I don't know if I can handle, yes, I've been there, but am I willing to be in either place? Am I willing to just, wherever you want me, Lord, if you want me there, I'll be there. I'll be there over there. Today, tomorrow, whenever, it doesn't matter. I'm content with you, Lord. You're enough. You're all that I need. And so I'm content wherever you put me, you're going to meet my needs. And I'm going to trust you for that. That's a challenge. That's heavy. That's hard. That's difficult. You know, we're so blessed in this country. We really don't know much about being abased or being hungry or suffering need. We know it to some extent and some have experienced it more than others. But compared to the rest of the world, we really do experience very little. And that's why it's hard for us to learn contentment. Because our society and everything about us is so focused on fulfilling ourselves, catering to ourselves, meeting our needs and satisfying our wants. It's what our lifestyle is all about. And we need to learn to be content where God has us, with what he has given to us, that we might be willing and able, available to give to others. Verse 13, Paul says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This is a wonderful statement of the Apostle Paul. This is why he's able to be content. He's not some perfect human being and that's why he can be whatever state he wants to be in. Abased, abound, full, hungry, doesn't matter. The reason why he's able to do that is because of Christ who strengthens him. His focus is completely on Jesus Christ. He's relying completely upon the Lord. This is how he learns to be content, even if he's abased. Christ gives me the strength. He has me here. There's such power in this verse. The absolute trust and confidence in Jesus that Paul has. Nothing he goes through in this life is going to shake that confidence. He always has Jesus. He knows he's right where God wants him to be. He's walking with God in the center of God's will. God knows his needs. God knows what Paul can handle and what he cannot handle. And so in any situation, he says, I'm not going to complain. I'm not going to moan and groan. I'm not going to plead with all these guys because, you know, they need to send me money because I'm broke right now. But Lord, you have me here in this place and you're able to meet the need and you give me the strength. I can do all things, Lord. If you want me to be a base, I can be a base because you give me the strength. Lord, if you want me to be hungry, I can be hungry. Because I have everything that I need to walk with you and to do what you've called me to do. Hey, if I'm in prison, Lord, then God wants me here and he'll give me everything that I need. If I'm suffering need, Lord, you will carry me through. Or perhaps on the other side, the other side is sometimes more difficult, much harder. Lord, if you want me to have this abundance, I can do it. Help me to stay focused on you and to be content, not hoarding it for my own pleasures, but using it for your glory. If I have plenty of food, that's where God wants me. I like what Pastor Tom shares, you know, as he shares the testimony about how God just provides food and an abundance, an abundance of food. And then he shared with us that the Lord said, well, why am I giving this to you? Just so that you can just, you know, have a big refrigerator. Now you need to get two refrigerators to store all this stuff. No, give it out. Now he's just being used to bless others and he gets to be a part of God's work in that way. And so whatever state we find ourselves in, we can be content. We must be content because Jesus Christ is our strength. Paul is not relying upon his own resources. He is only relying upon Jesus Christ. And we see clearly from Paul's example then to learn to be content, to seek first the kingdom of God. And know that as you do, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. We just sang the song a few minutes ago, be the strength of my life. Be the strength of my life. Be the strength of my life. You know, it's one thing, sometimes we're here and we're tired. But I need you to be the strength of my life today. I'm tired. Things are difficult. Lord, I need you to be the strength of my life. But you know the power... Of asking God to be the strength of our life. You know what that song is talking about? The understanding we must come to, the understanding we must learn, is that even on my best day, I need God to be the strength of my life. It's not just when I'm tired or when things have been hard or difficult. I need Christ completely. And without Him, I'm lost even on my best day. I'm at my prime and I've done everything right and I've got all that I have to give and everything is going for me. Listen, if Christ is not the strength of my life, I'll be wiped out. I'll quickly learn to be content, being abased. I need Jesus every day of my life. Good day, bad day, rain, sunshine, rain. Money, no money. I need Christ. And that needs to be the reality that we learn so that we can be content. Christ needs to be the strength of my life so that I can be content. It's a statement of how much you and I completely need God. And understand this. When God is all that I need, I'm content. If God's not all that I need, then I'm not content. Because I'm going to always need something else. But when God is all that I need, when Jesus is first in my life, I am content. Because if you seek me, you will find me. If you knock, I'll open the door. Jesus promises to be there. He promises to meet our needs. He promises relationship with us, to never leave us or forsake us. And if he is all that we need, I can be content. But when I'm not content, I show to myself and I'm telling myself, I need more than Jesus. I'm looking to other things besides Jesus to meet my needs, to satisfy me. I'm not satisfied. And we need to be careful. If Jesus does not satisfy you, you're in a bad place. Be satisfied only with Jesus Christ. He's truly the only one who can satisfy you. And so we need to search after him and not the things of this life. And that's what happens. We get caught up with the things of this life and we become discontent. And the interesting thing, Paul says, you know, contentment. I'm content in either situation. Well, the thing is, if you haven't learned to let Christ satisfy your needs, you're going to be discontent in any of those situations. Abased, you're not going to be content. Even if you're abounding, you're not going to be content. If Jesus Christ hasn't satisfied you, you'll never be content in whatever situation. But let Christ satisfy your thirst. Make Him your priority and your passion. Let Him consume your life. Let everything you do be about Him. And He'll give you the strength. And you'll learn to be content in all areas, in all aspects of life. Verse 14, Nevertheless, you have done well that you have shared in my distress. Paul now goes back to the church's example. He's shared with us his example. His learning to be content by relying upon God. But then he goes back to the church and he says, nevertheless, you've done well that you've shared in my distress. I'm content. I trust God wherever I am, he says. He's going to give me whatever I need to get through. But at the same time, you Philippians, you've done well in sharing with me. Now, Paul's made it very clear that he's not asking for money or more money. So now he's more at liberty to share about the importance of giving. And that's what he goes on to do. Notice he uses the word distress here in verse 14. He was in distress. That means a hard place, a tight spot. Paul really did have a need. There was a genuine, legitimate need. He really was in that tight spot. But it wasn't because he asked the Philippians for money or he was begging for money or he was shouting about the need or complaining about it. But he was there and God used the Philippians to meet that need. And God always works that way. You know, he could have just had money fall out of the sky. He could have had Paul like look over in the prison cell and there between, you know, two bricks was just, you know, a wad of cash. God could have done that. But he used the Philippians. He stirred the heart of the Philippians and had them send Epaphroditus with this gift to Paul. He always works that way. He wants to use us as the body of Christ to minister to others who are in need. David Berndt, one of the guys here in the fellowship, I like what he always says. He says, you know, God likes to do things where he gets it too first. Paul gets blessed, but now the Philippians get blessed as well because they were used by God to bless Paul. And so it's a twofer. At least two or more are blessed and there's a double blessing as a part of it. And that's the way that God works. That's why it's so important for us to be available because God wants to use us to meet the needs of others in our lives. In God's plan, not only is Paul blessed because the need is met, They're blessed because they were able to give and meet the need. Verses 15 and 16. Now, you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving, but you only. For even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Now, To understand this, let me give you a quick outline of what Paul is talking about here. It's going back to when he was first in Philippi, back in the book of Acts chapter 16. You don't have to turn there, but just to give you a rough outline of the way things happened. Paul was in Philippi there in Acts chapter 16. Remember, he was in prison. The Philippian jailer gets saved and God starts a work there. But he leaves Philippi and he goes down to Thessalonica. And that's found in Acts chapter 17. He spends a few weeks in Thessalonica. He gets ran out of there by the upset Jews. And then he goes down to Berea. And he goes and ministers to Berea for some time. And then after that, he gets run out of there again. And Acts chapter 18, he goes down there. to a city called Corinth. Stops by in Athens on the way. But he ends up in Corinth and he spends a good deal of time in Corinth. 18 months, a year and a half there in the city of Corinth. Now, Acts chapter 16 and 17 takes place in an area called Macedonia. The cities Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, they're all known as part of the area called Macedonia. It might be like what we consider a county today. Riverside County as the city of Riverside, the city of Corona, the city of Narco. Well, Macedonia was the northern part of Greece. And in it were Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and a multitude of other cities. But as he goes down to Corinth, Corinth is the southern part of Greece. It wasn't the area known as Macedonia, but it was the area known as Achaia. And while he's in Corinth, he did not receive money from the Corinthians. He's down in Corinth, he's ministering, he's sharing the gospel for a year and a half. But to set an example for the ministers that would come after him and to make sure others weren't part of it just for the profit or to make something on it, Paul did not receive any financial support from the Corinthians. So how was it that Paul survived for a year and a half, 18 months in Corinth? Well, we know that Paul was not opposed to working. He often would make tents all night long so that he could minister during the day. But what he says here in Philippians chapter 4 is that it was the Philippians that supported him. See verse 15. When I departed from Macedonia, that is that northern region. When I departed from the city of Philippi, but also Thessalonica and Berea and those northern parts. When I departed from there and went down to Corinth, What does he say? No church shared with me concerning giving and receiving, but you only. The Philippians were the ones who were supporting Paul while he was ministering there in Corinth for a year and a half. Corinth was, like I said, the southern part of Greece. And when he's writing to the church at Corinth in 2 Corinthians chapter 11, Paul makes it very clear. He did that for a purpose. He did it for a reason to set the example so that others would not rip off the body of Christ. But now, while he's writing Second Corinthians, there were people coming in and doing the same thing that often happens in Christian world today, trying to get money from the body. And the church was falling for it. But he tells them in 2 Corinthians 11, verse 8, I robbed other churches taking wages from them to minister to you. Paul says, look, when I was there, I set the example. I robbed other churches. Not that he literally robbed them, but they supported him. Because the... The spiritual lies or the principle that God teaches is whoever preaches from the gospel should make his living from the gospel. Those who receive and are blessed spiritually should contribute as well materially with those who are ministering to them. Paul dealt with that in great detail in 1 Corinthians, I believe it's chapter 9. But Paul says, I didn't do that with you guys to set the example. And so these other guys, the church of Philippi, these churches in Macedonia, which is the church of Philippi here that he's referring to, they supported me. Verse 9 of 2 Corinthians 11, When I was present with you and in need, I was a burden to no one for what I lacked, the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied. He was in need. There was a genuine need there. There was the opportunity that he was talking about at the beginning here in chapter 4. And so the church of Macedonia, specifically the church of Philippi, sent aid to Paul and supported him in his work down in Corinth. But even before that, if you remember, he's in Philippi, he goes down to Thessalonica, then to Corinth. While he was in Thessalonica, Paul says in verse 16, they supported him there too. For even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for my necessities. And that speaks to me because Paul was only in Thessalonica for three weeks. For three Sabbaths he ministered. And then he ran out of the town. But yet more than once, a couple times, the Philippians sent aid and sent gifts and resources to bless him. This morning, I want to encourage you, like Paul, to learn to be content, to make yourself available so that you'd be able to give. I want to encourage you to be praying regularly. for ways and looking for ways to give, but only to give what you can give happily and willingly. Only give what you can give like the Church of Philippi. Even if it's something just right down the street and only for three weeks, be that eager and ready to give. You know, sometimes, well, okay, I want to give, but let me start saving up. And so it'll take a little bit or They were eager. They were ready. They had the attitude of, we're ready. Just show us where, Lord. We're ready to give. Because they were content. We need to learn that same heart in our lives. To have that eagerness to give. It's part of the example here we learn from the church at Philippi. To be eager to give. Even if it's an urgent need. Something that needs a quick response. Verse 17. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Now, once again, Paul's making it very clear. I'm not asking you for money. I'm not seeking the gift. I'm not saying all this so that you'll send me more money. Once again, I'll remind you, I'm not asking for money, Paul says. And once again, I'll remind you, I'm not asking for money. That's Jerry speaking this time. I'm not asking for money. Well, once again, I'll remind you, take this example, the example set by the Apostle Paul, and compare it to any type of situation that where money is talked about. Compare it and recognize the genuine needs and those that are not. Learn from the example of the Philippians. To respond to the need, that's what we saw in verse 10. To be eager to give, that's what we saw in verse 16. But it's also important to be wise in your giving. And don't just give to everyone who asks for money, unless God tells you to. Respond to the Lord in your giving. Paul says, Paul's making it clear so that we understand there's no manipulation going on here. What I desire is the fruit that abounds to your account. And this is why giving is so important. Because when we give, we're doing more than meeting a temporary physical need. We are laying up treasures in heaven. It seems like I've shared the scripture a lot recently. I'm not sure if it's from Proverbs or Philippians. I can't remember. Horrible memory. But Matthew chapter 6, do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Jesus makes it clear again. Here's the priority. Here's what you need to be concerned about. Not the treasures in this life, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Paul says, I'm not speaking to you regarding a need. I'm speaking to you and I'm sharing this with you because I desire that the fruit would abound to your account. That fruit that he's talking about is the treasures in heaven that Jesus tells us to lay up. It's been often said, I don't know who originally said it, You cannot take it with you, but you can send it ahead. Which means you can build up your kingdom here and have all this money and you can be buried in your favorite sports car, but you can't take it with you. When you get to heaven, all the stuff that are on the slide, it stays here. But you can send it ahead. Instead of using that to build your kingdom here, you can use it for God's kingdom and lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. See, God's accounting methods are somewhat different than our own. You may not be able to go onto the mission field, but the fruit that takes place on the mission field will abound to your account if you support those or help those who can go. Same thing applies with our prayers as well, but specifically here we're talking about giving and learning to give. And God says, look, if you will participate in my work, if you'll give to what I'm doing and you'll give to things that have eternal value, I'm going to bless you for it. But don't look for it here. You're going to be laying up treasures in heaven. There's going to be fruit that abounds to your account. God's going to say it's just as if that person was there sharing with them because they made it possible for this other one to go because they gave everything. So that others could hear the gospel message. They gave so that my kingdom could be established. That needs could be met. In God's economy, when we give to a work or a ministry, the fruit that results is also accounted to us. Now, something else to take into consideration. It's not a straight one-to-one ratio. You know, you give a dollar, you get a dollar in heaven kind of thing. It doesn't work that way. Do you remember the story in Luke chapter 21? Jesus is there. He's watching those who are coming in and they're giving in the offering. And he's watching them. He's there with his disciples. And he tells them, check this out. Look at this woman who's giving. And then Luke 21, he sees this woman and she puts in two mites. It's not even worth a penny. But she puts it in. She gives it into the offering. And Jesus tells the disciples, look at this. This is awesome. What she gave is more than all these other gave. And the disciples are looking around at these people giving just, you know, lots of cash, great big gifts and donations. And Jesus says, no, her gift is more. Why? He says, verse 4 of Luke 21, for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God. But she, out of her poverty, put in all the livelihood that she had. It cost her more. And so it was worth more to God. It's not a straight one-to-one ratio. It's based on how much did it cost you to give that? What is that really to you? And if you give out of your abundance and you don't suffer as a result, yeah, there's fruit that abounds. But if you give out of need, the fruit abounds even more. And that's the situation that the Philippians were in. They weren't rich and wealthy like the Corinthians were, but they gave. They supported. And Paul says, that's great. This is wonderful. Not so that you'll send me more money, but because the fruit abounds to your account. You're storing up for yourselves treasures in heaven. You're paving the way. You're storing up a wonderful entrance into God's kingdom and God's economy. We need to learn to invest our temporary money in things that will last for eternity. And even if you do not have an abundance, still give, God says, because God accounts it as much more. Much more we could talk about, but let's keep moving. Verse 18. Indeed, I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. Paul says, you've blessed me. I have more than enough now. You met the need that I had. I have all and abound. I was in distress, but now I have all and abound. And here he tells us what giving is all about. Now, even though they gave to Paul, again, it was in reality a gift to God. He says it's a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And we need to understand that that is what's really taking place as we respond to need, as we're eager to give, as we help those that God puts in our path. It's a sacrifice and an offering to God. It's very clear. Paul's saying, you know, you're not giving this to get my favor. You're not giving this so that I can pray to God for you. That's often a ploy that's used. Send me your $20 and I'll nail your prayer request to my cross and pray over it. That's not why we give. We give because it's an offering to the Lord. It's a sacrifice to him. It's a sweet smelling aroma to him. That's the motive. That's the purpose. That's what giving to God is. As we give to those who have need, it is a sweet-smelling, acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. Verse 19, And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. This is a verse that is often quoted. It's a powerful and wonderful promise. It is important that we make sure we keep this in context. Who is this promise given to? It's given to the Philippians who had given to Paul out of their need, but they gave to meet his need in his distress. The promise is true. The principle, absolute. You can count on it, guarantee it. But it's important to understand the context. As you give to the Lord, as you seek first the kingdom of God, all these things will be added unto you, Jesus said. And that's what Paul is saying. You've given to God. You've participated in the kingdom of God. You've laid up for yourselves treasures in heaven. And so my God is going to supply all of your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. My God is going to provide for you because you're putting first the kingdom of God. It's so important because, you know, if we're foolish and we spend the money for rent on foolish things, God's not obligated to cover that for us now in my experience He might he often has in my life when I've been foolish and done stupid things with lots of money His grace and his mercy is abundant But there's also been the other side the times where God has let me reap what I have sown That I might learn to be a good steward something. I'm still learning and And so it doesn't mean that whatever you do, just spend the money anyways because God's going to... Well, you need to be careful because God might need to teach you the hard way then if that's your attitude. No, we need to learn to be good stewards and understand that God will provide if we make Him our priority, if we seek first His kingdom. And our checkbook shows that. Our bank account demonstrates that. That we're seeking first the kingdom of God. He's going to meet our needs. He's going to satisfy the things that are necessary for us. The promise is this. Seek first the kingdom of God. Give to those who have need as God puts it upon your heart. And trust him to meet your needs. The last few verses as he closes the book. He ends it with these greetings. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. He closes the letter with some basic greetings, wishing grace upon them, telling them to greet one another. The saints, especially the saints of Caesar's household, greet them. A wonderful family that God has brought together as a result of their relationship. But as we conclude our time together this morning and really conclude this wonderful book that we've been studying, for me to remind you of the same things is not tedious, but for you it's safe. Have joy in your life. Put Jesus first, others second, and yourself last. And specifically looking at today, you'll learn to be content. Follow Paul's example and learn to be content. It wasn't just here that we see this example in Paul. In 1 Timothy chapter 6, Paul tells this to Timothy, Paul had, as always, the eternal perspective. We didn't bring anything in. We can't take anything out. All the things that are here, they're going to stay here. And so just as long as I have food and clothing, Paul says, I'm content. God has promised to meet those needs and satisfy me that way. And so I'm going to use the rest for the next life. The eternal perspective. I'll be content. Food and clothing in Jesus, I'm good. Nothing in Jesus, I'm good, Paul says. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And so he's living for the next life. Learn to be content that you may learn to be like the Philippian church in giving. Being able to respond to the need, even if it's an urgent need. Being eager and ready to give, willing to give, because we need to consider God's economy, the way that God works. As we invest our temporary money in things that last for eternity, there's treasures being laid up in heaven. The fruit abounds to our account. Even if you do not have an abundance, we can still give, and God accounts it as much more than Because He's not looking for the amount. He doesn't need our money. But He wants our hearts. And as we give, it's a sweet smelling aroma. It's an acceptable sacrifice. Well pleasing to God. The worship team is going to come up now and close us in one last song. And I would encourage you just to allow these things to speak to your heart. Let God speak and penetrate your heart. In the area of contentment, giving, putting Jesus first. How's your joy? It's related to your contentment, It's also related to or shown by, demonstrated by, your ability to give. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, what powerful examples you've given to us this morning in the example of Paul and the church at Philippi. Lord, the principles that you teach here that are so important to us, God, and yet so contrary to what we've learned in this world and what this world has to say and what we would think for ourselves naturally, God. Your ways are not our ways, Lord. So, Lord, may we learn to die to ourselves, to surrender to your ways. Lord Jesus, teach us to put you first, others second, and ourselves last. Teach us, Lord, to be content in whatever state we are in that we might learn to give and store up for ourselves treasures in heaven. Thank you, God, for the opportunity, for the blessing to serve you. Lord, the very idea that we can offer to you a sweet-smelling gift Acceptable sacrifice that's well-pleasing to you is amazing. We don't deserve to offer you anything, God. And nothing we have is worth any value to you. But as we give to your work and your kingdom, as we give our hearts to you, you're pleased. We thank you, God. Help us to be well-pleasing to you, to live our lives for you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.