Episode 341 - "Consistent Faithfulness" - Philippians 4:10-23

Phil. 4:10 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.

Phil. 4:14 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.

Phil. 4:21 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.

Phil. 4:23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

One last time, Paul returns to the theme of rejoicing. He rejoices that they have revived their concern for him and have sent a financial gift for his needs. While he acknowledges the gift and is grateful for it, what lies at the heart of his rejoicing is their faithfulness to the work of the gospel. They were the only church that assisted him at the beginning of his ministry. They have not forgotten about him. They have been faithful to continue to support him as they were able.

This is perhaps one of the most valuable lessons we can receive from this letter.

Consider what it must have been like for Paul, traveling about for the sake of sharing the gospel. He knew that there would be times when he would be rejected and even persecuted. There were also times when he was received well. Yet maybe he went stretches of time without sufficient means for food or other necessities. How encouraging it was to him to be reminded that the believers at Philippi had not forgotten him. I believe this is an important function of the church. Collectively, we can remind ourselves and encourage each other to look out for the welfare of others in need.

Paul explained that he had learned how to be content in various circumstances, regardless of how much he had or lacked. This is the context for his assertion, "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." This is one of those verses that we find hanging on people's walls, either embroidered or as a print. Some people like to make it a life verse. My question to you is, “what do you think about that?" Is this a verse that we claim for ourselves, treating it like a spiritual vitamin? Is it like a can of spinach for Popeye? Do we boldly quote it, thinking that God will grant us some instant superpower to do whatever we decide to apply it?

I don't think that is what Paul intended. Rather, it's a statement about what Paul has learned from his many trials. I think this means that he's learned not to become self-sufficient when he has plenty and not to be bitter when he lacks. He's ready for it because the Lord has taught him this throughout his ministry. Consequently, Paul can confidently promise that God will provide all their needs out of His riches.

As the Philippian believers have encouraged Paul through their faithful generosity, he assures them that the LORD will provide for their needs.

There is one final detail in this letter I do not want you to miss. Notice in verse 22, he writes," All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household." Why is this important? It reveals that the gospel is making inroads in the household of the most powerful person in the known world at the time. The faithful service of those Philippian believers to the work of the gospel has had an impact that literally changed the world.

Imagine what God can do with us as we join together with fellow believers for the purpose of supporting the work of spreading the gospel of Christ and making disciples.