Lesson 7 Phil. 4:8 - 23 Gratitude for Concerned Support
1. Finally... Phil. 4:8-9
I split between last week's lesson and this week's at verse 8 because it begins with the word 'Finally'. Seemed like a good way to start the final part of the study.
But, as I've read and re-read the passage, I've realized verses 8 - 9 probably should've been included with last week's discussion. Paul really isn't summing up his letter at this point, he's summing up his discussion of 'living according to the pattern we gave you' (3: 17).
And, you know, he really does summarize it well. In a nutshell, living as a citizen of the Kingdom of God boils down to disciplining our thinking, and putting into practice those things we have learned..what we have heard from and observed in our spiritual leaders. Put that with the previous verses, about living in joy and turning all our issues over to God, and we have the following instructions:
Don't worry about anything; God is near and you can ask Him for what you need. Think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Put into practice the things you have learned, received, or observed from or in the teachers/leaders God has given you.
At first, I thought it was odd that Paul didn't say anything about paying careful attention to the Spirit, but then I realized that he covered that...and a whole lot of other stuff...in saying 'put into practice what you have seen in me.' Paul's whole life was lived in close relationship with and obedience to the Spirit of God.
The Philippians who read this letter would know from watching Paul live amongst them how he followed God.
Living according to that pattern will put us in the constant presence of the God of peace, and the peace He gives will protect our hearts and minds.
2. Thank You! Phil. 4:10 - 19
Now Paul actually does begin the wrap up of his letter. So far he hasn't mentioned the gift from the Philippians, so he does so now.
But look; he's careful to word it such that they don't feel obligated to support him...and gives us a great example to follow in the process.
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances, he says in verse 11, and he states in verse 12, I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.
In verse 13, he shares the secret: I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
It's interesting that, in this context, the 'everything' that Paul is referring to isn't necessarily undertaking great projects, or facing a difficult or dangerous task...it's living everyday in unpredictable and often uncomfortable or even physically difficult conditions while maintaining the lifestyle he had just described.
Nevertheless, he is grateful for the gift that the folks from Philippi have sent...and not just the gift that Epaphroditus brought, but other gifts that they have sent as well. The gift from Epaprhoditus was just the most recent installment in the financial support the folks at Philippi have been providing to Paul. His joy, though, is that they are sacrificing for the kingdom of God and will get a reward for what they have done. Paul hasn't asked for support, yet they have given it...what Paul states is 'a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.' They have helped supply Paul's needs; and Paul promises them that their needs will be supplied as well (v.19)
3)Benediction 4:10 - 23
Paul closes his letter with greetings for all the believers at Philippi, relaying greetings also from 'all the saints, especially those who belong to Caesar's household.' Now, remember that 'those who belong to Caesar's household' were likely folks Paul himself had led to the faith....just as he had been led the Philippian believers to faith years earlier. They shared a common spiritual father in Paul.
Finally, he blesses them with the grace of Jesus.
Now, I really believe the reason this letter is in the canon of Scripture is because these instructions and promises and encouragements are not just for the people of Philippi, but for all who believe. If it had been a personal letter with limited applications, it would not have been preserved for us to read and study.
We haven't given to Paul specifically, as the Philippians did, but I think any time we give to support those who labor in the kingdom we are identifying with the Philippians and their support of Paul. We tend to forget that the folks mentioned in the Bible were real people, with the same kinds of issues and emotions that we have, but we can't go so far into applying the Scripture to the specific people that we lose sight of the fact that the kingdom principles also apply to all believers. Paul really is writing to us, too.
Things to think about: In what areas of my life am I discontent? How can I put into practice the things Paul has instructed in order to learn the secret of being content in all circumstances?
Whom do I know who is working in the kingdom and could use the blessing of unexpected support? What support could I give them...volunteer time, financial assistance, an encouraging visit, or something else? What steps do I need to take to make that happen?
I'll link everything up next week with a few comments about the study as a whole.
The Study so far:
Feb. 5 Intro
Feb. 12 Lesson 1 Phil. 1:1 - 11 Affectionate Greetings
Feb. 19 Lesson 2 Phil. 1:12 - 29 Testimony in a Time of Suffering
Feb. 26 Lesson 3 Phil. 2:1 - 16 Exhortation to Humility
March 5 Lesson 4 Phil. 2:17 - 30 Commendations of Coworkers
March 12 Lesson 5 Phil. 3: 1 - 16 Warnings Regarding Legalism
March
March 26 Lesson 7 Phil. 4:8 - 23 Gratitude for Concerned Support
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