Welcome Home everyone, it’s great to be back in the saddle.
Congratulations are in order, because today we are finishing Paul’s letter to the Philippians.
My big idea for today is that together we can work for the unity of the church, because he will give use strength. My prayer for us today is that by hearing this message, together we would be found teeming with the fruits of righteousness. If you have your Bibles today you can join me in Philippians chapter 4, verse 10.
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were 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 all this 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 more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. 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 the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Philippians 4:10-23
In order to help me share with you today, I have separated my thoughts into 2 sections or points.
Be Joyful In All Seasons
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were 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 all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:10-13
The word rejoice deals directly with one’s expression of joy. This is not the same as happiness. Joy is internal and comes from the Lord. Happiness is external and is dependent on what is happening around you. Paul is joyful in the partnership he has with the Philippians. Not just because they have lightened Paul’s load, but because they are demonstrating a unity in Christ Jesus
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.
Philippians 4:11-12
No matter the situation, Paul is content in Jesus Christ. He Has learned the secret of being content. None of us are strong enough to do much of anything one our own.
Verse 13 says,
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13
It is only through His Power that we are strong. It is only by His mercy that we are justified/declared innocent of our sin.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9-11
When we appear to ourselves to be strong/confident in our flesh/abilities then we arrogantly push God aside.
When we rejoice in Jesus and spend time in His presence, we will find His peace is a gift that multiplies joy. We learn to trust the details of our lives and ministries to Him. In our weakness we lean on Jesus and His power/strength becomes perfect.
Take Part In The Giving And Receiving Of The Gospel
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 more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. 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 the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Philippians 4:14-20
Paul commends the Philippians by demonstrating their help an concern for Paul and the ministry. He honors them in this way, but more importantly, he brings this to light…
Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.
Philippians 4:17
Taking up our part in the ministry of the Gospel is about giving and receiving. Its not just about giving money. Its about giving of your time. Its about helping carry the burdens of others. Its about living your faith out loud that would give way for others to know Jesus.
We cannot be satisfied with resting on past successes. But we must press on to that day when he calls us home. That be sharing in His calling that we would be found in Him. Teeming in the fruits of righteousness that only come with fellowship with Jesus Christ.
In real time today what this really means is spending enough time in the presence of God and asking the Holy Spirit to flood your being in such a way the we are transformed in the likeness of Jesus Christ. Here’s the thing, one you ask the Lord to lead you and move through your life. You need to trust Him and obey Him.
“…They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”
Philippians 4:18
Paul uses this Old Testament, temple sacrifice language to denote the offering of obedience.
Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Philippians 4:21-23
Love each other. Find common ground in Jesus. Be a unified body. And let the grace of our Lord Jesus flow through your Spirit. Will you join me as we seek an authentic relationship united in Christ and each other? Rejecting division, embracing God’s reality in Jesus, and encouraging one another. It’s just between you and God. Here’s the thing, If we love God and abide in Christ we will find ourselves more and more loving each other. You will love more and you will love better. We will experience God in spirit and in truth and we will share that amongst each other.
Share all the ways God has shown you mercy and grace. Will you allow the Holy Spirit to stir faith in someone through your testimony? Would you join me as the Holy Spirit moves on us to be unified in the spirit of Christ? These are the kingdom values. This is truly the work of God. The intentional actions of the body of Christ. Remember the devil seeks only to kill steal and destroy. Steal your freedom, kill your joy, and destroy your destiny for hope and love. But God has a plan! He’s stealing from your neighbor, your family, and your loved ones today.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
Jesus, He’s the Son of the living God, and we can receive from Him today His Righteousness, His purpose and His calling. Will you call on him today? Your salvation/forgiveness is just one prayer away. Will you trust in his ability to do what He said He would do? Will you believe today?
Many of you need a fresh touch from God today. Is there some form of unbelief or a fracture of trust as it relates to God in your life today? God wants to redeem and restore those areas of your life? He wants to restore Joy and hope for you today.
You’re hearing this now and the Holy Spirit has brought someone or something to mind. He wants to speak life into this today. He wants to bring healing in this area today. There are areas of deep regret when it comes to your relationship with God and you have rejected Christ as your savior …It’s not too late.
It’s not too late to humble yourself before him today, hold out your arms and open your hands to receive from him today. Will you say yes to Jesus, today? Will you bow your heads with me? Some of you already know the Lord, but maybe he’s put something on your heart that you need to deal with, you need to ask his forgiveness today. If that’s you will you just acknowledge that to him today. This is just you and God here.
Now someone here may not have that relationship with Jesus and today you’ve felt him tugging at your heart, you’ve been hurt, and you’re guarded, I know. Jesus is here and wants set things right in your life. If you’ll say Pastor, I want Jesus to be my Lord and savior. Remember, it’s just you and God here. Will you pray with me today, We’ll pray here as a family and you can repeat after me?
Jesus, I know that I’m a sinner. I ask you today for your forgiveness. I believe that you died for my sins and on that 3rd day, you rose from the dead. I ask you to come into my heart today. I trust and follow you as my Lord and savior. Guide me and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name Amen.
“‘“The Lord bless you
Numbers 6:24-26
and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace.”’