Philippians 4:18-20 ESV

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.

GOD WILL SUPPLY OUR EVERY NEED.

The gifts Paul received were fruits credited to the Philippian’s account. Gifts given that are more than what is expected does demonstrate generosity, doesn’t it? And as such, it’s an outflow from a heart of worship - a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. We don’t live under the requirements of the sacrificial system anymore, do we? Today however, we could show our joy unto the Lord through other expressions of worship such as the sharing of gifts and resources to the ministry.

Is our giving an outflow of worship? “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”[2 Cor 9:7] let’s not forget that the motive and manner of giving matter most to God in the worship through giving. This is the reason why the widow’s giving of two mites was acceptable than the Pharisees.[see Luke 21:1-4]

Such giving is assured of God’s promise. That is, ‘And God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.’ [v.19] The conjunction ‘and’ manifests it clearly. Those who honor God, He would honor surely. [1 Sam 2:30] Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”[Luke 6:38]

This promise, therefore, is particularly to those who honor God by supporting or partnering in the ministry of the gospel. Many believers had presumably claim this promise, believing that this is an unconditional promise. Absolutely, God does provide the needs to those who seek Him first in their lives. [Matt 6:33] Could a loving and faithful King starve His subjects who are loyal to Him?

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1 Peter 2:24-25  ESV

24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

THANK GOD IT’S GOOD FRIDAY.

A blessed ‘Good Friday’ greeting to all.

As we commemorate the passion and death of Christ, let’s go back to its true significance. The restrictions to do religious gatherings and festivities today may cause many to feel that we individually can focus on its spiritual significance.

Why did Jesus suffer at the cross?

Jesus had carried all our sins on the cross in His body. His death is the payment for all our sins. He became our substitute, dying the death we deserved. The God who judges justly (1 Pet 2:23) had judged Christ for our sin during His crucifixion. God has poured His wrath towards His own Son in order to satisfy the payment for our sin. As the apostle Paul wrote, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”[2 Cor 5:21]

By His perfect sacrifice at the cross, we have been freed from the penalty and power of sin. Such freedom is through grace by faith alone in Christ.[ Eph 2:8,9] Believers are free and empowered now to live a righteous life. We don't have to sin; we are free to make right choices that please and honor our God (1 Cor 10:13) Otherwise, we are all miserable and hopeless before the holy God.

After a weary week long work at the work places, many people do express a sigh of relief saying, “Thank God its Friday!” How I wish many do breath a sigh of spiritual relief also today, to say, “Thank God it’s Good Friday!” This is only possible to everyone who had sincerely received forgiveness and salvation from sin by faith in Christ. Have you trusted Jesus in your heart as your Savior and Lord as yet? I hope and pray you did. And, if you have not done it yet, may today you’ll do. And this day will really be a “Good Friday” to you, even all the rest of the days of your life.

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Philippians 4:14-17 ESV

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.

A GIFT AND A FRUIT

Undeniably, the Philippians faithfulness in their partnership of the gospel was demonstrated in their financial support to Paul. For the record, no church aside from them had entered into partnership with him in giving and receiving when he entered Macedonia, and even after he left the region.

Their gifts were properly acknowledged as their show of their kindness to share in his trouble. Indeed, it was a ‘gift’ credited to Paul’s account. At another angle however, Paul had looked at it as ‘fruit’ credited to their account. This was what Paul was after of which marked his posture of ‘looking not his own interest but the interest[good] of others as well.’[Phil 2:4] His satisfaction was seeing the brethren bearing fruit, was it not?

Is our gift a fruit? Not all giving are fruits of a growing relationship with God. Definitely, the Pharisees gave their tithes for show. The reason the widow with her two mites with the right motive of love was commended by Christ than they all. It’s not the amount but the reason behind the giving.

Growing Christians are generous givers. As they abide in Christ, they bear fruits continually. One of the expressions of their love is an outflow of generosity for the Lord’s work and causes. Thus, we must focus on ‘fertilizing’ the hearts of the believers in our churches. Was this not Paul’s focus even in his prayer? He said, “ And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” [Phil 1:9-11]

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Philippians 4:11-13 ESV

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.

CONTENTMENT

Having been incarcerated in Rome, he was at a time of great need certainly. Even so, Paul had expressed joy and contentment. Before this, he has had his fair share of hardships in life in Palestine, experiencing five floggings, three beatings, a stoning, three shipwrecks, and more. [see 2 Cor 11:23-29]

Contentment is neither natural nor automatic. It’s a learned attitude and skill. God, in His sovereignty, does allow us to experience all the various difficulties in life in order to produce this fortitude. Contentment couldn’t be produced by any other means.

Hence, there must be the willingness as student to endure through the school of contentment. There is a deliberate choice to be content, in the power of Christ. Paul had gone without food at times and had been given plenty of food at other times; lived with much and with little. He had experienced hunger and thirst, was without friends, and many more.

Despite his frequent need, and harsh treatment, Paul did emphatically affirm, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”[v.13] That is, he has his confidence that God will allow him to endure under all kinds of circumstances.[ see 2 Cor 3:4; 7:16; 8:22; 10:2; 11:17; Gal 5:10; Eph 3:12; 2 Thess 3:4] His affirmation is consistent with the gospel teachings that ‘nothing is impossible with God’ (Matt 19:26; Mark 10:27; Luke 1:37). Job 42:2 declares that ‘God can do anything’. Paul did assert also that if God is for us, who can be against us, didn’t he? (Rom 8:31) A perspective that is found also in Jeremiah 32:17, that is, ‘nothing is too hard for the Lord.’

Let’s not apply Paul’s statement, however, out of context. He specifically was referring to the ability of a Christian to endure hardships and persecution. Despite well-meaning use of this verse, this does not warrant that a Christian is empowered to accomplish any task he wants simply because he is a believer.

Clearly, what Paul had expressed here has a direct relation with what James had encouraged us to do in the midst of trials. James says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.’[Jas 1:2-4]

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Philippians 4:10 ESV

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.

BE A BLESSING.

Paul rejoiced to feel the concern of the brethren at Philippi once more. The generosity of the Philippian Christians was consistent and was much appreciated by Paul. Previously, he had expressed, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phi 1:3–6).

He recognized that the brethren at Philippi had the commitment and sincere interest in his well-being. They were seeking always for an opportunity. There is readiness in a generous heart to grab an opportunity to help. As Paul had encouraged us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”[Gal 6:9,10]

Paul said that ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’[Acts 20:35] Blessedness is associated always with giving – not only treasures but time, service and even prayers towards others. You can’t give what you don’t have, can you? We don’t need to have much before we can bless, do we? Jesus had said, “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”[Matt 10:42]

Let’s find an opportunity to be a blessing today. There are people in the ministry of the gospel like Paul who need our support. Not necessarily material help, but even prayers and encouragements could be a great factor. Can the soldiers at the frontlines advance without the supply and service battalion behind?

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Philippians 4:9 ESV

9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

JUST DO IT.

“Just do it” is a popular Nike Company slogan. And, we see these posters at the malls with Michael Jordan’s pose at the background most commonly. It sounds simple yet compelling, isn’t it? The grandest intention is no better than the smallest deed.

The joy, gentleness and peace will only be wishes when the ‘these things’ aren’t put into action. This is the working of the Spirit that we must appropriate by faith. [see Gal 5:22-23]These were what they had ‘learned, received and heard’ from Paul. His instructions are not merely for information or affirmation, but for transformation. They must be put into action. The use of the original word ‘prassete’[Greek] implies an ongoing, daily effort. This is not a one-time attempt or short-term effort to follow God.

Similarly, the Lord Jesus had emphasized the blessedness of doing, specially in servanthood. He said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”[ John 13:14-17]

Definitely, a person who is a hearer only and not a doer is deceived. Aware or not, he is fooling himself. As James had pointed out, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” [Jas 1:22-25]

The practicing Christian is assured of the presence of the ‘God of peace.’ Thus today, as we hear God’s word, may we be quick to do and be faithful in doing it. As the psalmist had committed, by saying;

‘ I hasten and do not delay

to keep your commandments.’ [Psa 119:60]

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Philippians 4:8 ESV

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

RIGHT THINKING.

What is true, lovely, just, commendable, pure, excellent, honorable, and praiseworthy, believers were to "think about these things." While God is guarding our hearts (Phil 4:7), we are also enjoined to focus our lives on things that please God.

Throughout Paul's epistles, God's involvement in every aspect of our lives is emphasized. Yet at the same time, we are commanded to strive to live according to God's ways. Paul had commanded us, saying “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”[Phil 2:12,13] God’s working is the reason why we should be working too. As our pattern, Paul was faithful in prayer, yet he gave every bit of his life to serve and sacrifice to the Lord.

God has lavished us with His grace already. Peter said, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”[2 Pet 1:3,4] Hence, we have to appropriate all these by faith to live and think godly.

All of our ungodly thoughts do come from our deceitful hearts. Jesus had said, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” [Matt 15:19] Thus we must ‘keep our heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.’[Prov 4:23]

Thus, we must recognize the fickleness of our hearts and consecrate them unto the Lord, moment by moment. As the psalmist prayed;

“ Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;

let them not have dominion over me!

Then I shall be blameless,

and innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable in your sight,

O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”[Psa 19:13,14]

“ Search me, O God, and know my heart!

Try me and know my thoughts!

And see if there be any grievous way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting!” [Psa 139:23,24]

Today, let us be meditating upon the word of God. The hidden word in the heart deters us from sin.[Psa 119:11] As Paul had admonished us, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”[2 Cor 10:4,5]

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Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER AND PEACE.

Undeniably, we have all the reasons to be anxious in today’s world, most specially, the uncertainty and threat of Covid-19 pandemic. The thought of it is so overwhelming.

However, God has offered us the privilege of prayer. Instead of being burdened, we should cast all our cares unto the Lord for he cares for us. [1 Pet 5:7] We have to pray not only at all times [1 Thess 5:17] but for everything as well. Since, with God nothing is impossible[Luke 1:37], no need is too big for Him to handle. Thus, it’s futile to classify needs as big and small that most think about. That is, they think there are things they can handle and not pray about it. And, they’re only pray that which they can’t. Simply put, let us worry nothing and pray for everything.

Prayer and supplications should be seasoned with thanksgiving. Why? A thankful heart does demonstrate faith and reverence to God, does it not? There is a strong confidence that God is in control. And, that He knows what He is doing.

This kind of prayer results to ‘peace that passes all understanding’. Such peace is both beyond the comprehension of any man and couldn’t be produced by any man. The peace despite problems is incomprehensible but true. No circumstance can affect the hear, guarded by the peace of God in Christ This is a gift of Jesus who said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” [John 14:27]

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Philippians 4:5 ESV

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

BE GENTLE.

Should believers be noted for having an attitude of joy, they must be known also with gentleness towards all types of people. Christians must manifest graciousness, reasonableness, moderation and being considerate. They must not be seen as easily irritated or coerced, but rather as gentle people who can deal with difficulties in relationships maturely. Paul's request to Euodia and Syntyche to settle their public disagreements had provided the context to the need of gentleness, not rudeness.

Since Jesus is coming very soon, we have the reason to ‘take things easy’ or for being tolerant with people and not be harsh unto them. Should we are provoked, why do we take things in our hands when the “Lord is at hand’? That is, the Judge is standing at the door? An awareness that God is present does prevent us from panic, doesn’t it? Psa 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Thus, the writer had admonished us,

““Be still, and know that I am God.

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth!”[Psa 46:10]

Gentleness, therefore, isn’t a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it’s a posture of strength as the pliant bamboo that sways during storms without breaking. The tough Christian is likewise when being tried who is tolerant and tender before his assailants.

As Paul himself did testify, “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”[2 Cor 4:8-10] Such strength, however, is from God alone as Paul recognized, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” [2 Cor 4:7]

As we received the grace of God, we can be gracious also towards others.

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Philippians 4:4 ESV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

REJOICE IN THE LORD.

Paul placed primary importance in rejoicing at all times, regardless to our circumstances. We should not forget that Paul penned these words while a prisoner in Rome. He had been falsely accused for some time, shipwrecked on the way there, bitten by a snake, and left under house arrest for two years (see Acts 27).

It should be noted that ‘the joy of the Lord is our strength.’[Neh 8:10] take for example a wife secured in her relationship with her husband is joyful, isnt it? Therefore, any temptation or solicitation from the enemy for the wife to doubt and discredit the goodness of her husband carries no traction. Simply said, we need to have a settled conviction and satisfaction that God is always right and good do make us secured like Paul.

Having every reason to complain, Paul chose to rejoice instead. As our example of authenticity, he had walked his talk. Normally, people do conclude that joy and sadness correspond always with the pleasant and unpleasant experiences in life, respectively? Thus, how is it possible to rejoice in the Lord despite our difficult situations, just as Paul did? It is therefore a fruit of the Spirit. [see Gal 5:22]

In other words, joy is a posture within based upon our relationship with the Spirit. It’s a perspective, not a feeling. As Paul did testify, “as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.’ [2 Cor 6:10] Let us then ‘be filled with the Spirit.’ [Eph 5:18b] If you seek joy, you won’t find it. But, if you seek God, you’ll surely have it. Things may give us happiness. But, God can only give us true joy in your heart. Like Paul, having a joyful attitude can transform our ‘prison’ into a ‘palace.’

In Christ, to ‘rejoice always’ then is possible. [1 Thess 5:16]

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