Today we begin a brand-new journey through two wonderfulbooks of the New Testament—First and Second Thessalonians. We have justcompleted our study through Philippians, and now we are going to follow theApostle Paul a little farther down the road on his second missionary journey. Iwould like to give our new series this theme: "Living in Light of HisComing." You will understand why as we move through these two letters. Thereturn of Jesus Christ is one of their great themes. In fact, every chapter ofFirst Thessalonians ends with some reference to the coming of the Lord. ButPaul does not teach prophecy merely to satisfy our curiosity about the future. Heteaches us about the coming of Christ because what we believe about tomorrowshould change the way we live today.

Sobefore we begin with First Thessalonians 1:1, let's go back to Acts 16 and 17and remember how this church was born. Paul was on his second missionaryjourney with Silas and Timothy. He had intended to preach in certain areas ofAsia Minor, but the Holy Spirit closed those doors.  After Paul heard the "Macedoniancall." Paul immediately recognized that God was directing them into Europeand went to Philippi. And we know what happened there. After the salvation ofLydia, a demonic girl, and the jailer’s and his household, A church had beenborn. But Paul's journey continued. Acts 17:1 says, "Now when they hadpassed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was asynagogue of the Jews."

Thessalonicawas about one hundred miles from Philippi and was one of the great cities ofMacedonia. It was located on the Via Egnatia, one of the major highways of theRoman Empire. People, merchandise, soldiers, government officials, andtravelers continually passed through this important city. Paul understoodsomething very important about missions. If you can reach a strategic city withthe Gospel, the people in that city can carry the Gospel far beyond it. So Paulwent into the synagogue, as was his custom. Acts 17:2 tells us, "AndPaul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasonedwith them out of the scriptures." I love that expression: "Reasonedwith them out of the scriptures." Paul did not give them his opinions.He opened the Word of God.

Verse3 says he was, "Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs havesuffered, and risen again from the dead." And then Paul declared, "ThisJesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ." That was his message. Jesusdied. Jesus rose again. Jesus is the Christ. And people believed. Some Jewsbelieved, but Acts tells us that a great multitude of devout Greeks and anumber of prominent women also received the message. In a remarkably shortperiod of time, another church was born. But almost immediately, oppositioncame. Unbelieving Jews stirred up trouble. A mob attacked the house of a mannamed Jason, where Paul and his companions had apparently been staying. Whenthey could not find Paul, they dragged Jason and some of the other believersbefore the rulers of the city.

Andlisten to the accusation they made in Acts 17:6: "These that haveturned the world upside down are come here also." What a testimony! Theseearly Christians were accused of turning the world upside down. Actually, theworld was already upside down because of sin. The Gospel was turning it rightside up! Because of the danger, the believers sent Paul and Silas away by nightto Berea. Imagine how Paul must have felt. He had only been with these newbelievers for a short time. They were young Christians living in a paganculture.

Theywere already experiencing persecution. Paul loved them and was deeply concernedabout them. Eventually Timothy was sent back to see how they were doing. Later,when Timothy brought Paul the wonderful news that their faith was standingstrong, Paul wrote the letter that we call First Thessalonians.

In Philippians 1:2he writes, "Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and fromthe Lord Jesus Christ." Now in the last verse he writes, "Thegrace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Grace is thebookends of this letter. Grace brought us into the family of God. Gracesustains us every day. And grace will carry us safely Home. We never outgrowour need for God's grace. Sometimes people think that grace is only forsalvation. They say, "I was saved by grace, but now I must live theChristian life on my own." Nothing could be farther from the truth. Thesame grace that saves us also strengthens us, teaches us, forgives us, restoresus, and keeps us until the day we see Christ face to face.

Paulunderstood this. He wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:10, "But by the grace ofGod I am what I am." He did not say, "I used to need grace."He said, "Everything I am today is because of God's grace." When thethorn in the flesh was not removed, the Lord said to Paul in 2 Corinthians12:9, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfectin weakness." Notice that Jesus did not promise to remove everyburden. He promised sufficient grace. Grace for every trial. Grace for everydisappointment. Grace for every temptation. Grace for every sorrow. Grace forevery opportunity to serve Him. That is why I have entitled today's chat, “Gracefor the Journey."

Aswe have traveled through Philippians, we have discovered that the Christianlife is a journey. In chapter one we learned to have a single mind, living forChrist and the Gospel. In chapter two we learned to have a submissive mind,following the example of our humble Savior. In chapter three we learned to havea spiritual mind, pressing toward the prize and refusing to trust in the flesh.And in chapter four we learned to have a secure mind—rejoicing in the Lord,praying instead of worrying, thinking on the right things, being content inevery circumstance, and trusting God to supply every need. How do we live thatkind of life? Only by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Youmay remember what we have said several times throughout this study: theChristian life is not difficult—it is impossible apart from Christ. We cannotrejoice in every circumstance by our own strength. We cannot love our enemiesby our own strength. We cannot have peace that passes understanding by our ownstrength. We cannot overcome anxious thoughts by our own strength. We cannot becontent in every situation by our own strength. But what we cannot do, Hisgrace enables us to do. His grace is not merely God's favor toward us.

Itis God's power working in us. It is Christ living His life through us. Perhapsthat is why Paul specifically says,

“Thegrace of our Lord Jesus Christ…”

Graceis not an abstract idea. Grace is found in a Person. Everything we need isfound in Jesus. John tells us in John 1:16, "And of His fulness haveall we received, and grace for grace." Every day we draw upon Hisfullness. As yesterday's grace is spent, today's grace is supplied. Tomorrow'sgrace will be there when tomorrow arrives. God never asks us to live today onyesterday's grace, nor does He expect us to borrow tomorrow's grace. He givesus exactly what we need for each day. I have often thought about Paul's ownlife.

Hehad been beaten. He had been imprisoned. He had been shipwrecked. He hadsuffered hunger, loneliness, rejection, and persecution. Yet when he comes tothe end of this letter, he does not complain. He does not express regret. Hesimply points everyone back to the grace of Jesus Christ. That tells me thatgrace is enough. It was enough for Paul. It is enough for us.

Aswe conclude our study of Philippians, I hope you will remember the greatlessons God has taught us. Remember to keep your eyes on Christ. Remember thatjoy is found in Him, not in your circumstances. Remember that peace comesthrough prayer. Remember that your thoughts shape your life.

At first glance,this may seem like little more than a closing greeting. But when we stop andthink about it, these words remind us that nothing can stop the Gospel of JesusChrist. Remember where Paul is as he writes these words. He is under housearrest in Rome. Humanly speaking, it appeared that his missionary ministry hadcome to an end. He could no longer travel from city to city planting churches.He was chained to Roman soldiers’ day after day. Many people might have lookedat Paul's circumstances and concluded that Satan had won.

ButGod had another plan. Back in Philippians 1:12 Paul wrote, "The thingswhich happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of thegospel." Instead of Paul traveling throughout the Roman Empire, Godbrought the Roman Empire to Paul. Day after day, soldiers from the PraetorianGuard were chained to him. One soldier after another listened as Paul prayed,taught the Scriptures, wrote letters, and shared the good news of Jesus Christ.Imagine being chained to the Apostle Paul for six or eight hours! The soldiercouldn't walk away. He couldn't change the subject. He couldn't turn off theconversation. Every shift brought another opportunity for Paul to tell someoneabout Christ. What looked like imprisonment was actually one of the greatestmissionary opportunities Paul ever had.

Now,at the end of this letter, Paul lets us see the harvest. "All thesaints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household." Thisdoes not necessarily mean members of Caesar's immediate family had becomebelievers, although that is not impossible. The phrase "Caesar'shousehold" referred to the large number of servants, officials,administrators, soldiers, craftsmen, and slaves who worked throughout theimperial household. Among those people, God had raised up believers. Thinkabout that. The Gospel had entered the very heart of the Roman Empire. Theemperor himself claimed to be lord. People were expected to worship Caesar. Yetinside Caesar's own household there were now people confessing that JesusChrist is Lord! What an amazing victory of God's grace!

Thisreminds us that no place is beyond the reach of God. Sometimes we look at aworkplace, a government office, a university campus, a military base, or even aprison and think, "No one there would ever become a Christian." ButGod specializes in reaching impossible places. No heart is too hard. No cultureis too hostile. No government is too powerful. No sinner is beyond the savinggrace of Jesus Christ. The Gospel has never depended on favorablecircumstances. It has always depended upon the power of God. Romans 1:16 says, "ForI am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God untosalvation to every one that believeth." Paul believed that. He livedthat. And now he is seeing it happen before his very eyes.

There'sanother lesson here that speaks to all of us. Paul never viewed hiscircumstances as obstacles. He viewed them as opportunities. We often pray,"Lord, get me out of this difficult place." Perhaps we should alsopray, "Lord, while I am here, help me reach the people You have placedaround me." Every one of us has a mission field. It may be yourneighborhood. It may be your doctor's office. It may be your workplace. It maybe the rehabilitation center, the hospital, the military, the classroom, oreven your own family. God has placed people around you that no one else mayever reach.

Paulcould not choose where he was chained, but he could choose how he responded. Insteadof complaining, he preached. Instead of becoming discouraged, he looked foropportunities. Instead of focusing on what he had lost, he focused on the doorsGod had opened. What a wonderful example for us today. Remember this: God never wastes our circumstances. If we are available, He canuse us wherever He places us. As someone wisely said, "The will of Godwill never place you where the grace of God cannot use you."

Philippians 4:21: "Saluteevery saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you."

Thevery first word that catches my attention is the word "every." Pauldoes not simply say, "Greet the church," or "Greet theleaders." He says, "Salute every saint." That tells ussomething about the heart of this great apostle. Paul loved people. Throughoutthis letter we have seen his affection for the believers at Philippi. Inchapter 1 he called them his partners in the Gospel. He thanked God for themevery time he remembered them. He prayed for them with joy. In chapter 2 heencouraged them to be of one mind and to esteem others better than themselves.In chapter 4 he thanked them for their generous gift and their faithful supportof his ministry. Now, as he closes the letter, he wants every believer to knowthey are remembered.

Isn'tthat just like our Lord? Jesus never overlooked individuals. He stopped forblind Bartimaeus while others tried to silence him. He noticed Zacchaeussitting in a tree when everyone else saw only a tax collector. He spoke withthe woman at the well when others would have avoided her. He stopped to taketime for the lady that had an issue of blood who had touched the helm of Hisgarment from behind when a large crowd was pressing in on Him. His disciplessaw a crowd, but He saw one needy person. He welcomed little children when thedisciples thought they were unimportant. Our Savior never saw people asinterruptions. He saw them as souls. Paul had learned that same heart.

Noticealso the word "saint." In our world, many people think a saintis someone who has lived an extraordinary life and is honored centuries afterdeath. But in the New Testament, every believer in Jesus Christ is called asaint. The word simply means "one who has been set apart for God." Itis not a title we earn. It is a position we receive when we trust Christ as ourSavior. That means if you know Jesus today, you are one of God's saints. Notbecause you are perfect. Not because you have never failed. But because youhave been made holy through the finished work of Jesus Christ. I have oftenreminded people that God does not see us merely as we were. He sees us inChrist. What a wonderful truth!

ThenPaul writes, "The brethren which are with me greet you." Paulwas under house arrest in Rome. He was chained to a Roman soldier. He wasseparated by hundreds of miles from the believers in Philippi. Yet thefellowship of God's family could not be broken by prison walls or greatdistances. Other believers were serving beside Paul, and they wanted their loveconveyed to these Christians in Philippi. What a beautiful picture of thefamily of God.

Most recently, our mission team experienced this againin Guatemala. Though we spoke different languages and came from differentcultures, we immediately recognized something we had in common. We belonged tothe same Savior. We were members of the same family. There is a bond amongGod's people that cannot be explained by nationality, language, or background.It is the fellowship we have in Jesus Christ.

Do peopleknow that I care about them? Paul's concern for "every saint"challenges me. It reminds me to notice people who may otherwise be overlooked. Theelderly saint who faithfully attends church. The young believer who is justbeginning to grow. The widow who quietly serves. The missionary faithfullylaboring far from home. The pastor who faithfully preaches week after week. Everysaint matters because every saint matters to Christ.

Perhapstoday the Lord is laying someone on your heart. Why not call them? Send them anote. Write them a text. Pray for them. Encourage them. You never know how mucha simple word of kindness may strengthen a fellow believer. After all, that isexactly what Paul is doing here. Even in the closing words of his letter, he isencouraging God's people.

Today we come to Philippians 4:20, a beautiful doxology thatconcludes Paul's teaching on giving and God's faithful provision. Paul writes: "Nowunto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." What awonderful way to end this section! Paul has spoken about the Philippians'generosity. He has thanked them for their sacrificial gift. He has remindedthem that their offering was "an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrificeacceptable, well pleasing to God." Then he gave them one of the greatestpromises in all of Scripture: "But my God shall supply all your needaccording to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

Now,before moving on to his final greetings, Paul lifts his eyes toward heaven andgives all the glory to God.

Isn'tthat the way it should always be? Whenever God works, whenever He provides,whenever He answers prayer, whenever He blesses His people, the glory belongsto Him alone.

Noticehow Paul describes Him: "God and our Father." This is notmerely the Creator of the universe or the sovereign Ruler of all things,although He certainly is. Through Jesus Christ, He has become our Father. Jesustaught His disciples to pray, "Our Father which art in heaven."What a privilege! The God who created the stars, who spoke the universe intoexistence, who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, invites us to come to Himas beloved children.

BecauseHe is our Father, He knows our needs before we ask. Because He is our Father,He loves us with an everlasting love. Because He is our Father, He disciplinesus when necessary. Because He is our Father, He delights in providing for Hischildren. No wonder Paul had such confidence when he wrote, "My Godshall supply all your need." Then Paul says, "be glory forever and ever." The word glory speaks of honor, praise, majesty, andworship. It is the recognition of who God is and what He has done.

Ourgreatest purpose in life is not simply to be successful, comfortable, orprosperous. Our greatest purpose is to glorify God. That is why we werecreated. That is why we were redeemed. That is why we have been left here onearth. Everything we do should point others to Him.

AsI reflect on our recent mission trip to Guatemala, I cannot help but think ofthis verse. Yes, we are thankful for the many home visits, the public schoolprograms, the church services, the encouragement shared with pastors and churchleaders, the wonderful unity among our team, and the excellent partnership withour national brothers and sisters in Christ. But none of those things areultimately about us. They are about God.

Heopened the doors. He gave the strength. He provided the opportunities. Heprotected us throughout our travels. He prepared hearts to receive His Word. Hedeserves all the glory.

Thatis the attitude Paul demonstrates here. Even after receiving a generous giftfrom the Philippians, he does not magnify the givers. He magnifies God. Maythat always be true in our lives. When someone thanks us for serving, let usremember to give glory to God. When He answers prayer, let us give glory toGod. When He provides our needs, let us give glory to God. When He blesses ourfamilies, our churches, or our ministries, let us give glory to God.

Finally,Paul concludes with one simple but powerful word: "Amen." Thatword means, "So be it." It is a declaration of confidence andagreement. Paul is saying, "This is true. This is certain. This is worthyof our wholehearted affirmation." As we finish this section ofPhilippians, let us remember the beautiful progression Paul has given us. God'speople give generously. God receives their gifts as an act of worship. Godfaithfully supplies every need according to His riches in glory by ChristJesus. And God alone receives all the glory forever and ever. That is theChristian life in its simplest form: we receive everything from His hand, weuse it for His kingdom, and we return all the praise to Him.

Today I want us to look at the last phrase of this verse, "accordingto His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." These few words reveal notonly that God provides for His children, but they tell us how He provides andwhere our provision comes from.

Noticefirst that Paul says God supplies "according to His riches,"not merely "out of His riches." There is a tremendous difference. Supposea billionaire handed someone ten dollars. He gave out of his riches, butcertainly not according to his riches. The gift was only a tiny fraction ofwhat he possessed. But if he gave according to his riches, the gift wouldreflect the greatness of his wealth. That is exactly what Paul is saying aboutGod. Our Heavenly Father does not ration His grace. He does not measure Hismercy with a tiny spoon. He supplies according to the infinite abundance of Hisown riches.

Howrich is God? He owns everything! Psalm 24:1 reminds us, "The earth isthe LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwelltherein." Haggai 2:8 says, "The silver is mine, and the goldis mine, saith the LORD of hosts." David declared in 1 Chronicles29:11, "Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory,and the victory, and the majesty... all that is in the heaven and in the earthis thine." God never faces a shortage. Heaven never experiencesinflation. The storehouses of His grace are never depleted.

YetPaul is speaking about something even greater than material wealth. He says, "accordingto His riches in glory." Throughout Paul's letters, the word"riches" most often refers to the immeasurable wealth of God's grace,mercy, love, wisdom, and power. In Ephesians 1:7, Paul speaks of "theriches of His grace." In Ephesians 2:4, he writes of God being "richin mercy." Just a few verses later, in Ephesians 2:7, he tells usabout "the exceeding riches of His grace." In Romans 11:33, heexclaims, "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledgeof God!" God's greatest riches are not found in streets of gold orgates of pearl. They are found in His glorious character—His grace, His mercy,His love, His faithfulness, His wisdom, and His power. That is the treasurefrom which He supplies His children.

ThenPaul tells us that all of this comes "by Christ Jesus." JesusChrist is the channel through whom every blessing flows. Every spiritualblessing we possess comes because of Him. Every answered prayer comes throughHim. Every provision of grace comes through Him. Every promise of God finds itsfulfillment in Him. Without Christ, we would have no access to the Father. Butbecause of Christ, we have been welcomed into God's family and become heirs ofall that belongs to Him. No wonder Paul wrote in Romans 8:32, "He thatspared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not withhim also freely give us all things?" If God has already given us Hisgreatest gift—His own Son—we can trust Him to give us everything else we trulyneed.

AsI think back over our recent mission trip to Guatemala, I am reminded againthat this is exactly how God works. He supplied every need according to Hisriches. He provided strength when we were tired, wisdom when decisions had tobe made, protection as we traveled, unity among our team, open doors forministry, and joyful fellowship with believers we had never met before.

Friend,perhaps today you are facing a need that seems overwhelming. It may befinancial. It may be physical. It may be emotional. It may be spiritual. Rememberthis promise. Your need may be great, but God's riches are infinitely greater. TheGod who created the universe, who redeemed you through His Son, and who hasnever broken a promise will supply every need according to His riches in gloryby Christ Jesus. So trust Him today. Rest in His faithfulness. Obey Himwholeheartedly. Serve Him joyfully. Give generously. And leave your needs inthe hands of the One whose resources are limitless.

I first want toexpress my heartfelt thanks to each of you who prayed for our mission teamduring our trip to Guatemala this past week. I can honestly say that yourprayers were answered in wonderful ways. The trip could not have gone better.

Ournational ministry partners were absolutely tremendous. Their servant spirit,faithful labor, and loving assistance blessed us every day. They repeatedlytold us that they, too, had been encouraged by our coming. . So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for praying. Youhad a real part in everything God accomplished. I hope to share more about thetrip in the days ahead.

Nowlet's return to our study in Philippians chapter 4. Last week, before we left,we looked at verse 18 where Paul wrote, "But I have all, and abound: Iam full..." The generous gift from the Philippian believers had methis present needs. Paul described their offering as "an odor of a sweetsmell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God." Their gift was notmerely money given to a missionary. It was an act of worship offered to GodHimself.

Thatbrings us to one of the most familiar promises in all of Scripture. Verse 19says, "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches inglory by Christ Jesus." This verse has been quoted thousands of times,but sadly it is often quoted apart from its context. Notice first that thispromise begins with two wonderful words: "My God." Paul is notspeaking merely about God in a general sense. He is speaking about the God whomhe knew personally, trusted completely, and had depended upon throughout everycircumstance of life. This was the God who had met Paul's needs in prison, onmissionary journeys, through persecution, hunger, shipwrecks, and countlesshardships.

Paulcould confidently say, "My God shall supply." Notice also thatPaul does not simply say God can supply our needs. He says God shall supply.This is a promise based on God's faithfulness, not our circumstances. But wemust remember who this promise was originally given to. Paul is speaking tobelievers who had sacrificially given to support the work of God. They hadinvested in the Gospel. They had shared in Paul's ministry. They had met hisneeds when few others had done so. In a sense, Paul is saying, "You havetaken care of God's servant. Now God will take care of you."

Thatsame principle is found throughout Scripture. Jesus said in Luke 6:38, "Give,and it shall be given unto you." And in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and9, Paul teaches that God blesses generous believers so they may continue toabound in every good work. Notice something else. Paul does not promise thatGod will supply all our greeds. He promises to supply all our needs. Ourheavenly Father knows the difference. Sometimes what we think we need is reallyonly something we desire. But God, in His infinite wisdom, always knows exactlywhat is best for His children. He never fails to provide what is necessary toaccomplish His will in our lives.

ThenPaul tells us the measure of God's provision: "According to His richesin glory by Christ Jesus." He does not give out of His riches, asthough handing us a small portion. He gives according to His riches. Theresources of heaven are unlimited because our God is unlimited. Every blessingwe receive ultimately comes through one source—Jesus Christ. Every spiritualblessing, every answered prayer, every provision of grace, every daily need issupplied through our Savior.

AsI reflect on our mission trip this past week, I am reminded again that Godtruly does supply every need. He supplied the people. He supplied the strength.He supplied the protection. He supplied the opportunities. He supplied theresources. Once again, He proved Himself faithful. And dear friend, He is justas faithful today in your life. If you belong to Him, you can trust Him. Walkwith Him. Serve Him. Be generous toward His work. Then leave your needs in Hiscapable hands.

Today is a very special day for me. Early this morning, byGod's grace, I will be leaving to go to Dulles Airport to meet with a team ofabout twenty people on a mission trip to Guatemala. For the next week we'llhave the privilege of partnering with local pastors and churches as weencourage believers, minister to families, meet practical needs, and mostimportantly, share the wonderful Gospel of Jesus Christ.

BeforeI leave, I want to thank so many of you who have given donations and prayed forthis trip over the past several weeks. Your encouragement has meant so much tome. I would also ask that you continue praying for our entire team throughoutthis week. Please pray for safe travel, good health, strength for each day,unity among our team members, open doors for ministry, and most of all, thatmany people would come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

AsI thought about this trip, I couldn't help but think of the verses we've beenstudying together in Philippians chapter 4. After thanking the believers atPhilippi for their faithful support, Paul writes in verse 18: "But Ihave all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the thingswhich were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable,well pleasing to God." What a beautiful picture! The Philippians hadsent a financial gift to meet Paul's needs. Humanly speaking, Epaphrodituscarried that gift from Philippi all the way to Rome. But when it reached Paul,he didn't simply see money. He saw worship. He saw love. He saw sacrifice.

Mostof all, he saw something that had risen all the way to Heaven as "asweet-smelling savor... well pleasing to God."

Thatexpression takes us back to the Old Testament. When sacrifices were offered tothe Lord with sincere hearts and in obedience to His Word, the Bible often saysthey were "a sweet savor unto the Lord." It wasn't the aromaof the sacrifice itself that pleased God. It was the loving obedience and faithbehind it. The same principle is true today. Whenever we give ourselves toGod's work—whether through our prayers, our encouragement, our resources, orour service—God sees it as an act of worship.

Thatreminds us that missions is never just about those who go. It is also aboutthose who pray. Those who encourage. Those who faithfully stand behind the workof God. Every believer has the privilege of participating in the GreatCommission. As our team travels to Guatemala today, we are not going alone. Weare going as representatives of our churches, our families, and so many friendswho have prayed faithfully for us. In a very real sense, you are sharing inthis ministry through your prayers before God's throne.

Aswe said yesterday, perhaps you cannot travel across the world. Perhaps your ageor your health would not allow it. But every one of us can pray. Every one ofus can encourage someone serving Christ. Every one of us can participate inwhat God is doing around the world. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19–20, "Goyou therefore, and teach all nations... and, lo, I am with you always, evenunto the end of the world." Romans 10:14-15 reminds us that some arecalled to go. Others are called to send. Still others are called to pray. Buttogether, we all share in the privilege of making Christ known.

Sotoday, I would simply ask you to remember our team in prayer each day thisweek. Pray that God would prepare hearts before we arrive. Pray that He wouldgive us wisdom, compassion, and strength. Pray that every conversation, everymessage, every act of kindness, and every opportunity to serve would bringhonor and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ifthe Lord provides good internet service, I hope to send along a brief dailyupdate so you can rejoice with us in what God is doing and know how to praymore specifically. Thank you again for your love, your friendship, andespecially your faithful prayers.

Today we continue looking at what I believe is one of themost beautiful passages in all of Scripture on the grace of giving. Paul writesin Philippians 4:16–17: "For even in Thessalonica you sent once andagain unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit thatmay abound to your account.”

Aswe've seen, the church at Philippi was unique. Many churches appreciated Paul'sministry, but very few actually partnered with him financially.  

Paulhad only been in Thessalonica for a short time. According to Acts 17, hisministry there lasted only a few weeks before persecution forced him to leave.Yet during that brief ministry, the believers at Philippi sent help more thanonce. That tells us something about their hearts. Generous people don't waituntil they become wealthy. They simply look for opportunities to meet needs.  

Godisn't looking first at the size of the gift. He is looking at the faithfulnessof the giver. Throughout Scripture we see this pattern. When the children ofIsrael built the tabernacle, the people kept bringing offerings until Moses hadto tell them to stop because there was more than enough. The widow of Zarephathcontinued sharing her last meal with Elijah, and God continued supplying theoil and the meal. The poor widow whom Jesus observed in the Temple gave onlytwo mites, yet Jesus declared she had given more than all the wealthy becauseshe gave out of her poverty. Faithful giving has never been measured by theamount. It has always been measured by the heart.

ThenPaul says something that surprises us in verse 17: "Not because Idesire a gift..." Paul wasn't manipulating anyone. He wasn't raisingmoney for himself. He wasn't trying to make people feel guilty. His concernwasn't his own comfort. His concern was their spiritual growth. That is why hecontinues: "But I desire fruit that may abound to your account." Whatan amazing statement! Paul says, in effect, "I'm more excited about whatGod is doing for you than what you're doing for me." He knew that everygift they gave in the name of Christ would become an eternal investment. Jesustaught this same truth in Matthew 6:19–20: "Lay not up for yourselvestreasures upon earth... But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven."Every dollar spent on ourselves eventually disappears. Every investment madefor Christ lasts forever.

Paulpictures their generosity as fruit that is continually being credited to theirheavenly account. Imagine receiving a monthly bank statement and discoveringsomeone had been making deposits into your account all month long. Paul saysthat is exactly what happens spiritually when we invest in God's work. Godkeeps the records. God never forgets. Nothing given in His name is ever wasted.Sometimes we think only preachers, missionaries, or evangelists receive eternalrewards. But Paul reminds us that those who faithfully support God's servantsshare in those same eternal blessings.

WhenWilliam Carey went to India as a missionary, his friend Andrew Fuller remainedin England to raise support and encourage churches to stand behind the work.Carey reportedly said, "I will go down into the pit if you will hold theropes." The man in the pit and the men holding the ropes shared the samemission. The same is true today. Some are called to go. Others are called tosend. Both are equally important in the work of the Gospel.  (Read Romans 10:14-15)

When yousupport missionaries... When you help your local church... When you encouragethose serving Christ... You are producing fruit that will one day be rewardedin eternity. The wonderful truth is this: God is never indebted to anyone. Heremembers every act of generosity done for His glory. So today, ask yourself:Am I giving only occasionally? Or have I made generosity a way of life? Am Iinvesting only in things that will perish? Or am I laying up treasures thatwill last forever?

Today we continue our study in Philippians chapter 4 as welook at verse 15. Paul writes: "Now you Philippians know also, that inthe beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no churchcommunicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but you only." Yesterdaywe saw that Paul thanked the Philippians for caring enough to share in hisaffliction. Today he takes us one step further and reminds them that theirgenerosity was not something new. It had become a pattern of their lives fromthe very beginning of their Christian experience.

NoticePaul's words: "In the beginning of the gospel." He isreferring to the days when the gospel first came to Philippi. Acts chapter 16tells that wonderful story. Paul arrived in Philippi with Silas after receivingthe Macedonian vision. There beside the river, Lydia trusted Christ. Soonafterward, the demon-possessed servant girl was delivered. Then Paul and Silaswere beaten, thrown into prison, sang praises at midnight, and the jailer andhis family came to know Christ. Out of those dramatic events, a church wasborn.

Thatlittle congregation had not been saved very long before they began thinkingabout someone besides themselves. Isn't that remarkable? They were not awealthy church. In fact, Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians chapter 8 that thechurches of Macedonia—including Philippi—gave out of their deep poverty. Yettheir poverty did not stop their generosity because grace had changed theirhearts.

Paulsays, "No church communicated with me as concerning giving andreceiving, but you only." Yesterday we talked about this word, "communicate".Remember It comes from the same family of words as koinonia, meaningfellowship or partnership. Paul is not merely saying they sent him some money.He is saying they entered into a partnership with him in the work of theGospel. They understood something many Christians never fully grasp. When wegive to God's work, we become partners in that ministry. The missionary maypreach the sermon. The pastor may teach the Bible. The evangelist may leadsomeone to Christ. But the people who pray, encourage, and give become fellowlaborers in everything God accomplishes through that ministry. Years ago,someone wisely said, "Some go, some send, but all can share in thereward." That is exactly what Paul is teaching.

Noticeanother interesting expression: "giving and receiving." Paul borrowslanguage from the world of business and accounting. It is as though he opens aheavenly ledger book. On one side is giving. On the other side is receiving. Mostpeople think giving means something leaves their account. God says giving meanssomething is being entered into another account. In just a few verses, Paulwill write in verse 17: "Not because I desire a gift: but I desirefruit that may abound to your account." Every gift given for the gloryof God is an eternal investment. Heaven keeps perfect records. God neverforgets even the smallest act of generosity done in His name. Jesus said inMatthew 10:42 that even a cup of cold water given in His name will not lose itsreward.

Sometimespeople wonder whether their gift matters. "It wasn't very much." "Iwish I could give more." "My offering seems so small." Friend,God is not measuring the amount nearly as much as He is measuring the heart. Godsees what no one else sees. The Philippians were not a famous church. They werenot a wealthy church. Yet Paul says they stood alone. "No church... butyou only." What a testimony! They had become known as a church thatinvested in the Gospel. I wonder what our churches are known for today. Beautifulbuildings? Excellent music? Wonderful programs? Or are we known as people whogladly invest our lives and our resources so others can hear about Jesus?

 Let'sask ourselves today: Am I merely attending church? Or am I actively investingin the work of Christ? There is an eternal difference.