Welcome back!
Great to have you here again at Daily Bread and this time we’ll be finishing
up our study of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Paul starts the conclusion
of his letter by telling the Philippians how close they are to his heart.
Therefore, my
friends dearly beloved and longed for (missed), my joy and my crown, stand
firm in the Lord. I ask that Eudoias and Syntche be of the same mind in the
Lord.
From that last
sentence, we can assume that these two people had a disagreement that was
serious enough for Paul to find out about it all the way in Rome. It only
takes two people in a church, being at odds with one another to interfere
with the progress of the whole congregation and their service to the Lord.
Of course there will always be small disagreements about things, but if they
get in the way of the common goal, that’s a different story. Be aware of
whether you’re ever hindering the church from moving forward because of
something that you’re not like-minded about and fix it fast. That’s a good
thing to remember in any situation.
And I ask you
also, true helper, help those women who worked with me in the Gospel, with
Clement also, and other fellow workers of mine whose names are in the book
of life.
Rejoice in the
Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice.
Let your
moderation (gentleness) be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Now, there’s a
challenge for us. Let our gentleness be known to all? But what about our
toughness? What about our independence? What about our physical and
emotional strength? These things are sometimes necessities, but don’t let
them overshadow your meekness. Think of Jesus. He wasn’t demanding,
abrasive, adamant, insistent, loud or controlling in any way. He was meek.
Show your Jesus side.
Be anxious for
nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God, and the peace of God, which
is beyond understanding, will preserve your hearts and minds through Christ
Jesus.
Do you ever pray
with thanksgiving? Thank means do you thank God in advance for the
things you ask Him for? When you do this, you’re showing the strength of
your faith and your lack of doubt (James
1:5-7). (Make sure) you’re not being presumptuous by doing this, you’re
showing praise. Here’s an example:
Dear Father,
In the name of Christ Jesus,
At one with the Holy Spirit,
If it be according to your will,
Make your request here
I believe that with you, all things are possible.
Thank you for answering my prayer.
Glory and praise to you, my Almighty Father.
I love you.
Amen.
Finally, my
friends, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest (noble),
whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are
lovely, whatever things are of good report (with good reputation), if there
be any praise (honor) think (meditate) on these things. Do the things that
you have learned, received, heard, and seen in me, and the God of peace
shall be with you.
I rejoiced in the
Lord that lately your care of me has flourished again. I know you were
anxious to help me, but had no opportunity. (When Paul was in Corinth, the
Philippians helped Paul by providing some things that he needed. If Paul
didn’t have to work for his necessities, it gave him more time to dedicate
to spreading the Gospel,
2
Corinthians 11:9).
I’m not talking
about want, because I’ve learned that no matter what I have, to be content (1
Timothy 6:6 Godliness with content is great gain). I know how to be made
low, and I know how to be prosperous. Everywhere and in all things I am
instructed to be both full and hungry, to be prosperous and to suffer need.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
This reminds me of
something. How many times has there been something you wanted (not needed,
just wanted) so badly, you just HAD to have it. Then once you got it, two
weeks later it meant nothing to you. Imagine how much of the time and money
you spent on those things could have been used to better serve God. And we
do it repeatedly! Now let’s get back to Paul’s letter.
Nevertheless, you
have done well that you helped in my troubles. Now you Philippians also know
that in the beginning of the Gospel, when I left Macedonia, no other church
worked with me concerning giving and receiving, but only you. Even when I
was in Thessalonica, you sent things now and again for my needs. I’m not
seeking a gift, but I desire fruit that may be added to your account (in
Heaven). I have all I need and am full. Epaphroditus gave me the things that
you sent, an odor of sweet smell (probably incense), a good gift, well
pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to His
riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
This is an
interesting thing that Paul is saying. Pay close attention here because this
may help you to understand something that you may have experienced. Paul
just said (in so many words), You’ve given me a gift and it made God happy.
I’m not going to return the favor, but GOD will supply all your needs
according to His riches. Have you ever received a gift from someone and felt
like it was so thoughtful or so expensive or so much that you couldn’t
possibly accept it or ever give them anything in return that would compare?
You get this feeling in the pit of your stomach that you’ll be obligated
forever to that person. You’re almost ashamed.
Maybe that wasn’t their
intent, and they don’t expect anything in return, they were just being
generous out of the kindness of their heart. Okay now, put that thought away
and ask yourself, has there ever been a time when you helped someone (not
the same person we were just talking about a second ago), and you knew that
the depth of their gratitude could never be expressed or paid back to you?
Well, you really didn’t expect them to pay you back, you did it out of
genuine love in your heart. Alright, now, from God’s perspective, do you
think things are even? You may not ever in a million years be able to pay
someone back for something they’ve done for you or given you, just as there
are those who cannot pay you back, but it all balances out because somewhere
down the line, in the eyes of the Lord, you will do something of equal
value. It may not be money for money, or time for time or gift for gift, but
God makes sure that we all get what we need, and the opportunities, not
always to pay it back to the same person who gave to you, but to
