Sunday, May 21, 2000   

like the church at Corinth, were critical of Paul; so he would not take an offering from them (11 Corinthians 11:7-12; 12:14).

I. VERSE 17, FRUIT FOR THE PHILIPPIAN CHURCH

     A. Paul was very thankful for every gift that the dear saints at Philippi had sent him. He knew some would criticize him for saying so much about the sacrificial giving of the Philippians, so he wanted to set the record straight. Their giving would benefit them, not just Paul.

     B. Note the word "account" in this verse. It is a business term. Every gift that they gave was really an investment entered to credit side.

            1. The missionary giving of the church would pay rich spiritual dividends or fruits. Paul was thrilled to have these saints share in his ministry because he knew they would reap a rich reward.

           2. In Philippians 1:11, Paul had mentioned: "The fruits of righteousness."

                 a. The church at Philippi supported Paul in a direct manner. This is the very best way to support missions.

                 b. It is always right to support God called missionaries.

           3. The Bible teaches us that right giving always improves the giver. Giving makes his life rich (Proverbs 11:25; 19:17; II Corinthians 9:7).

     C. When we give, it produces a good conscience, fellowship with believers, serving elsewhere, a greater view of world wide missions, treasurers in heaven, crowns to cast at Jesus feet.

II. VERSE 18, FREENESS OF GIVING

      A. Paul had received full payment and was enjoying an abundance. He wanted to put an end to any suggestion that he might be hinting for another gift.

      B. "Having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you....... We do not know what gifts were brought to Paul, but we know he was thankful.

      C. No greater word of thanks or appreciation could be given than those spoken by Paul when he says they are "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God."

            1. Christians who offer themselves and their resources are well pleasing to God.

           2. As Christians, we are to make "spiritual sacrifices."

                  a. Preaching the Gospel, getting the good news out, is a sweet smelling savor to God (II Corinthians 2:15-17).

                  b. Presenting our bodies for service to God is well pleasing to Him (Romans 12:1-2).

                  c. Praise of God is a worthy sacrifice (Hebrews 13:15).

                  d. Doing good pleases God (Hebrews 13:16).

III. VERSE 19-20, FAITH FOR THE FUTURE

      A. We have needs and God will supply them. Whatever your need is, emotional, mental, material, spiritual, God will supply it. If you need guidance, strength, backbone, God will supply it. You may need healing because of a heartbreaking situation, look to Jesus, He will supply what you need.

      B. The context indicates that the Philippians had opened their purses and had given sacrificially to Paul. The Apostle assures them that because they gave to the cause of Christ God would supply what they needed.

      C. As we look at this verse, we see:

            1. The wellspring supply or the source: "My God."

                  a. God is the supplier.

                 b. When there is no other place to turn, "My God shall supply."

            2. The certainty of the supply "shall."

                  a. Not might but shall.

                  b. "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want' (Psalms 23: 1). The shepherd fed, led, and protected the sheep of Psalm 23, that's us!

           3. The adequacy of the supply "all you need!"

                 a. It is important to understand that wants and needs are not always the same.

                 b. He will supply your need not your greed.

                 c. Your need may be very big to you, but to God all things are possible.

           4. The extent of the supply "according to his riches."

                 a. "According" not just "out of' the riches of:

                        1) His wisdom (Romans 11:33).

                        2) His grace (Ephesians 1:7).

                        3) His glory (Ephesians 3:16).

                        4) His goodness (Romans 2:4).

                 b. I give "out of' what I have because I do not have a limit less supply, God gives "according to" because the universe is His!

           5. "By Christ Jesus." Because we who believe are in Christ, we have divine benefits (Romans 8:32). The greatest benefit of knowing Christ is external life (John 10:27-28).

     E. Verse 20, God gets all the glory for great things he hath done.

           1. We cannot boast for salvation is by God's grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

           2. Salvation is not of works (Titus 3:5).

CONCLUSION: Paul concludes this letter by saying: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."