Welcome to Day 2339 of Wisdom-Trek. Thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Philippians-11 Living Beyond Our Needs – Daily Wisdom

Putnam Church Message – 02/18/2023 Joy in Sharing – Living Beyond Our Needs 4:10-23 Last week, we focused on Standing Firm in the Lord, “The Cure for Anger and Anxiety.” Today, we will explore Looking within, Looking around, Looking up in a message titled:  “Living Beyond Our Needs.” Today's scripture passage is Philippians 4:10-23 on page 1830, in your Pew Bibles. 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.   Remember the purpose of Philippians? To encourage believers to find Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered joy in living, serving, sharing, and resting. The theme is summed up with a word Paul repeats throughout the letter: “Rejoice!” We can have a contagious, deep-seated joy when we have confidence that Christ is in complete control—not just of the big things, but of the little things as well.   As we have discovered in the first part of Philippians 4, such joy can be applied to strained relationships as well as to difficult anxiety circumstances, leaving us worry-free. As we fix our minds on positive, uplifting, virtuous, and excellent things, we become transformed individuals enveloped in God’s incredible peace. This is how we should live!   As Paul begins to wrap up this great letter to the Philippians, he explores another realm that could use a healthy dose of authentic joy: contentment. In 4:10–13, Paul again presents himself as a model for his readers to follow. Then, in 4:14–19, we see the fruit of contentment: which is generosity. Finally, in 4:20–23, Paul concludes his letter with a joyful, grace-filled farewell. —4:10–13— Ten years had passed since Paul founded the church at Philippi (Acts 16:11–40). He had made a subsequent return visit en route home from his travels (Acts 20:6), but that was the only time he had seen the Philippians in that decade-long period. However, when word reached the Philippians that Paul had been imprisoned in Rome as he faced the uncertainty of a trial before Caesar’s court, they hastened to send Epaphroditus with a financial gift to help him with his expenses (Phil. 4:18).   This unexpected and unrequested benevolence caused Paul to say, “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord” (4:10). That monetary gift was more than just a means to pay the bills. It was a tangible expression of the church’s self-sacrificial love. It was a token of their concern for him and willingness to continue to partner with him in the ministry. Paul also recognized that even before this specific chance to send a financial gift, they had been concerned about his welfare but had “no opportunity” to put that concern into action (4:10).   Lest they think he was putting a guilt trip on them or fishing for even more cash, Paul assured them I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. (4:11). The Greek word Paul used for “content” is au|tar|kēs, which could be rendered “self-sufficient.” Some Greek philosophers took this to mean being “independent of circumstances” and finding the source of contentment in ourselves. However, this secular sense was the farthest thing from Paul’s mind. Paul wasn’t promoting self-sufficiency but Christ-sufficiency. He rested in Christ’s> provision and timing,|not his own ability to exert energy and improve his circumstances and outlook.   I find it fascinating that Paul wrote these words while he was under house arrest indefinitely. He was likely chained to a Roman soldier, paying for his own rented house and enduring a total lack of privacy and freedom. However, he had learned contentment through the years, enduring such extreme circumstances that his present condition under house arrest was much easier to face.   Paul describes some of the conditions he had faced over the years—the roller-coaster-like ups and downs. He had learned contentment by experiencing various—often intense—circumstances (4:12). If we were to chart this verse, it would look something like this: (Bulletin Insert)   Through it all, Paul learned how to get along in whatever circumstances life gave him. He didn’t lose faith when he slept on hard ground with an empty stomach. And when he was hosted in a comfortable home, receiving hot meals every day and a warm bed each night, he didn’t forget that God alone is the source of all things. He learned how to handle both extremes, /and everything in between.   This led to his ability to face whatever challenges awaited him with flexibility and confidence. (Bulletin insert) Paul summarizes this approach to life with one of the most quoted, but also most misinterpreted, verses in the Bible: “ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (4:13). This doesn’t mean that Paul could accomplish all his personal goals, fulfill all his dreams, or acquire fame and fortune. The “all this” refers to surviving the extremes of life. To paraphrase: “Whatever ups and downs life sends my way, I can handle whatever comes, not through my own strength, but by the power of Christ.” Nothing else suffices but Christ. He alone gives us the strength we need to endure. Not education, not money, not political clout, not positive thinking, not self-assertiveness. —4:14–19— Since we can do all this—that is, be content in all circumstances—through Christ, does this mean we don’t need anybody else? Do we stop making our needs known, cease asking for help from others, and just pray for God to provide for all our needs? Paul goes on in 4:14–19 to show how God provides for us/ through others/ who fulfill our needs. While all things come from God the Father, through> Christ, by the power of the Spirit, the triune God delights in using believers to accomplish His purposes in the lives of others. Paul begins this section by commending the Philippians because they shared his affliction (4:14). How? By never forgetting about Paul, even at the low points. After he left Philippi, they willingly and generously contributed to his ministry needs as he continued to travel on his missionary journeys. Paul recalled a time when no other church from Macedonia had contributed financially to the cause (4:15). The Philippians demonstrated in tangible ways their commitment to him and the preaching of the gospel—not just with a one-time farewell gift, but several gifts over the up-and-down course of his ministry (4:16).   Why does Paul point out that “even when I was in Thessalonica,” they had sent a gift several times? What’s so significant about that? It emphasizes that the Philippians had begun donating to the cause immediately … and continued to donate repeatedly. Their partnership with Paul was both early and enduring. Their generosity overflowed. The analogy would be our ministry of food and money to the GMFP continually.   Note also that Paul was genuinely concerned about how the Philippians’ commitment to giving would be a blessing to them, not just to himself (4:17). Yes, he needed the gifts to continue to carry out the ministry, but there was something more important involved in the Philippians’ commitment. Paul was encouraged by the maturity developed among the Philippians as they gave freely to support the cause. Their self-sacrificial giving was a clear example of Christlike love shown toward Paul and toward those among whom Paul was ministering.   Through their compassion and sacrificial generosity, Paul had all he needed—and then some! His account was complete, and he was “amply supplied” (4:18). Epaphroditus delivered an ample offering of funds to Paul in Rome. These gifts he received as an act of worship and devotion from the Philippians. He often employs language concerning temple sacrifices to draw attention to the holy nature of their gifts: “a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” (4:18). (Bulletin Insert) Because of their worshipful, sacrificial, Christlike contribution to the ministry, Paul was confident that the Lord would continue to bless them financially: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” (4:19). Like 4:13, this verse is often misquoted and misapplied by Christians. Some people imagine a massive treasure house in heaven, full of health, wealth, and happiness, just waiting for believers to unlock it with faith and thus receive riches to their hearts’ content. I know certain health and wealth preachers who claim that sending them your cash will open the floodgates of heaven, allowing you to experience “the good life.” But that’s a very different scenario from what Paul was envisioning. Instead, the idea seems to be that as we serve as faithful conduits of generosity toward those who, like Paul, have genuine needs, God will continue to supply what we need—so we can continue to bless others! As many have rightly observed, Philippians 4:19 says that God will provide for all our needs, not all our greed.     —4:20–23— Paul began this letter with a prayer (1:3–5, 9–11); now he brings it to a close with a doxology: “To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (4:20). In the gospel ministry, Paul had his role to play as an apostle to the Gentiles, and the Philippians contributed through their prayers and financial support. Co-laborers like Timothy and Epaphroditus served with diligence and determination. But none of these could take ultimate credit or praise for the distinct parts they played in the mission of God. God alone—who supplies all things—deserves all the praise and all the glory.   Paul concludes with a standard blessing (4:23), but before doing so, he exchanges a couple of greetings. Paul begins by offering his own personal greeting to “all God’s people in Christ Jesus” in Philippi (4:21). Without mentioning each by name, he encourages every believer, reminding them of their status as being set apart (the root meaning of saint) for the service and worship of God.   After his personal greeting, Paul extends a farewell from “All God’s people here” (4:21), probably referring to his co-laborers, including Timothy, Epaphroditus, Dr. Luke, and others. Beyond this circle are “All God’s people here,” including believers from Caesar’s household staff (4:22). By referring to these believers as “All God’s people here,” Paul thus reminded the Philippians that they, too, were part of something much bigger than themselves. Though separated by space, one day, they would be gathered into the same kingdom under the same Lord for all eternity.  What an occasion for Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered joy! Application: PHILIPPIANS 4:10–23 Looking within, Looking around, Looking up Both Paul and the Philippians exhibited a high level of spiritual maturity in their Christlike character, as expressed through contentment and generosity. How do we follow their example? How can we develop the marks of maturity evidenced by Paul and the Philippians? Let me suggest three places to look in your life that will enable you to grow up in your joyful resting in the Lord.   First, look within … and release. Is there something in your heart that’s stunting your growth? Something that’s holding you down and keeping you from experiencing true contentment and joyful generosity? Perhaps it’s a need for comfort rather than contentment or a desire for luxury rather than generosity. Maybe it’s an unquestioned sense of entitlement instead of self-sacrificial benevolence. Do a little internal diagnostic test right now. Ask yourself, “What’s keeping me from experiencing the kind of contentment Paul describes in Philippians 4?” Or, “What’s keeping me from giving more time and money to the cause of Christ than I do now?”  Look within … and release those things.   Second, look around … and respond. Sometimes, we don’t give our time, energy, or financial resources because we’re too busy to see the needs. The Philippians saw Paul’s needs from many miles away and responded immediately, continually, and faithfully. They sent not only money but also personal help—Epaphroditus. They didn’t wait for another church to act first. They saw the need and met it. Why don’t you try it? There’s no need to start with something extreme like a long-term commitment to a jungle tribe in South America. But you could start by bringing food for the Gospel Mission Food Pantry or volunteering to assist a few hours each week. Or you could find a place to serve here at Putnam. Or you could reach out to help a struggling family in the neighborhood, perhaps one with a single parent or a family with serious illnesses. Many different kinds of people need your help and would welcome it. Look around … and respond.   Third, look up … and rejoice. Never forget to take time to look up and survey all that God has done in the past, is doing in the present, and promises to do in the future. Don’t forget to praise and thank Him for what He has done specifically in your life. Rejoice in the many good things He has given to you and done for you, remembering that every good gift comes from Him (Jas. 1:17). As Paul did with the Philippians, rejoice over the good things God accomplishes daily in the lives of others, and thank Him. God loves to hear our words of gratitude and our expressions of praise. Look up … and rejoice! Let us live beyond our needs by Looking Within, Looking Around, and Looking Up. The graphic sums up the letter to the Philippians!   Next week, John Kuch will provide another character study. This time, it is on Dr. Luke in a message titled ‘The Search For Truth.’ Please read Luke 1:1-4 in preparation for next week.