GIVING AND RECEIVING
Opening Prayer
As this year comes to a close, Father, thank you for your many blessings, for being at work in me and through me. Thank you for the gift of your Word, for its ministry to me as it enables me to know you better and walk more closely with you.
Read PHILIPPIANS 4:10-23
Thanks for Their Gifts
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.
Final Greetings
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.[a]
Footnotes
- Philippians 4:23 Some manuscripts do not have Amen.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What are some sacrifices you have made because you are a Christian? How have those sacrifices made you feel?Celebrities interviewed for a magazine are sometimes asked if they prefer to give or to receive, or neither or both. Paul would probably answer, ‘Both!’ He had given his life over to serving God and had given up everything for the sake of knowing Christ (3:8). Elsewhere, he wrote a list of his sufferings for the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:16–33). In particular, he has showered his love and affection for these Christians.
For their part, the Philippian church has a history of being generous toward Paul (v 16). Most recently, Epaphroditus has brought a gift from them to him in prison (v 18). How much do you think Paul is saying, ‘I don’t need anything! You needn’t have bothered,’ or ‘Thank you, I’m really grateful’? Again, both are probably true. Paul has learned to be content (v 11).
I grew up thinking verse 13 meant that I could do and be anything I wanted. The sky was the limit. (I realize that is impossible.) Paul meant that he accepted whatever came his way in life because God’s strength in him was inexhaustible.
We may be generous and grumble like the Philippians. But essentially, God calls us to be content, living a Christ-like life. We receive far more than we give.
Apply
Are there places where God would want more of you, your time, and your finances to be used for the sake of his kingdom?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you that, for the joy set before you, you went to the cross, despising its shame—for me. Thank you for the joy that is mine because of you, for the hope that is mine because of you, for eternal life that is mine because of you.
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