SOURCE OF JOY
Opening Prayer
Spend some time giving thanks to God, especially for the relationships through which you experience his love and care.
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.
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
Has God met your needs through human intervention?When this letter was read out to the church in Philippi it would have been easy for the hearers to forget that Paul was actually in a far more challenging situation than themselves. Throughout the letter there are outbursts of joy; joy is a theme especially in this final chapter (1,4,10).
Paul knows that he needs to put his trust in God. People can be unreliable (2:21), but God can be trusted in all circumstances (12). Verse 13 is often taken as an expression of self-sufficiency: I have God, so I don’t need anyone else. However, this is not a biblical position. It is not good for human beings to be alone (Gen. 2:18). The practical support of the Philippian church means a great deal to Paul (10,14). God does indeed meet all his needs, but his method of doing so is often through other people.
The relationship between Paul and this church is a practical outworking of this truth: Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection have united God and humanity (2:5–11); all who are “in Christ” are also profoundly connected to one another; the life of Christ is at work in them (1:21) and they share the mind of Christ (2:5; 4:2). It is all God’s work and he alone deserves the praise (20).
Apply
Are there any relationships that you should value more because they are God’s gift to you? Are there relationships of which your expectations are unrealistic or a substitute for God?
Closing prayer
Loving God, help me to value the relationships I have, to build them stronger and to view them in a healthy light.
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