FINANCE AND FESTIVITY
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.
Meditate
Thank God for the person who led you to Christ. Was it just one person or were there others supporting them, perhaps financially?
Think Further
‘I rejoiced greatly in the Lord’ (v 10). By now we are not surprised that Paul says this. He’s urged us repeatedly in this letter to rejoice.1 As emphasized in the Introduction to these notes, he wants us to know ‘solid joys.’2 He feels it himself and knows how wonderful it is. He doesn’t direct us to focus on joy per se, but on the reasons we have for rejoicing: we are ‘in the Lord.’ Paul does not so much pursue joy, rather he pursues Christ and resolutely focuses on him and his gospel, giving himself in the service of Christ and of Christ’s people. He does this knowing that this is the way we experience true joy.
We see this with particular clarity as Philippians comes to its conclusion. As Paul thanks the church for their generous support, he says that what they give is ‘credited’ to their account (v 17). They are investing in gospel work and partnering closely with Paul. In a very real sense, they share the ‘credit’ for every sermon preached, every person saved, every church planted, every believer discipled. They are buying into a work which offers great and eternal returns. Here are ‘treasures in heaven,’ treasures that will last forever.3 The Philippians are not losing out through their sacrifice; far from it (vs 18,19). Rather, they are investing in the bank of heaven. Let’s follow their example and speculate to accumulate!
Finance and festivity are not often thought of together, yet the connection is entirely appropriate. The investment Paul is talking about yields great dividends now, with many further returns to come. Where we spend our money reveals much about our true priorities. If someone reviewed our finances, what would they conclude was most important to us?
Apply
Review your financial giving and, if possible, commit to give more – cheerfully, as an investment for the future. Thank God for the joy which is – and will be – yours.
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.
1 Phil 3:1; 4:4 2 John Newton, 1725–1807, ‘Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken’ 3 Matt 6:20
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