December 12, 2015
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Pastoral Diplomacy

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, You are my life: life as You lived it, life as I live it in You, life as You live it in me.

Read PHILIPPIANS 4:10-23

[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.

Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Reflect

“Having, first, gained all you can, and, secondly, saved all you can, then give all you can” (John Wesley, 1703-1791). Wise words on the Christian and money from the founder of Methodism.

While the need for money is universal, giving and receiving money can be hugely sensitive. Despite the warmth of his relationship with the Philippians, Paul leaves this tricky subject until his conclusion. His comments are a lesson not only in godly attitude to finance but also in pastoral diplomacy and care. The Church has been repeatedly generous to him, both in his missionary travels and in his confinement. He has referred to their Gospel partnership already (Phil. 1:5), which includes prayer, encouragement and evangelism, and now he refers to the role of Epaphroditus in bringing money (18). For all of this, Paul pens his profound appreciation.

Yet there are dangers in offering effusive thanks. It may look as though he is requesting more. Moreover, Paul does not want to become trapped in a sense of obligation and debt. Patronage in the Greco-Roman world would tie a person to those who pay him, but Paul needs the freedom to serve widely. Further, he differs from preachers who peddle ideas for financial gain. His declared principle has always been to refuse personal gifts, lest the Gospel appear to be purchased. So alongside expressing gratitude and contentment, he declares that their gifts constitute investments in a divine bank account. Their sacrifice has brought God great delight, and they will be able to count on Christ’s generous provision in their need, just as Paul is doing.

In these days of financial crisis, when families and Christian agencies struggle to make ends meet, partnership and generosity present real challenges. We may be tempted to manipulate for funds. There is certainly pastoral heartache in making difficult choices concerning need. Yet being thrown in dependence on our all-sufficient God may teach us deeper habits of contentment and trust from which our wealth and security may have barred us.

Apply

What might Christ be showing you through your financial frustrations?

Closing prayer

Generous God, You have given me so much, spiritual and material. I need You to constantly recalibrate my attitudes about money, so I will always honor You.

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