Thank You – Philippians 4:10-20
Paul, in prison, has been reflecting on the grace of God that has abounded in his missionary journeys and the many that have come to Christ and the churches that have been established. Now in the closing of his letter to the church in Philippi he expresses great gratitude for their help and in fact not just one time help, but again and again they helped him financially, and by sending people to him to help him.
This is incredible, because Paul has been placed in so many circumstances that have been incredibly difficult.
Philippians 4:11a-12 for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.
In fact he has learned the secret to contentment. The verse that so many use, but may not realize the context of it.
Philippians 4:13 I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.
This verse is about contentment. Paul has learned the secret to contentment: trust fully in God, look to Him and God will give you strength to do what is right and to be thankful.
Paul tells the church in Philippi – you haven’t always had the opportunity to help me, but I am ok, because God has kept me content no matter my circumstances. Yet,
Philippians 4:10, 14 10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11 I don’t say this out of need… 14 Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship.
Paul goes on to tell them that in the early days they were the only ones to help him and they sent a special gift as he was in Thessonalnica. Paul goes on to say Thank You!
Philippians 4:18-20 18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
He thanked them for sending gifts many times and not just money, but the kindness of Epaphroditus, who helped take care of him while he was in prison. Paul thanked them for the generosity, their timeliness, and for the comfort they brought him. These were fragrant and acceptable offerings that were pleasing to God. He encouraged the church in Philippi to know that God was pleased and that God would take care of them as well.
But what was the greatest ‘thank you’ that Paul listed here? What was it that was greater than even knowing that their gifts helped encouraged Paul?
Philippians 4:17, 20 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Incredible! As the church in Philippi gave of themselves and their resources to help Paul, they also got to share in the eternal reward of the harvest that God has brought through the ministry Paul has been doing. Yes, they are part of the people who have come to Christ, and the churches that have been established. They ‘profit’ and it is increasing in their account, because they sacrificed and participated with Paul in the ministry. So, we give glory to God our Father to Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!
We too can help in timely ways, and encourage those who are leading others to Christ and starting churches. We make fragrant and acceptable offerings to God. We can even send people to encourage and lift these workers up. And when we do, we get to ‘profit’ and our ‘account’ with God increases. We get to share together in what God is doing as we partner with those who are doing it.
Thank you. Paul says thank you. Jesus says thank you. What a beautiful thing when we partner with God and His work in the world.
