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Review of Philippians 4:2-9. Euodias and Syntyche admonished to resolve their differences, Phil. 4:2 . Saints admonished to “ rejoice in the Lord always,” Philippians 4:4. Don’t worry – Pray! Philippians 4:6-7. Exercise thought control, Philippians 4:8.
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Review of Philippians 4:2-9 • Euodias and Syntyche admonished to resolve their differences, Phil. 4:2. • Saints admonished to “rejoice in the Lord always,” Philippians 4:4. • Don’t worry – Pray! Philippians 4:6-7. • Exercise thought control, Philippians 4:8. • Paul admonished the saints at Philippi to follow his example, Philippians 4:9.
Outline of Philippians 4:10-23 • The Generosity of the Saints at Philippi, Philippians 4:10,14-18. • Paul’s Contentment, Philippians 4:11-12. • The Power of God, Philippians 4:13. • The Riches of God, Philippians 4:18-20. • Greetings to and from Saints, Philippians 4:21-23.
The Generosity of the Saints at Philippi, 4:10,14-18. • Paul rejoiced because their care for him had “flourished again,” v. 10. Phil. 1:5 • Momentarily, they had to discontinue his support. Cf. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 2 Corinthians 11:8-9. • Now, through Epaphroditus, they had ministered unto him, 2:15; 4:18. • In assisting Paul in his labors, fruit abounded unto their account, 4:17. • Note: A great relationship between Paul and these brethren!
Paul’s Contentment, 4:11-12 • Paul was not speaking “in respect of want,” for he had learned “to be content,” 4:11. • Whether he was “full” or “hungry” he was able to cope! • The “Key” to his contentment? • His perspective on life and death, 1:21-23. • His perspective on the things of this world, I Timothy 6:6-8. • He knew God cares for His people, Hebrews 13:5. • Note: we must also learn how to function in good times, Proverbs 30:8-9.
The Power of God, 4:13 • Another reason for his ability to be content! • Consider the “power” available to Christians: • Note Ephesians 1:18-19. • The “power” God wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead, Ephesians 1:20, and by which we have been made alive! Ephesians 2:1,5. • This means that we, as Christians, are not alone in our efforts to serve the Lord; there is help available as we “work out” our own salvation, Phil. 2:12-13!
The Riches of God, Philippians 4:18-20 • As they sought to alleviate Paul’s need they were assured God would supply their need, Philippians 4:19! • We can not out give God! Luke 6:38. • We should seek first the kingdom of God and not worry about whether or not we will survive, Matthew 6:33. • But the real riches available to us are “riches in glory!” Philippians 4:19,20
Greetings to and From Saints, Philippians 4:20-23. • “Salute every saint in Christ Jesus,” 4:21. • “The brethren which are with me greet you,” 4:21. • “All the saints salute you…,” 4:22. • Note: Paul believed in greeting the saints! Cf. Romans 16:3-15,21-23. • How we greet one another says a lot about us. • God wants His people to care for one another!
Conclusion: • There are three words we want to focus on as we conclude this lesson, and this series; those words are “riches,” “glory,” and “grace,” Philippians 4:19-20,23. • “Riches” include “all spiritual blessings,” Eph. 1:3. • The ultimate “riches” will be realized “in glory.” • These riches are made available because of “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Phil. 4:23. • To obtain these riches we must enter Christ by obeying the gospel of the grace of God.