Good Morning Friends,
“Yet it was good of you to share in my
troubles. 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; for even when I
was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need. Not
that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your
account. I have received full payment and even more; 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. And my God will meet all
your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians
4:14-19)
The Philippians were generous people. They
helped Paul in his missionary work time and again. And they helped the churches
of Judea when they suffered through a famine. Paul used the example of their
generosity to encourage other churches toward giving (see 2 Corinthians 8:1ff).
They were generous even though they were not a wealthy people.
Paul said of them, “Out of the most severe
trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich
generosity.” (2 Corinthians 8:2)
The giving of the Philippians was good for
them. It wasn’t just good for those with whom they shared, it was good for the
Philippians, too. Their giving was “credited to their account.” The Bible says
that God will be no man’s debtor. When the Philippians gave, God blessed them in
return. The blessings may not have been material, but God did bless them.
Their giving pleased God. That’s why they gave.
They didn’t give for what they would get in return. They gave because they
loved God and wanted to please Him.
Their giving did not deepen their financial
poverty. Instead, Paul promises God’s provision for their needs because of
their generous giving.
They were a good example to the Corinthians, an
encouragement for them to give generously, too. They’re a good example for us,
too.
His, by Grace,
Steve
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