We’re going to land the plane in time for Christmas with our series on Philippians.
The Church at Philippi was a young Church just 10 years old like PCC was in 2010 now nearly 14 years ago. Paul wrote his letter from prison in Rome really unsure of whether he will be dead or alive at the end of the day. Paul writes like a soldier to his family. He tells them that God’s plan is being worked out and that they are on the winning side.
Paul wrote not to worry about him because he had everything he needed in prison. All the things he used to have when he was a free man were no longer important, he saw it all as worthless rubbish, he had the only thing in life of true value because he knew Christ. His goals were all spiritual now, material things were no longer possible, neither did they matter.
He told them he had joy in his sufferings because he identified with Christ.
What does it mean to identify with Christ? Christmas is a really good time to reflect on that.
Philippians 2:5-11
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
This is the time of the year when we remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We should be amazed the very Creator of the Universe chose to come so humbly. We have a tradition at PCC with the retelling of the Christmas story told through children’s eyes, I couldn’t resist to do that now;
Christmas is one time of year when we can remember the wonder and peace like we did when we were kids. We remember how Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem, the town of David, where he was born and laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn. We remember how the Angels gloriously appeared in the skies to the Shepherds announcing the Good News and how the Wise Men followed the star to find the great King to bring him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh and to worship him, though he was just a baby. It is with a sense of awe and amazement that we remember that the King of Kings didn’t come in great might to overthrow but in great humility to serve and finally to suffer and die on the Cross, not for his sins but for ours. The King of Glory himself paying the price of our sins so that we might have eternal life which we could not otherwise have.
Paul modelled his life on Jesus following in his humble footsteps. Everything he wrote to the Philippians was in reference to Jesus. He took everything Jesus said to heart. He relied only on the Lord and the gifts of others, very little on himself. Every place he went, every decision he made, every hardship he endured was to serve the Lord. He led a life of service to all the Churches and he toiled and suffered so that the Churches would grow. Paul was finally ready to suffer in the same way as Jesus even unto death.
Philippians 4:10-13
But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
« I Can Do All Things Through A Verse Out of Context »
This statement by Paul is often used by Christians as some sort of guarantee that we can achieve the miraculous, we can do anything because Christ is in us. For example I can run a marathon because Christ strengthens me.
But this is not the context of what Paul is saying at all . He is modelling his life on Jesus and he has learned how to be content in every situation whether in abundance or lack, he trusts in the Lord, knowing that the Lord will take care of him. Paul is really saying it is the Lord who helps him face any situation in life.
That is something every Christian can do. Trust in the Lord no matter the circumstance. He will provide all we need.
Philippians 4:14-16
Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.
Have you ever needed a friend when the chips were down like Paul did ? Nevertheless, other Christians are so important to support a ministry both financially and for the encouragement. Yes, we rely 100% on the Lord but what good does it do if no one else is there to support your work ? What would Family First achieve with zero donations ? There aren’t too many Christians around like John the Baptist who would continue to battle alone in the desert, preaching a hard message of repentance without any real support, living off locusts and wild honey. Paul was very grateful for the sole support of the Philippians church at this time.
Philippians 4:17-20
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Paul was pleased that the Philippians had supported him when other Churches hadn’t but his reasoning for being pleased is so unselfish it is astounding. He has already said he is content in every circumstance whether he had a little or a lot. So actually if no one supported his ministry, the Lord would still provide everything he needed and he would be content. But what Paul is pleased about is that by giving to him, they are storing up riches in Heaven for themselves, what he calls « the fruit that abounds to your account ». Nothing with God is ever wasted. When we give to a ministry or someone in need, our treasure in Heaven grows. This is the only investment we can make with a guaranteed return. Down here, God will supply all your need according to his riches in glory. You can be reassured that you will always have everything you need. You could spend a lot of time worrying about how you will afford to live through the cost of living crisis. God will provide for you.
Paul emphasises that « my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus ».
not « my ».
When we were young, there was a popular song we’d sing in Church which was a misquote of this Philippians verse which put the focus on « me » not the other person as Paul did when he wrote to the Philippians.
« Jehovah Jireh, my provider, his grace is sufficient for me, for me, for me », «my God shall supply all my need according to his riches in glory ».
We are the me generation, who think mostly about ourselves not others.
Paul wasn’t thinking about his need, he was thinking about the need of the Philippians Church.
I do the finances for Family First and I’m always amazed at the generosity of those who give, some who give very large amounts and others who don’t have much but still give ! The only one who knows is the treasurer and the Lord and that’s the just the way it should be. Because great is their riches in Heaven.
But I want to tell you that the Philippians are in line for more than riches, they are in line for a reward because they were the only ones who went beyond the normal in their devotion and service to Paul.
Rewards and Riches are different. If you invest in the Kingdom of God, you will get a great return on your investment, that’s what Jesus taught.
A reward is like a bonus, it is at the Lord’s discretion. It is for something extraordinary that you did.
Philippians 4:21-23
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Sometimes we get discouraged at all the troubles in our country and we even think our government is opposed to us. But this verse reminds us the Lord has his people everywhere, even in Caesar’s household. Yes even serving in the Kremlin, Beijing, Tehran, Pyongyang, Gaza, even in our previous government ! Elijah complained he was the only one. The Lord had to tell him there were 7000 others in Israel. Pray for these unseen ones.
Paul finishes his letter with a blessing that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all. Grace is something from the Lord we can all receive this Christmas. Don’t let another Christmas go by without welcoming him in !
