STUDYING THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS #15

Phil. 4:14-23

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
I. Phil. 4:14
   A. In verses 14-19, Paul commends the Philippian church for
      supporting him, both recently and many years earlier, when he  
      left Philippi and went to Thessalonica.
      1. In 19-23, he gives his closing salutations.
   B. "Nevertheless" - This makes a contrast between Paul's state of
      contentment (as stated in 4:11-13) and the fact that their     
      support was beneficial both to him and them.
   C. "Shared in my distress" - The Greek word "koinonia"            
      (fellowship, sharing) is used in both verses 14 and 15.
      1. The Philippians had fellowship with Paul's affliction by
         sending aid (money, supplies) to him, and by sending
         Epaphroditus to assist him.
      2. They had "done well" in having fellowship with the apostle.
         a. As he said in verse 17, it is "fruit that abounds to your
            account."

II. Phil. 4:15-16
   A. "The beginning of the gospel" no doubt refers to when Paul     
      first preached in Philippi as recorded in Acts 16:9-40.
   B. "No church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but
      you only."
      1. There are many ways in which brethren have "fellowship";
         thus, he defines the type to which he is referring.
   C. These verses reveal much about the pattern for churches
      supporting evangelists in the preaching of the gospel.
      1. Remember, this epistle is not just a nice exhortation letter
         that can be taken or left. 1 Cor. 14:37
      2. Please notice the word "church" in these verses. These
         verses, along with others, show that the local churches were
         independent functioning units. (See chart on "Collective
         Actions of the Local Church" below.)
         a. Each congregation had its own organization (elders and
            deacons), work, and responsibility.
         b. The local church becomes the only unit or organization
            ordained by God through which Christians function as a
            group.
      3. Notice, too, that the funds were sent directly to the       
         preacher in the field.
         a. They did not send support to another church or society
            which in turn (after keeping a portion for operating
            expenses) sent the funds on to Paul.
   D. "For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my
      necessities."
      1. In this action, the church was unique at that time.
      2. At a latter time, they were probably included in that which 
         is mentioned in 2 Cor. 11:8-9.
      3. All of their giving had been done in spite of the fact they
         were in poverty themselves. 2 Cor. 8:1-4
         a. "The district of Macedonia had suffered three civil wars,
            and had been reduced to such poverty that Tiberius
            Caesar, harkening to their petition, had lightened their
            taxes. But in addition to this general poverty, the
            churches had been made poor by persecution."
            (Commentary on 2 Corinthians, by J.W. McGravery, p.
            210).

III. Phil. 4:17-19
   A. Instead of seeking a gift from them, he sought the fruit that
      abounded to their account.
      1. By their support of Paul, they were laying up treasures in
         heaven and building a good foundation against the time to
         come.
   B. The support from the Philippians must have been generous and
      substantial because Paul writes that he now had more than
      enough.
      1. Epaphoditus was the one who had become very sick while
         traveling from Philippi to Rome to bring the Philippian
         church's aid to Paul. Phil. 2:25-30
   C. "A sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing
      to God."
      1. The expression "sweet-smelling aroma" is often used of
         animal sacrifices of the Old Testament. Gen. 8:21; Lev.
         26:31; 1:9,13,17
      2. Thus, giving to the Lord's cause, is one of the "spiritual"
         sacrifices we can render to God under the New Testament
         system. 1 Pet. 2:5
   D. "And my God shall supply all your need."
      1. This is one of those verses which assures us that God will
         supply all our needs.
      2. God will supply our needs "according to His riches in glory
         by Christ Jesus."
         a. God owns everything and His glory fills the whole earth.
            Psalm 24:1; 50:10-12; Isa. 6:3
         b. Thus, we can rejoice in His ability to abundantly supply
            all our needs.
         c. When we give as we have been prospered, God will
            abundantly bless us. 2 Cor. 8:6-11

IV. Phil. 4:20-23
   A. Paul often closes his epistles with such doxologies. The word
      "doxology" is from two Greek words, and literally means "A
      word of glory" or "An expression of glory."
      1. This doxology seems to be derived from the wonderful
         thought that God will supply all our needs.
      2. "Forever and ever" is literally, "unto the ages of the      
         ages."
         a. This is an expression often used in the Scriptures to
            describe eternity.
   B. Paul nearly always closed his epistles with salutations and
      greetings.
      1. "In Christ" may go either with "saint" or with "greet."
      2. There is a great blessing in knowing and greeting fellow
         Christians.
         a. We are commanded to "love the brotherhood" in 1 Pet.
            2:17.
   C. Except for Timothy (Phil. 2:19), we do not know of any others
      who were with Paul at this time.
      1. At a latter time, everyone forsook him, except Luke. 2 Tim.
         4:10-11
      2. At his first defense before Nero, no one stood with him
         except the Lord. 2 Tim. 4:16
   D. All the brethren in Rome sent their greetings along with Paul.
      1. The reference to the saints in "Caesar's household" thrills
         our hearts.
         a. This probably refers to not the imperial family, but to
            employees of Caesar's household - slaves, cooks, and
            guards. Phil. 1:13
         b. However, it is possible that some of Caesar's own
            family had been converted to the Lord.
         c. There are Christians today in countries such as China,
            and Iran. Many people are now being converted in what
            were once Communist countries.
         d. These saints live in difficult surroundings and need our
            prayers.
   E. "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
      1. Some ancient manuscripts, instead of "with you all," have
         "with your spirit."
      2. No greater blessings can be wished on anyone. We all need
         the favor of Christ.

Concl.
   A. Through the years, the church at Philippi continued to support
      Paul in his work of preaching.
      1. Let us do out best, as a congregation of the Lord, to aid   
         and support those who faithfully preach the gospel.
   B. Paul closed his epistle by wishing the grace of the Lord upon  
      the Philippian brethren.
      1. May the grace of the Lord be upon us as well.
      2. May the Lord Jesus Christ strengthen and establish us so    
         that we can some day live with Him forever.
      3. To Him be the glory both now and forever.

Chart:
Collective Actions of the Local Church

1. Chooses officers and servants - Acts 6:2-3; 1 Tim. 3:10; Rom.     
   16:1-2
2. Has messengers - 2 Cor. 8:23
3. Pays wages - 2 Cor. 11:8-9; Phil. 4:14-18
4. Relieves and enrolls - 1 Tim. 5:9-10,16
5. Hears and speaks - Matt. 18:17
6. Disciplines - 1 Cor. 5:4-5
7. Greets in letters - 1 Cor. 16:19
8. Sends out preachers - Acts 11:22
9. Is reported to - Acts 14:26-27
10. Has worship - 1 Cor. 11:20, 34
11. Has its own treasury - 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. 11:8-9