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Text: Philippians 4:10-23
Care (vs 10)
- Paul is overjoyed that the Philippians would give their money toward the furtherance of the gospel. He’s not looking for their money, his joy is that they would give to the work of God.
- 2 Corinthians 11:9
- Notice Paul said they lacked opportunity, but he explains that their opportunity was not his desperate need for travel funds – not that I speak in respect of want…
Contentment (vss 11-13)
- Now, you have that great verse quoted as a promise by many and applied to whatever obstacle they face in life. I’m talking about Philippians 4:13. Taken out of context it means whatever you want it to mean, but in context it is dealing with being content.
- You can be occupied with what God has done for you or you can be occupied with what you don’t have and what someone else has.
- Contentment is learned.
- Paul was a student. He was a doctor of the law. He was well educated. But contentment wouldn’t be something taught in a classroom. He would learn these things in Jesus Christ (4:13).
- Content: Rest or quietness of the mind in the present condition; satisfaction which holds the mind in peace, restraining complaint, opposition, or further desire, and often implying a moderate degree of happiness.
- Contentment is the opposite of covetousness
- Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
- You can be content or you can be consumed with what you don’t have. Being discontent and covetous is no respecter of persons: rich or poor. Jeremiah 6:13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
- 1 Timothy 6:6-10 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
- Ezekiel 33:31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.
- Millions of people will sit on their couch, in a/c, running water, transportation, fridge with food, good plumbing, while a digital window tells them 24 hours a day about things they don’t have but need. Kids will go to school around other kids, living in homes with running water, a/c, food, parents and grandparents ready to give them anything they want, will see a friend with the new iPhone, the new iPad, Apple watch, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo, Elmo, Frozen doll, Beanie Babies, pogs, the Razor, Hoverboard, it’s always something.
Communication (vss 14-19)
- Giving and receiving
- Fruit accounted to you.
- 2 Corinthians 9:4-8
- This is not about giving money to make money. The stakes are much higher than that. Paul is talking about using money given cheerfully to the work of God and purchasing eternal fruit that won’t fade away. It’s not about making more money that will eventually be gone.
- Offering met Paul’s needs
- God would meet Philippians’ needs
