Philippians 4:10-23
10 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. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 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. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 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. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 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. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Greeting and Blessing
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
The letter to the church at Philippi ends after commendations for their likemindedness in the things of Jesus Christ and the gospel and after their admonition to focus their thoughts on the things of God. It ends with more thankfulness for their generosity to care for the one ministering to them and sharing in the suffering for the gospel with him. Paul had great joy in their expression of their care for him to sustain his ministry of the gospel which is a pattern and powerful example for us to meet the needs of our pastors, elders, deacons, missionaries, and other servants of the Lords who work together for the kingdom of God in Christ in fulfilling the great commission. We are called to make disciples of all nations and peoples, not just bearing witness of the gospel message to salvation and gathering them into the local body of Christ, but also laboring with love in the sanctification process by teaching them all things (Matthew 28:19-20) that were written by the apostles and prophets before and after Jesus came to deliver His own from sin and its eternal penalty. The scriptures here remind us all to serve one another in contentment and in need as we trust the Lord Christ to meet our needs and equip us with enabling strength and grace in trying times. We truly can do all in ministry through Christ who strengthens us! We do not spiritualize the suffering of others, however, but share in the distressing moments and rejoice in the successful times just as well. By giving to missionary servants as well as our own shepherds, we multiply the kingdom to fill the earth (Genesis 1:28, 9:1, 22:16, 18) with the glory of the Lord (Habakkuk 2:14, Isaiah 11:9-10) through the preaching and teaching of the good news of Jesus Christ our Lord. Such sacrifice is pleasing to the Lord and gives Him more pleasure in meeting all our own needs in like manner. We give God our Father the glory in Jesus Christ the Son by the enabling power of His Spirit in us and through us as we greet on another in Christ and share in His grace of which we all partake (1 Corinthians 9:13, 10:17), just as the messenger and servant of the Lord has given us the example here to imitate. May we serve with generous abandon as well.
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