PHILIPPIANS 1:3-8, 4:15-17

One of Paul’s primary reasons for writing to the church in Philippi was to let them know that when he frequently remembers them in prayer (1:3) he joyfully thanks (1:4) God for their “partnership in the gospel” from the “first day” of his ministry among them (1:5). Paul wrote this letter while under house arrest in Rome after receiving a financial gift from the Philippians delivered by Epaphroditus who was perhaps their pastor or lead elder.

1. “Partnership” in Greek is koinonia or “fellowship”, “joint participation” a “gift jointly contributed”, a “share in something contributed”. This spirit of partnership and unity is to permeate the entire local and worldwide body of Christ.
2. “From the first day until now”: Paul and his companions Timothy, Silas and Luke started the church in Philippi ten years prior to this letter while on Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 16:11-40).This was the first church established on the European continent in the district of Macedonia. When Paul entered a city his pattern was to minister at a Jewish synagogue but when he entered Philippi (either the day they arrived or the first Sabbath they were there) he went to a river outside the city to minister. He did this because Philippi was mostly a Gentile city and did not have at least 10 Jewish men required to form a synagogue. Acts 16:13 says the missionaries encountered and spoke to a group of women praying at a riverside. One of the women was Lydia, a Gentile from Thyatira, a worshiper of God and a seller of expensive purple goods. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying and she became a believer in Christ. After she and her household were baptized she “urged” the missionaries to “come to my house and stay.” ‘And she prevailed upon us.”’ (verse15). Lydia’s husband is not mentioned (perhaps he was dead or they were divorced) but her business was very profitable so she was wealthy with servants and had a large home. The missionaries may have stayed there for a short or long time. When Paul refers to “the first day” he is referring to Lydia’s gracious hospitality. “Until now” means  the financial gift which Epaphroditus brought Paul which helped pay rent for the house he was staying in while chained to Roman guards. 

Another occasion of hospitality in Philippi was from the jailor and his household after they trusted Christ and were baptized (Acts 16:25-34). 

3. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you, will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (1:6). What “good work” did God begin and will complete in the lives of the Philippians, and every one who knows Christ as Savior and Lord?

God’s work *for* us began when Christ died on the Cross in our place. His work *within* us began when we first repented of our sin and trusted Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. Now the Holy Spirit lives in us enabling us to become more like Jesus every day. Paul is describing the process of a Christ-follower’s growth and maturity that began when he or she accepted Jesus and, by His grace, continues until Christ’s return. God’s saving purpose will be fulfilled on the “day of Christ” (1:10, 2:16) when He returns in glory to raise His people from the dead (3:11, 20, 21) and to receive universal homage (2:9-11). 

What other “good work” did God start and continue in their lives? How about hospitality, generous giving and meeting practical needs? “It was kind of you to share in my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.” Paul expressed his deep appreciation for their ongoing partnership with him as he spread the Gospel. He is remembering how they contributed practical help when he was in Philippi and when he left Macedonia to go to Achaia (Acts 16:40-18:18) and now when he is in prison. 

As we help our pastors, evangelists, teachers and missionaries through prayer, hospitality, logistics, and financial and in-kind gifts, we become partners with them in spreading the Gospel and building up the church locally and globally. This is Christ’s organic and organized body living as it is designed to live.

4. Generosity is a big part of who we are in Christ and what we do for Him. 

• Another wealthy giver of the primitive church.

Acts 4:36-37: Barnabas (Joseph) was a respected leader of the church. He was a Levite by birth, a member of the Jewish tribe that carried out Temple duties. But his family moved to Cyprus, so he did not serve in the Temple. Acts 4:36-37 lays the foundation to the significant influence and contribution this outstanding follower of Christ had in the life of Paul and the Jewish and Gentile churches. As “son of encouragement” Barnabas was a good example of a Christ-follower who gave to the needs of others. Barnabas also interceded for Paul (Acts 9:27), encouraged the church in Antioch in Syria (Acts 11:22), led in missionary work abroad (Acts 13:2,3) and continued in missionary work despite a disagreement with Paul (Acts 15:37-39). Notice that Barnabas “sold a field that belonged to him” to help believers in Jerusalem. (Contrast his generosity with the selfishness of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). Barnabas owned properties so he most likely was wealthy. Notice that God wanted us to know the name of this man, that he sold a piece of property and donated the money to God’s work.  

We truly thank God for wealthy givers.

• The generosity of the poor Macedonian churches in Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea

2 Corinthians 8:1-5: Paul commended these churches because he wanted the Corinthian believers, and you and me, to know about their giving to assist the impoverished church in Jerusalem even though they themselves were poor. They gave even more than Paul expected. They gave sacrificially because they wanted to help their Jewish brethren. *The point of giving is not the amount we give but why and how we give*. God does not want us to give grudgingly. He wants us to give, as these churches gave, because of our dedication to Christ, love for fellow believers, the joy of helping those in need and it is the good and right thing to do. 

Does our giving measure up to the example of the Macedonians?  

The Gospel of God’s grace spreads widely and the body of Christ is greatly strengthened through believers’ concern and eagerness to help others. Here we read of churches joining together to help others beyond their circle of friends and city. This is an example of followers of Christ joining together to do God’s work cross-culturally which helps maintain unity and God’s Kingdom to grow locally and globally. By citing the Macedonians to the Corinthians Paul was hoping this would encourage them to solve their problems, complete their commitment and unite in Christ-centered fellowship. Notice that Paul was also a fund-raiser.

5. God has an accounting system.

In Philippians 4:15-17 Paul uses an accounting metaphor to tell his precious partners in Philippi about God’s accounting system. He reminds them that their financial partnership with him is ultimately for their benefit. God calculates every good deed a person does or the money given, little or much, and deposits it into their eternal personal bank account (ESV footnote: “the profit that accrues to your account”). We should not think little of a seemingly insignificant good deed done or a small financial gift given in Jesus’ name. God rewards our faithfulness. Because he knows that the Philippians’ gifts are an act of worship and are pleasing to God (Hebrews 13:15-16), Paul knows that God will richly bless them in return (2 Corinthians 9:6). Paul appreciated their spirit of love and devotion and fellowship more than their gift. 

As we reflect…

In Philippians 4:10-13 Paul does not deny the reality of his need but rather testifies he is content to live in plenty or in want. Because he relied on Christ’s power and followed His example (2:5, 3:10) Paul is able to face all circumstances with contentment. He is impressing the same lesson on the Philippians (4:6-7) and on us today.

In Philippians 4:19 “every need (not want) of yours” refers to our material and spiritual needs (4:6-7). This promise is for those who are in Christ Jesus (1:1, 21).

God honors people who dedicate their time, talents and treasure to His work. As Paul did in his letter to the Philippians, church and ministry leaders today need to develop practical ways, without favoritism, to express our sincere and heartfelt appreciation to all of our faithful partners.