Some people have the idea that the world owes them a living. Instead of being grateful for what they have, or for what people do for them, they regard what they are given as merely receiving what is theirs by right. This attitude is in sharp contrast to that of the Apostle Paul. In chapter 4, verses 10 through 20 of his inspired letter to the followers of Christ at Philippi he writes, “But I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. However you did well that you shared in my affliction. You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need. Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account. But I have all things, and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God. My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.”
In this section of his letter, Paul thanks the people at Philippi for remembering him. As an expression of their concern, they had sent Paul a gift. If the people at Philippi had not sent a gift, would it mean that they were not concerned about Paul and the difficulties he was going through? Not at all! They were concerned but had not had the opportunity to show their concern. There is an important lesson here. We should never judge someone merely by external appearances. Concern cannot be measured by whether we receive something from someone, or by how much they give us. In another place Paul writes, “For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don’t have.” (2 Corinthians 8:12) Jesus highly praised a widow for giving all she had even though her gift was monetarily insignificant. Scripture indicates that the followers of Christ in Philippi were, like the widow Christ commended, extremely poor. (See 2 Corinthians 8:2) In spite of their poverty, Paul says that they had repeatedly sent gifts to him.
We do not know how much the followers of Christ at Philippi gave Paul. Since they were poor, it may have been a relatively small amount. Perhaps they were afraid that their gift would not be enough to meet Paul’s needs. Paul assures them that they need not worry about his financial situation. He had learned to be content in every situation, whether he had much or little. How does our attitude compare with that of Paul’s? Are we content only when someone gives us something? Can we be content in spite of being in need? How can one be content in spite of hunger, want or poverty? Paul gives the answer when he writes, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (4:13) The secret is not rely on our own strength and abilities. Nor is it to depend on others. We will be empowered to meet any situation, and to be content in whatever circumstances we face to the degree that we rely on Christ. Contentment does not depend on circumstances, but on our confidence in Christ. The Apostle Peter writes, “…his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue…” (2 Peter 1:3) If we are not content; if we feel that we do not have what we need in this life, it is an indication that we do not yet know Christ as we should.
Though Paul was grateful for what the followers of Christ at Philippi had given him, his focus was not on the gift but, rather, the people who had given the gift. He accepted the gift, not to gratify his own desires, but for the sake of the givers. He wanted them to receive God’s blessing for being generous. He likens their gift to a “sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God.” (4:18) There are times when we do not wish to accept a gift. Perhaps we already have enough. Perhaps the one giving the gift is more needy than we. Even so, we must be careful not to make the giver feel as though his offering to God is of no account.
Another lesson we can learn from Paul is in regard to financial accountability. In this passage he uses several phrases which refer to commercial or financial transactions. By his use of language it is apparent that even though Paul was an Apostle, and what he received was given as a gift, he still felt obligated to account for it. In verse 18 the phrase which is translated “I have all things, and abound” (NIV, “I have received full payment”) actually means “paid in full” At the time Paul wrote, this phrase was used on receipts. In other words, Paul was giving the people of Philippi a receipt for what they had given. He was telling them that he would use the gift for the purpose it was intended. The gift would be used for God’s glory. Paul also assured the people that because they have given sacrificially in order to bring glory to God, God in turn would meet their needs.
Paul closes his letter with these words, “Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (4:21-23)
One of the things Paul stresses throughout this letter is unity. In his closing he extends his personal greetings to each and every one of the followers of Christ at Philippi. He does not single anyone out by name, nor does he overlook anyone. He asks God’s blessing upon all. Paul also reminds the people in Philippi that they are not alone, by passing on the greetings of Christ’s followers who were with him. He also conveys the greetings of the believers in Caesar’s household. In Christ, all are one whether we live in poverty or whether we live in the palace of the king.
Paul ends his letter in the same way he began it – with a prayer that each one of the people to whom he is writing experience grace. Throughout the letter he has also emphasized joy. Grace and joy; these can be ours only through knowing and following Jesus Christ. Do you know Him?