7 day plan

A week with the Philippians

Day 6 of 7

NIV

Philippians 4:10-18

Thanks for Their Gifts

10I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Reflection:  A Philippian believer: “Paul is in a much worse situation than we are – and yet he rejoices! He is in prison, again. I’m very thankful that I’m not in prison. But Paul says he is content, no matter what his situation. How can he say this? How can we have this contentment too?

“What a huge step it feels like for us to get to this place of contentment…and I’m not even in prison! It seems to me Paul’s contentment is independent of his circumstances. He’s in prison, yet he is not worried for himself because whether he lives or dies, he is certain of his eternal life with Jesus.

“Paul says we Philippian believers are the only ones who gave him support after he shared the good news with us. I am so amazed Paul thanks us for looking after him when he needed help. Some people don’t think he is gracious, but this shows he is. He says he is amply supplied, and that our gifts are a fragrant offering! We were so happy to give to him and support his travels because of the amazing gift he gave us in the gospel! It is only because we have received grace from God that we have done this.”

A few thoughts for us….

  1. If we are not content, what steps can we take to move towards contentment in God?
  2. Thank God for all who have given us ‘gifts’ – those who helped us to know Jesus and to grow in trust. Thank God for the gift others have given us, to understand us, our concerns, our anxieties, listening to us, praying for us, and caring for us practically and emotionally.
  3. If we don’t have people like this in our lives, what is a step we can take towards having some? How can we be this person to others?

Prayer:  Father, I thank you for caring for me in every way.  Thank you for providing for me. Please help me to be content, in every situation. Please help me to be good a steward /manager of all you have given me.  Please help me to be generous and gracious, as you are so amazingly generous and gracious to me.  Amen.

The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

Days

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2
3
4
5
6
7

Philippians 4:1-23

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

1Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Final Exhortations

4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

10I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus.

The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings.

22All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.