Philippians 4:10-20
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 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. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Sermon Quotes and References:
By describing the gift from the church in Philippi as a fragrant offering, Paul elevates their giving to the highest level, as sacrifices that are pleasing to God. Their giving can receive no higher value than this. They are a fragrant odor to God, they are acceptable sacrifices before God, and they are very pleasing to God. – Walter Hansen, Philippians
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written,
“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”
He who supplies seed to the sower & bread for food will supply & multiply your seed for sowing & increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way … 2 Cor. 9.6-11
The apostle assures them that the liberal & cheerful giver will always have something to give. God is able. The sacred writers often appeal to the power of God as a ground of confidence for His people. This is done especially when we are called upon to believe something which is contrary to the natural course of things. Giving is, to the natural eye, the way to lessen our store, not to increase it. The Bible says it is the way to increase it. To believe this it is only necessary to believe in the power, providence, and promise of God. God is able to make the paradox, “he that scatters, increases,” prove true. – Charles Hodge, Commentary on II Corinthians