INTRODUCTION
Outline.
2. Learning to be Commending
E. Remarks.
1. This is lesson two, in this sermon-series theme: "Learning to be Content.” The apostle Paul now in prison, in the city of Rome: imprisoned for his work in Christ among the Gentiles. We will consider the blessings of commending others, and our contingent (dependence) upon the Lord: in our time of trials, our needs, or in our daily substance. Paul expresses his deep love and thanks to these saints. He declared that they were his beloved, brethren, Philippians 4:1
2. In this lesson, we will define the blessing of commending others, the church, and our individual families for their contributes to our support. Again, Paul wrote: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity...Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that at the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God,” Philippians 4:12-18. Paul was commending this church for its reliable communications (giving to his support), from the start of his ministry, until that present time. With this brief introduction, let’s consider lesson two in this sermon-series: “learning to be commending.”
BODY OF LESSON
II LEARNING TO BE COMMENDING
A. Paul’s rejoicing. Paul begins this chapter with thanksgiving and rejoicing over these saints and encouraging them to stand fast in the Lord. Paul called them dearly beloved, brethren; commending them as saints. Asking them to help the women who labored with him in the gospel. To "entreat them with true yokefellowship." He reminded them, “that their names are in the book of life,” Philippians 4:1-4. He continued—
1. First, to let their moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
2. Further, “That they be careful about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:5-7.
3. Next, brethren, “Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things,” Philippians 4:8. To be content, stay your mind on healthy and wholesome things with praise and thanksgiving.
4. Finally, “My brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown; and again, my dearly beloved. He looked upon them as his brethren, though he was a great apostle. All Christians are brothers and sisters in the Lord, though we are ministers, leaders or members,” Philippians 4:9-10. Paul—
a. Loved them as dear brethren.
b. Had warm affections between them, both ministers and brethren.
c. He longed to see them and be in their company again.
d. They were his crown and joy.
B. Paul continued: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity...It was not negligence but inconvenience on the part of Epaphroditus. Paul wrote of this earlier in this letter. Observe--
1. Epaphroditus illness. Paul wrote: “But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly,” Philippians 2:24. Paul had expectations that he would be released from prison.
2. First, “Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants,” Philippians 2:25. Until then, he now sends his companion and fellow-soldier unto them, on his behalf. This must have been a return trip for him unto Philippi. He was their messenger and fellow-worker.
3. Further, “For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness because that ye had heard that he had been sick,” Philippians 2:26. His delay unto you was because of his sickness, of which they had learned. Paul confirms this in his Letter.
4. Next, “For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him, therefore, the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful,” Philippians 2:27-28. This would, of course, be great news unto the saints at Philippi.
5. Finally, “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me,” Philippians 2:29-30.
a. It was his commitment to deliver their gift unto Paul that became hazardous to his life.
b. We are not told what sickness, but that he was nigh unto death. But, the Lord spared his life that he might continue his work among the saints.
c. Paul noted that he would have had heaviness of heart had the Lord called him home. It is believed that he with Timothy was bearing this letter unto them.
C. Philippi’s support for Paul. He continues: This church was supportive of Paul. They supported him throughout his ministry. It would serve us well just to review their commitment unto the beloved apostle. It's one thing to start support for a church; yet, it is another thing to continue during hardships and times of leanness in the saints' contributions. We are in a time like that now. Observe--
1. Philippi’s commitment to Paul. This church began a good work and continued it throughout the apostle’s entire ministry to the Lord. He wrote--
a. First, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all requesting with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ,” Philippians 1:3-6.
b. Further, “Notwithstanding ye have done well, that ye did communicate with (me during) my affliction,” Philippians 4:14.
c. Next, “Now ye Philippians know also, that at the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only,” Philippians 4:15. Where were the other congregations where Paul had ministered? Where was Ephesus, Galatia, or even Corinth? He continued--
d. Finally, “For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again unto my necessity,” Philippians 4:16. This information perhaps was unknown unto other readers of this Letter. This should be an ensample for all congregations. Keep any vow or promise you have made unto the Lord, Psalms 22:25; Psalms 66:13-14; Psalms 116:18; Matthew 5:33; Matthew 14:6-9.
1) If the church promises to support a missionary and his family, a new minister, the church must fulfill its oat before the Lord and the saints.
2) Desperate times require faithfulness and financial sacrifices of the church to its missionaries, ministers, and their families.
3) This is not the time to shirk responsibilities because offerings are lean; it is time for prayer and sacrificial giving by those who have plenty. This is not the time to cut funding and medical cost to these faithful men and their families.
4) Elderships; where is your faith? In whom do you trust? Keep your vow.
5) Ministers, evangelists, and missionaries should sincerely thank and commend the church for its benevolence unto them. There is nothing more chilling to the church's generosity unto those they support: than a word and heart ungrateful for their continued blessings, sends unto them by the saints. A sincere word of thanks refreshes the spirit and hand that sends their gifts of love unto you!
NOTE: Illustrate, Where are the Nine? Luke 17:11-19. He was a Samaritan.
2. Their communications unto Paul. This began immediately upon their conversion to Christ and continued until death. Churches and individual supporters of good works should make a continual commitment to ministers and missionaries sent into the mission field or to the local congregations where they have been hired. During times like these, support must continue without any reductions or interruptions. We, too, must be reminded that God is able and will supply all our needs: just as He did with Paul and others.
3. Their contributions to Paul. The Philippians sent him no small token, though he desired no more; he was not dependent upon this gift, or even any future supply: he was full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent by them.
a. For this gift, the apostle was genuinely thankful and commending.
b. The gift from Philippi, by Epaphroditus, was a great blessing unto Paul.
c. The care for the saints is one of the church’s most important works!
4. Paul was contented, having received their gift. He concluded: “But I have all, and abound: I am full. We have spoken to this already in the lesson. So it is only necessary to state, Epaphroditus' gift refreshed Paul. Paul explains the blessings of their gift unto him and the Lord.
D. Epaphroditus’ gift. “Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God,” Philippians 4:18. What can a man desire more than enough? I do not desire a gift for the gift's sake, for I have all, and abound. The apostle assures them that God did accept, and would recompense, their kindness to him. Consider--
1. Things sent from you. Paul thanks them for the gift sent unto him from the Philippians. He wrote: “I have all and abound, I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you.” These were necessary for him to continue living and receiving visitors while being a prisoner of Rome. He speaks of it as an,
2. Odor of sweet smell. It is an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. Paul used these same words while writing to the Hebrews.
a. To the Hebrews: “By him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices, God is well pleased,” Hebrews 13:15-16.
b. To the Ephesians: “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savor,” Ephesians 5:2. Micah wrote of covetousness, how some had defrauded and oppressed the weak and innocent of God’s people. Observe--
c. He wrote: “Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! When the morning is light, they practice it because it is in the power of their hand. And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage. Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family, do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time is evil,” Micah 2:1-3. Micah speaks to the oppressors, how God promises to devise evil against them: due to their wickedness and oppression against His people!
d. Conclusion: There will be some during this pandemic, which will defraud and oppress the weak and innocent. Force some into foreclosures; repossess their homes, farms, and land: for dishonest gain. But Jehovah promises them also that He would put His knee upon their neck and cause them to walk before Him in shame. They walked before Him and men with haughty hearts, but, now before Him and the world in disgrace and want themselves.
3. A sacrifice acceptable. Their gift was a sacrifice pleasing to God, fruit given unto Paul that will be credited to their account, to permit his continued work in Christ among the Gentiles.
4. Well-pleasing to God. With such sacrifices, God is well pleased. Not a sacrifice of atonement, for none can provide atonement for sin but Christ; but their sacrifices of love, kindness and financial support unto Paul, was well-pleasing to God, Romans 5:11; Hebrews 1:3. And your gift is also well-pleasing unto God.
E. Their credit to their account. Paul concluded: “Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account,” Philippians 4:12-17. He states this gift as others he desires that they be credited to their account. We must always remember that our offerings, however small, will be credited to our account before God.
1. He would recompense it: “But my God shall supply all your wants according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:19. We will speak more about this later in the lesson.
2. God will make amends for the kindness they had shown him. He shall do it, not only as your God but as my God, who takes what is done to me as being done to him. He remembers our gifts and service to others, Acts 10:4; Matthew 10:42.
3. He shall supply my needs, according to your gifts offered even in your poverty; and he shall provide yours, according to the riches of Christ Jesus.
a. These disciples gave liberally to the poor saints in Jerusalem out of their abject poverty, 2 Corinthians 8:1-3.
b. These did such because they had first given themselves unto the Lord, 2 Corinthians 8:3-5.
c. Paul and Barnabas carried relief unto the poor saints at Jerusalem, Acts 11:27-30; Romans 15:24-28.
4. For Christ Jesus; though He was rich, for our sakes He became poor, Luke 9:58.
a. The Lord hath neither place to lay His head; nor, a place for His body to be buried, Isaiah 53:9; John 19:38-42.
b. Paul wrote: “For our sake, He became poor,” 2 Corinthians 8:9. He: “Emptied himself having no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross,” Philippians 2:5-11.
c. Though He owns and has charge of the “cattle on the thousand hills,” Psalms 50:10. He came into this world without a home, riches, or fame before men.
5. That we through: “His poverty might become rich,” 2 Corinthians 8:9.
a. First, Jesus said: "I have come that ye might have life and that you have it more abundantly," John 10:10.
b. Further, John wrote: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth,” 3 John 1:2.
c. Again, John wrote: "Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren and strangers: Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We, therefore, ought to receive such, that we might be fellow-helpers to the truth,” 3 John 1:5-8.
d. Finally, Paul wrote: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unaware,” Hebrews 13:2; Galatians 6:7-10.
e. Conclusion: Christ has come to give us eternal life and provide for the necessities of life for all those that love, serve, and obey Him. Like fashion, we must take care of the saints' needs, the needy, and the hopeless. In doing so, we lay up for ourselves: “Riches in heaven...For where our treasure is there will our heart be also,” Matthew 6:19-21; Colossians 3:1-2. Understanding these blessings with more appreciation, we will consider later our last point in this sermon-series: “learning to be contingent (dependent)” upon the Lord. As I begin to conclude this lesson, let’s review what we have discussed...
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
2. Learning to be Commending
B. Summarize main points.
1. In this lesson, we defined the blessings of commending the church, and our individual families for their contributes to our support. Again Paul wrote: "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity...Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
2. Now ye Philippians know also, that at the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God,” Philippians 4:12-18.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
I submit this verse unto you that I may: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
ronald.e.freeman@wwmchurchofchrist.org
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org/
Website: https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
