WEBVTT 00:00:00.440 --> 00:00:02.399 Well, happy Thanksgiving to everybody. 00:00:04.179 --> 00:00:05.259 Oh, thank you. 00:00:07.419 --> 00:00:13.660 Hopefully your Thanksgiving holiday was full of good things and gratitude for those good things. 00:00:14.359 --> 00:00:24.800 It is sweet, it is good to gather around a full, abundant table together with our families and the people that we love, friends. 00:00:24.800 --> 00:00:31.339 And we obey the words of the old hymn to count our blessings, to count them one by one. 00:00:32.140 --> 00:00:34.340 It is right and good for us to do that. 00:00:34.480 --> 00:00:36.640 We are a joyfully indebted people. 00:00:37.359 --> 00:00:45.579 We are eternally in God's debt for his immense kindness to us in all things physical and eternal. 00:00:45.579 --> 00:00:59.820 But I think it is a little ironic that the day that we set aside to give God abundant thanks is also the day when, at least for most of us I am assuming, that our table is set with abundance. 00:01:00.839 --> 00:01:03.280 That we have a house that is prepared for a feast. 00:01:03.280 --> 00:01:16.420 We give God much thanks in the abundance when our lives are full and rich, when the sun is shining, when our mouths are full of good things, and as well we should. 00:01:17.120 --> 00:01:18.879 These are good gifts from God. 00:01:19.920 --> 00:01:21.140 Everything comes from him. 00:01:22.159 --> 00:01:26.180 But that is in November at the end of the harvest season. 00:01:26.299 --> 00:01:27.520 What about in the dead of winter? 00:01:27.519 --> 00:01:29.560 What about in January? 00:01:30.539 --> 00:01:46.399 When circumstances look bleak, when our table is bare, when we are feeling empty, when we are facing real difficulty and weakness, that's when the gratitude of November seems far away. 00:01:46.500 --> 00:01:48.199 Now, I'm not just speaking economically. 00:01:48.759 --> 00:01:53.780 I'm also speaking about seasons in our lives when they are particularly difficult. 00:01:53.920 --> 00:01:55.579 That can be in November or any other month. 00:01:55.579 --> 00:02:02.420 Now, I bet most of us this morning have some kind of hard situation on our minds. 00:02:04.319 --> 00:02:06.379 Maybe it's tension in a relationship. 00:02:08.219 --> 00:02:10.479 Maybe it's a delicate family situation. 00:02:12.680 --> 00:02:14.219 Perhaps finances are tight. 00:02:15.659 --> 00:02:21.419 Or you're grieving that someone dear to you has made some poor choices and is suffering for it. 00:02:22.579 --> 00:02:25.159 Maybe you have a body that's not working very well right now. 00:02:25.580 --> 00:02:30.260 Maybe there's a hard situation that you're facing at work. 00:02:31.360 --> 00:02:36.280 Or maybe it's just the daily grind of the particular season of life that God has you in right now. 00:02:36.280 --> 00:02:47.259 Maybe some of you are floating on cloud nine, but I imagine most of us are in some kind of season where some kind of hard circumstance is looking at us in the face. 00:02:47.259 --> 00:02:55.219 And it's hard to obey the command of Scripture that Mike mentioned in his prayer a little while ago to give thanks in all circumstances. 00:02:55.419 --> 00:03:05.719 It can be difficult when our life is impoverished, whether literally or figuratively, to give thanks to God. 00:03:05.719 --> 00:03:17.719 We need fresh perspective from God's Word to transform the way we relate to all of our circumstances, whether they are abounding or difficult. 00:03:18.340 --> 00:03:21.979 Whether it's on Thanksgiving Day or the other 364 days of the year. 00:03:21.979 --> 00:03:27.619 And so this morning in Philippians 4, if you're not already there in your Bibles, go ahead and open up there. 00:03:28.159 --> 00:03:41.859 We're going to receive some of that fresh perspective that we need from a precious letter written by the Apostle Paul to a Philippian body of believers in the church, the city of Philippi in Greece, 2,000-ish years ago. 00:03:41.860 --> 00:03:46.020 So turn with me to Philippians 4. 00:03:47.060 --> 00:03:50.740 And what we're going to find in Philippians 4 is a big idea. 00:03:51.580 --> 00:03:54.700 One main idea I want to just drive home this morning. 00:03:56.480 --> 00:04:01.840 And then we're going to explore kind of the different ways that that gets worked out in our lives. 00:04:01.920 --> 00:04:04.040 Here's the main idea we're going to see from Philippians 4. 00:04:04.039 --> 00:04:25.959 Having a joyful faith union with Jesus transforms the way we relate to our circumstances, good or bad. 00:04:25.959 --> 00:04:33.699 So think of this message as a mountain spring cascading down from the high Sierras. 00:04:35.039 --> 00:04:38.479 The source of that is that first part of that big idea. 00:04:39.019 --> 00:04:41.819 Having a joyful faith union with Jesus. 00:04:41.959 --> 00:04:42.939 That's the source. 00:04:42.939 --> 00:04:57.040 And then that source is going to split into three tributaries, three streams of ways in which that faith union with Jesus transforms the way we relate to our circumstances. 00:04:57.040 --> 00:04:58.579 So we're going to look at the source. 00:04:58.860 --> 00:05:09.079 Then we're going to see three streams coming off of that source of how that joyful faith union transforms the way that we relate to our circumstances. 00:05:09.680 --> 00:05:12.139 So first, let's dive in and let's look at the source. 00:05:12.939 --> 00:05:18.040 What is a joyful faith union with Jesus? 00:05:19.819 --> 00:05:29.740 When my wife Jessica and I were dating, once we got comfortable enough with each other that poking fun at each other wasn't dangerous, it wasn't going to cause a fight, 00:05:30.379 --> 00:05:34.819 she began to make fun of me because I kept using the word over and over again. 00:05:34.980 --> 00:05:36.360 And it was kind of like Princess Bride. 00:05:36.480 --> 00:05:37.959 I don't think that means what you think it means. 00:05:37.959 --> 00:05:41.599 I began to use the word essentially all the time. 00:05:42.299 --> 00:05:43.839 Or basically, one of those two. 00:05:44.759 --> 00:05:46.680 And she kept making fun of me for it. 00:05:47.359 --> 00:05:50.659 It was such a part, it was a regular feature of my speech. 00:05:50.740 --> 00:05:54.819 I don't know how it got worked in there, but I guess I thought I sounded smart when I kept using it. 00:05:54.899 --> 00:05:57.279 So I kept using that. 00:05:57.279 --> 00:05:59.719 It was a regular feature of my speech. 00:06:00.539 --> 00:06:09.359 Well, the Apostle Paul had a regular feature to his speech that he used all the time in his letters. 00:06:09.679 --> 00:06:14.439 It was so much a part of him that it just showed up in all of the letters he wrote. 00:06:14.439 --> 00:06:19.360 And it showed up in today's passage that Abby read for us a few moments ago. 00:06:20.199 --> 00:06:27.040 In Philippians 4, verses 10 through 20, Paul uses the Greek preposition in, sorry for throwing Greek out here, 00:06:27.160 --> 00:06:28.939 but it's basically the same as English, in. 00:06:29.300 --> 00:06:31.639 E-N, in English I-N. 00:06:32.659 --> 00:06:37.740 It's the Greek preposition in, three times in this passage in relationship to Jesus. 00:06:38.779 --> 00:06:40.600 Verse 10, our opening verse, 00:06:40.600 --> 00:06:43.780 I rejoiced in the Lord, referring to Jesus. 00:06:43.960 --> 00:06:48.540 I rejoiced in the Lord Jesus greatly that you revived your concern for me. 00:06:48.700 --> 00:06:51.340 So he's rejoicing in Jesus. 00:06:51.900 --> 00:06:52.379 That's one. 00:06:52.879 --> 00:06:54.220 The second is in verse 13. 00:06:54.680 --> 00:06:56.120 It's disguised, but it's there. 00:06:56.780 --> 00:06:59.100 In verse 13, very familiar verse to us. 00:06:59.740 --> 00:07:02.260 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 00:07:02.920 --> 00:07:07.939 That word through, although it's a very legitimate translation of the Greek preposition in, 00:07:07.939 --> 00:07:10.260 is hiding the Greek preposition in. 00:07:11.240 --> 00:07:13.140 So literally, if you read it in Greek, 00:07:13.640 --> 00:07:16.840 I can do all things in him who strengthens me. 00:07:17.220 --> 00:07:18.640 Through is a very legitimate translation, 00:07:18.900 --> 00:07:22.560 but it really comes home nice and powerfully when we read it, 00:07:22.780 --> 00:07:24.800 in him who strengthens me. 00:07:24.879 --> 00:07:26.240 I'll show that to us in a minute. 00:07:27.140 --> 00:07:29.020 The third time is in verse 19. 00:07:29.879 --> 00:07:35.840 My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 00:07:35.839 --> 00:07:44.379 So that little phrase, in the Lord, or in Christ Jesus, or in him, shows up all over Paul's letters. 00:07:45.279 --> 00:07:47.899 It's a regular feature of the way he writes. 00:07:47.899 --> 00:07:51.159 It's the world he lives in. 00:07:51.739 --> 00:07:53.879 He loves that little preposition in. 00:07:53.979 --> 00:07:55.939 And when he uses it, this is what he's trying to communicate. 00:07:56.739 --> 00:08:06.579 He's trying to convey something of the rich relational union that the believers have with Jesus. 00:08:07.159 --> 00:08:08.139 By faith. 00:08:08.139 --> 00:08:16.740 In fact, that little phrase, in Christ, is the number one way that the New Testament talks about Christians. 00:08:16.740 --> 00:08:21.340 The word Christian only shows up a couple of times in our Bibles. 00:08:21.740 --> 00:08:22.280 Not much. 00:08:23.100 --> 00:08:27.879 And then a few other times, the word believer, or follower, or disciple. 00:08:28.060 --> 00:08:30.199 Of course, that's used to describe Christians as well. 00:08:30.300 --> 00:08:34.299 But nothing compared to the amount of times that Paul especially, 00:08:34.399 --> 00:08:38.659 but other New Testament writers talk about Christians being in Christ. 00:08:39.519 --> 00:08:40.080 In him. 00:08:41.600 --> 00:08:44.639 Just for the sake of illustrating this, let's flip over to Ephesians 1. 00:08:44.639 --> 00:08:48.480 Ephesians is the book right to the left of Philippians. 00:08:49.639 --> 00:08:54.720 And I'm just going to read verses 3 through 14 of chapter 1 of Ephesians. 00:08:55.299 --> 00:08:56.699 I want you to follow along with me. 00:08:56.819 --> 00:08:59.340 If you're taking notes, take tally marks. 00:08:59.799 --> 00:09:04.819 And what I want you to do is I want you to listen for how many times Paul uses the phrase, 00:09:05.299 --> 00:09:09.299 in him, or in Christ, or with him, or in Jesus. 00:09:09.419 --> 00:09:10.220 Anything like that. 00:09:10.419 --> 00:09:10.559 Okay? 00:09:11.080 --> 00:09:12.379 We might get a few different counts. 00:09:12.379 --> 00:09:18.480 But keep track with me of how many times he is talking about us being in Christ. 00:09:18.559 --> 00:09:18.980 Here we go. 00:09:19.519 --> 00:09:21.080 Ephesians 1, 3 through 14. 00:09:21.080 --> 00:09:29.340 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 00:09:30.060 --> 00:09:36.220 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. 00:09:36.800 --> 00:09:41.100 In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, 00:09:41.600 --> 00:09:47.820 according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the beloved. 00:09:47.820 --> 00:09:54.960 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 00:09:55.040 --> 00:10:00.120 which he lavished on us in all wisdom and insight, making known to us the mystery of his will, 00:10:00.520 --> 00:10:05.440 according to this purpose which he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, 00:10:05.820 --> 00:10:10.280 to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. 00:10:10.279 --> 00:10:18.860 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 00:10:18.959 --> 00:10:23.860 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. 00:10:24.299 --> 00:10:29.939 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, 00:10:30.299 --> 00:10:34.240 were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance, 00:10:34.659 --> 00:10:38.279 until we acquire possession of it to the praise of his glory. 00:10:38.279 --> 00:10:40.459 How many did you get? 00:10:40.539 --> 00:10:41.120 Just shout it out. 00:10:41.860 --> 00:10:42.379 14? 00:10:43.379 --> 00:10:44.079 Anybody else? 00:10:44.740 --> 00:10:45.379 11? 00:10:46.839 --> 00:10:48.019 That's a lot. 00:10:49.299 --> 00:10:50.379 That's amazing. 00:10:51.159 --> 00:10:55.779 Do you see how much Paul is thinking of this is who we are? 00:10:55.879 --> 00:10:57.579 We are in Christ. 00:10:59.860 --> 00:11:01.079 It's astounding. 00:11:01.080 --> 00:11:08.420 And dear friend, if you have come to realize how your sin is grievous in God's sight, 00:11:09.100 --> 00:11:11.700 and you are in need of forgiveness before God, 00:11:11.960 --> 00:11:16.980 and you've understood that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice for your sin, 00:11:17.040 --> 00:11:23.139 and you've put all of your eggs of hope and confidence and trust and faith in his basket, 00:11:23.920 --> 00:11:25.120 then you are in him. 00:11:25.120 --> 00:11:28.519 You are united to him. 00:11:29.820 --> 00:11:31.759 Dead to sin as he died to sin. 00:11:31.899 --> 00:11:33.820 Alive to God as he is alive to God. 00:11:34.080 --> 00:11:39.100 Given new life in his spirit to have a present and real relationship with him. 00:11:39.179 --> 00:11:46.639 Just as a man and a woman are united together with an unbreakable vow of commitment and care and mutual love, 00:11:46.639 --> 00:11:53.740 so you have been united to Christ in a joyful faith union with him. 00:11:54.899 --> 00:11:55.879 And it can't be broken. 00:11:57.319 --> 00:12:00.419 And this changes everything if we look at life this way. 00:12:01.720 --> 00:12:02.899 So if this is true of you, 00:12:03.460 --> 00:12:07.319 then you are anchored to a rock that is so high and so strong 00:12:07.319 --> 00:12:13.240 that no wave of circumstance or chaos can penetrate and shake you. 00:12:13.240 --> 00:12:17.960 Just like in the Psalms when David's talking about being on a rock and he can't be moved, 00:12:18.200 --> 00:12:24.120 it's because he is established in faith on the rock of Jesus. 00:12:25.980 --> 00:12:28.720 That's what Paul is standing on in Philippians 4. 00:12:29.419 --> 00:12:31.820 He doesn't talk about it particularly in those terms, 00:12:31.919 --> 00:12:33.460 but that's the rock he's standing on, 00:12:33.620 --> 00:12:35.440 and that's the rock that he keeps referring to. 00:12:36.659 --> 00:12:39.019 He is rejoicing in the Lord about something. 00:12:39.200 --> 00:12:42.460 He's able to do all things in him who strengthens him, 00:12:42.460 --> 00:12:46.940 and he's confident of future provision because of being in Christ. 00:12:47.060 --> 00:12:49.180 So that is the source. 00:12:49.920 --> 00:12:55.860 That is the fountainhead of what we are looking at 00:12:55.860 --> 00:13:00.560 that's going to transform the way that we relate to our circumstances. 00:13:01.379 --> 00:13:06.800 Now, let's explore the three streams that this source splits into, 00:13:06.799 --> 00:13:13.519 three ways in which this joyful faith union with Jesus 00:13:13.519 --> 00:13:16.959 transforms the way we look at our circumstances. 00:13:17.299 --> 00:13:18.620 The first stream is this. 00:13:20.019 --> 00:13:22.959 Having a joyful faith union with Jesus 00:13:22.959 --> 00:13:27.139 teaches us contentment no matter what our circumstances are. 00:13:27.139 --> 00:13:31.580 Having a joyful faith union with Jesus teaches us contentment 00:13:31.580 --> 00:13:34.259 no matter what our circumstances are. 00:13:34.399 --> 00:13:39.000 Let's look at Philippians 4, verses 10 through 13 in a little more detail. 00:13:39.100 --> 00:13:39.919 Let me read them for us. 00:13:39.919 --> 00:13:43.479 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly now at length 00:13:43.479 --> 00:13:45.259 that you have revived your concern for me. 00:13:45.819 --> 00:13:48.339 You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 00:13:49.259 --> 00:13:51.319 Not that I am speaking of being in need, 00:13:51.659 --> 00:13:54.259 for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 00:13:55.039 --> 00:13:57.919 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. 00:13:58.579 --> 00:14:00.819 In any and every circumstance, 00:14:00.819 --> 00:14:03.939 I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, 00:14:04.439 --> 00:14:05.439 abundance and need. 00:14:05.440 --> 00:14:09.560 I can do all things in him who strengthens me. 00:14:11.200 --> 00:14:13.420 So Paul is at the very end of this letter 00:14:13.420 --> 00:14:15.240 that he's writing to his dear friends, 00:14:15.780 --> 00:14:17.440 the believers in Philippi, 00:14:17.540 --> 00:14:19.480 and he's coming to one of the primary reasons 00:14:19.480 --> 00:14:20.540 for which he wrote the letter, 00:14:20.660 --> 00:14:22.520 which is to thank them for a gift 00:14:22.520 --> 00:14:25.420 that they had sent to him through a messenger 00:14:25.420 --> 00:14:27.180 whose name was Epaphroditus. 00:14:27.300 --> 00:14:30.900 It shows up later on in the letter. 00:14:31.880 --> 00:14:34.680 We'll return to this gift that they give 00:14:34.679 --> 00:14:35.559 in the second point. 00:14:35.659 --> 00:14:37.339 We're going to take the gift that he just mentioned, 00:14:37.479 --> 00:14:38.319 being thankful for, 00:14:38.399 --> 00:14:39.299 and we're going to set that aside. 00:14:39.399 --> 00:14:40.799 We're coming back to that in the second point. 00:14:42.059 --> 00:14:44.199 Because right after his initial joy 00:14:44.199 --> 00:14:47.159 of the Philippians showing concern for him, 00:14:47.379 --> 00:14:50.079 he goes off on this tangent in verses 11 through 13. 00:14:50.739 --> 00:14:53.759 You can almost put parentheses around verses 11 through 13. 00:14:53.759 --> 00:14:56.579 There's just like an explanatory tangent, 00:14:57.199 --> 00:14:58.559 but it's a beautiful tangent. 00:14:59.139 --> 00:15:00.539 It's a wonderful tangent 00:15:00.539 --> 00:15:02.539 that provides a beautiful window 00:15:02.539 --> 00:15:05.219 into Paul's joyful faith union with Jesus 00:15:05.219 --> 00:15:08.459 and how it shapes the way he relates to his circumstances. 00:15:09.199 --> 00:15:11.379 So he knows the Philippians have been concerned about him. 00:15:11.439 --> 00:15:12.379 He's grateful for that, 00:15:12.519 --> 00:15:13.659 but he wants them to know 00:15:13.659 --> 00:15:17.379 that he hasn't been pining for a change of circumstance 00:15:17.379 --> 00:15:19.620 or wringing his hands, 00:15:19.839 --> 00:15:21.120 waiting for their gift to get here 00:15:21.120 --> 00:15:21.839 so he could say, 00:15:22.039 --> 00:15:24.019 about time this thing got here. 00:15:25.139 --> 00:15:26.259 Rather, look at verse 11. 00:15:26.259 --> 00:15:28.720 Not that I'm speaking of being in need. 00:15:29.279 --> 00:15:31.279 I have learned in whatever situation I am 00:15:31.279 --> 00:15:32.779 to be content. 00:15:34.399 --> 00:15:36.700 Paul's circumstances, by the way, are not good. 00:15:37.419 --> 00:15:38.120 He's in prison. 00:15:39.419 --> 00:15:42.000 He's experiencing hardship economically. 00:15:42.799 --> 00:15:44.720 He is limited in his mobility 00:15:44.720 --> 00:15:47.179 and his ability to work. 00:15:47.899 --> 00:15:49.679 He's probably exposed to disease. 00:15:50.500 --> 00:15:52.460 He is being slandered by some people. 00:15:52.580 --> 00:15:54.019 He's being abandoned by others. 00:15:54.019 --> 00:15:56.480 He is afflicted by inward weakness 00:15:56.480 --> 00:15:58.179 and outward temptation. 00:15:58.819 --> 00:16:01.379 And his death could be just around the corner. 00:16:03.139 --> 00:16:06.079 And so it's amazing that he tells the Philippians, 00:16:07.220 --> 00:16:08.779 in whatever situation I find myself, 00:16:09.340 --> 00:16:10.899 I have learned how to be content. 00:16:11.100 --> 00:16:12.460 And he elaborates this in verse 12. 00:16:12.840 --> 00:16:13.799 I know how to be brought low. 00:16:13.860 --> 00:16:14.759 I know how to abound. 00:16:15.120 --> 00:16:17.340 In any and in every circumstance, 00:16:17.740 --> 00:16:20.120 I have learned the secret of facing plenty in hunger, 00:16:20.659 --> 00:16:21.720 abundance in need. 00:16:21.720 --> 00:16:24.800 Did you notice all the education words 00:16:24.800 --> 00:16:26.080 that Paul is using? 00:16:27.120 --> 00:16:29.680 I have learned, in verse 11. 00:16:30.040 --> 00:16:32.139 I know how, in verse 12. 00:16:32.680 --> 00:16:33.639 At the end of verse 12, 00:16:33.800 --> 00:16:35.060 I have learned the secret. 00:16:36.899 --> 00:16:39.920 Paul has learned this contentment. 00:16:39.919 --> 00:16:44.879 It is a skill that he has acquired over the years. 00:16:46.000 --> 00:16:47.339 When I was in eighth grade, 00:16:47.459 --> 00:16:49.839 I was forced to take a keyboarding class 00:16:49.839 --> 00:16:51.979 to learn the skill of typing. 00:16:52.339 --> 00:16:53.419 Raise your hand if you were subjected 00:16:53.419 --> 00:16:54.719 to a similar kind of torture. 00:16:55.219 --> 00:16:55.399 Okay. 00:16:56.399 --> 00:16:59.139 It was on one of those MS-DOS computers 00:16:59.139 --> 00:17:02.179 with floppy disks to save your progress. 00:17:02.699 --> 00:17:04.279 If you are under the age of 25, 00:17:04.700 --> 00:17:06.299 turn to an older person next to you 00:17:06.299 --> 00:17:08.019 and ask them what in the world I just said. 00:17:11.059 --> 00:17:11.940 I'm not that old, 00:17:12.019 --> 00:17:13.539 but at least I can kind of have some bragging rights 00:17:13.539 --> 00:17:16.039 for being old by throwing MS-DOS around. 00:17:17.379 --> 00:17:18.319 Little did I know 00:17:18.319 --> 00:17:21.879 that those annoying, unnatural, 00:17:22.759 --> 00:17:24.379 repetitive exercises 00:17:24.379 --> 00:17:26.220 were teaching me 00:17:26.220 --> 00:17:30.559 a lifelong, incredibly valuable skill. 00:17:30.559 --> 00:17:33.059 I have often said 00:17:33.059 --> 00:17:34.399 that the most useful class 00:17:34.399 --> 00:17:35.480 I have ever taken 00:17:35.480 --> 00:17:37.980 was eighth grade keyboarding. 00:17:39.419 --> 00:17:40.480 And here is Paul 00:17:40.480 --> 00:17:42.460 near the end of his life 00:17:42.460 --> 00:17:43.799 saying, 00:17:44.639 --> 00:17:46.359 God, by his grace, 00:17:47.119 --> 00:17:48.460 enrolled me in the course 00:17:48.460 --> 00:17:50.259 of Christian Contentment 101. 00:17:51.419 --> 00:17:53.779 And I strove to be a good student. 00:17:53.960 --> 00:17:55.039 And I can say 00:17:55.039 --> 00:17:57.480 that I indeed have learned 00:17:57.480 --> 00:17:59.279 through a very difficult process 00:17:59.279 --> 00:18:01.680 a very valuable skill. 00:18:02.599 --> 00:18:03.599 How to be content 00:18:03.599 --> 00:18:05.740 in each and every circumstance 00:18:05.740 --> 00:18:06.940 in which I find myself. 00:18:07.039 --> 00:18:08.579 If I am amply supplied 00:18:08.579 --> 00:18:09.920 with all that I need, 00:18:10.259 --> 00:18:11.099 I'm content. 00:18:11.440 --> 00:18:13.619 I'm not fixated on the stuff that I have. 00:18:14.579 --> 00:18:16.339 And if I don't have enough, 00:18:17.000 --> 00:18:18.379 I'm still content. 00:18:18.700 --> 00:18:20.440 I'm not fixated on what I don't have. 00:18:23.359 --> 00:18:24.339 I don't know about you, 00:18:24.399 --> 00:18:24.920 but at this point, 00:18:24.980 --> 00:18:25.579 I want to be like, 00:18:25.660 --> 00:18:25.859 Paul, 00:18:26.220 --> 00:18:27.500 how? 00:18:27.500 --> 00:18:29.859 How have you learned this? 00:18:30.599 --> 00:18:31.720 I want to know 00:18:31.720 --> 00:18:33.619 because it doesn't matter 00:18:33.619 --> 00:18:35.380 what gets thrown at me. 00:18:35.900 --> 00:18:37.819 I inevitably struggle 00:18:37.819 --> 00:18:39.579 with discontentment. 00:18:40.660 --> 00:18:41.740 I complain 00:18:41.740 --> 00:18:43.160 about the stuff 00:18:43.160 --> 00:18:44.279 that God throws at me. 00:18:46.359 --> 00:18:47.900 So how did you learn this? 00:18:48.339 --> 00:18:50.000 It is so hard to learn this, Paul. 00:18:50.259 --> 00:18:51.539 How did you figure it out? 00:18:53.339 --> 00:18:55.000 Before we move to verse 13 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:55.819 to find the answer, 00:18:55.819 --> 00:18:56.720 we have to define 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:57.759 a very important word. 00:18:58.579 --> 00:18:59.740 It's the word that Paul uses 00:18:59.740 --> 00:19:00.759 for content 00:19:00.759 --> 00:19:01.700 back in verse 11. 00:19:02.220 --> 00:19:02.859 It was a word 00:19:02.859 --> 00:19:03.559 that the Philippians 00:19:03.559 --> 00:19:04.839 could have easily understood 00:19:04.839 --> 00:19:05.659 as meaning 00:19:05.659 --> 00:19:07.200 self-sufficient 00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:09.740 or dependent on 00:19:09.740 --> 00:19:11.359 no one or anything 00:19:11.359 --> 00:19:13.259 except my own inner resources. 00:19:14.659 --> 00:19:15.740 And this concept 00:19:15.740 --> 00:19:17.059 of self-sufficiency 00:19:17.059 --> 00:19:19.299 was the ideal 00:19:19.299 --> 00:19:20.819 of the Greek 00:19:20.819 --> 00:19:22.859 Stoic and Cynic philosophers 00:19:22.859 --> 00:19:24.279 of that age. 00:19:25.539 --> 00:19:26.079 The Stoics 00:19:26.079 --> 00:19:26.639 and the Cynics 00:19:26.639 --> 00:19:27.139 were pursuing 00:19:27.139 --> 00:19:27.879 this ultimate 00:19:27.879 --> 00:19:29.059 personal ideal 00:19:29.059 --> 00:19:30.219 of self-sufficiency. 00:19:30.379 --> 00:19:30.659 Basically, 00:19:30.759 --> 00:19:31.799 they wanted to be MacGyver. 00:19:32.539 --> 00:19:33.279 They wanted to have 00:19:33.279 --> 00:19:34.299 all the resources 00:19:34.299 --> 00:19:35.799 in themselves 00:19:35.799 --> 00:19:36.859 to do anything 00:19:36.859 --> 00:19:37.539 at any time 00:19:37.539 --> 00:19:38.539 in whatever situation. 00:19:38.679 --> 00:19:39.259 That's MacGyver. 00:19:40.559 --> 00:19:41.439 One writer 00:19:41.439 --> 00:19:42.899 describes this ideal 00:19:42.899 --> 00:19:43.439 like this. 00:19:43.939 --> 00:19:45.339 A man should be sufficient 00:19:45.339 --> 00:19:46.240 unto himself 00:19:46.240 --> 00:19:47.199 for all things 00:19:47.199 --> 00:19:48.319 and able 00:19:48.319 --> 00:19:49.000 by the power 00:19:49.000 --> 00:19:49.659 of his own will 00:19:49.659 --> 00:19:50.399 to resist 00:19:50.400 --> 00:19:51.380 the force 00:19:51.380 --> 00:19:52.800 of circumstances. 00:19:54.340 --> 00:19:55.140 But Paul 00:19:55.140 --> 00:19:56.380 takes that concept 00:19:56.380 --> 00:19:57.620 of self-sufficiency 00:19:57.620 --> 00:19:58.759 and whoop 00:19:58.759 --> 00:20:00.560 flips it on its head 00:20:00.560 --> 00:20:01.320 in verse 13. 00:20:02.420 --> 00:20:03.460 He uses the same word 00:20:03.460 --> 00:20:04.519 but he totally 00:20:04.519 --> 00:20:05.540 transforms the idea. 00:20:06.500 --> 00:20:06.720 Yes, 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:07.700 Paul was able 00:20:07.700 --> 00:20:08.240 to resist 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:08.720 the force 00:20:08.720 --> 00:20:09.560 of his circumstances 00:20:09.560 --> 00:20:11.380 but not by the power 00:20:11.380 --> 00:20:12.200 of his own will 00:20:12.200 --> 00:20:13.880 or his own inner resources 00:20:13.880 --> 00:20:15.019 but as he would say 00:20:15.019 --> 00:20:16.500 by being in 00:20:16.500 --> 00:20:17.340 the one 00:20:17.340 --> 00:20:18.380 who strengthens me. 00:20:18.380 --> 00:20:20.580 He was able 00:20:20.580 --> 00:20:21.560 to be content 00:20:21.560 --> 00:20:23.600 in every situation 00:20:23.600 --> 00:20:24.900 not because he was 00:20:24.900 --> 00:20:26.280 sufficient for himself 00:20:26.280 --> 00:20:27.540 but because he was 00:20:27.540 --> 00:20:28.660 united to Jesus 00:20:28.660 --> 00:20:29.400 by faith 00:20:29.400 --> 00:20:31.240 and Jesus was sufficient 00:20:31.240 --> 00:20:32.740 for every circumstance. 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:34.520 In short, 00:20:34.700 --> 00:20:36.140 he was not self-sufficient, 00:20:36.580 --> 00:20:37.960 he was Christ-sufficient. 00:20:39.320 --> 00:20:40.640 Because the most important 00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:41.540 thing about Paul 00:20:41.540 --> 00:20:43.720 was that he united himself 00:20:43.720 --> 00:20:45.120 to Jesus by faith. 00:20:45.660 --> 00:20:46.420 And because he was 00:20:46.420 --> 00:20:47.220 in Jesus, 00:20:47.800 --> 00:20:48.700 he was secure, 00:20:48.900 --> 00:20:49.620 he was forgiven, 00:20:49.800 --> 00:20:50.440 he was adopted 00:20:50.440 --> 00:20:51.320 as God's child, 00:20:51.600 --> 00:20:52.420 he was redeemed, 00:20:52.539 --> 00:20:53.700 he was being made holy 00:20:53.700 --> 00:20:54.700 and he was being 00:20:54.700 --> 00:20:55.800 inwardly strengthened 00:20:55.800 --> 00:20:57.080 to delight in God 00:20:57.080 --> 00:20:58.680 regardless of his circumstances. 00:21:00.759 --> 00:21:02.200 Now let's turn this to us. 00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:04.600 What if 00:21:04.600 --> 00:21:05.759 each one 00:21:05.759 --> 00:21:06.980 of our circumstances 00:21:06.980 --> 00:21:10.140 was a gracious assignment 00:21:10.140 --> 00:21:11.539 from God, 00:21:12.620 --> 00:21:13.600 your patient 00:21:13.599 --> 00:21:14.759 and wise teacher 00:21:14.759 --> 00:21:15.519 in the course 00:21:15.519 --> 00:21:16.959 of Christian Contentment 101, 00:21:18.299 --> 00:21:18.899 an assignment 00:21:18.899 --> 00:21:19.799 in which he has 00:21:19.799 --> 00:21:21.199 purposed to teach you 00:21:21.199 --> 00:21:23.139 to find your sufficiency 00:21:23.139 --> 00:21:24.959 in Jesus, 00:21:25.399 --> 00:21:26.419 not in yourself, 00:21:26.939 --> 00:21:27.939 because you are 00:21:27.939 --> 00:21:28.819 in him. 00:21:31.319 --> 00:21:32.339 So dear friend, 00:21:32.740 --> 00:21:33.939 what current circumstance 00:21:33.939 --> 00:21:35.059 is most on your mind? 00:21:36.199 --> 00:21:37.500 Causing you concern, 00:21:38.259 --> 00:21:38.779 anxiety, 00:21:39.599 --> 00:21:39.939 fear, 00:21:40.559 --> 00:21:40.959 despair, 00:21:41.459 --> 00:21:41.939 frustration, 00:21:41.940 --> 00:21:43.799 how are you 00:21:43.799 --> 00:21:44.720 relating to it? 00:21:46.380 --> 00:21:47.420 Are you relating 00:21:47.420 --> 00:21:47.860 to it 00:21:47.860 --> 00:21:49.580 through self-sufficiency 00:21:49.580 --> 00:21:51.279 or through 00:21:51.279 --> 00:21:51.660 Jesus' 00:21:51.980 --> 00:21:52.400 sufficiency? 00:21:53.539 --> 00:21:54.620 Are you searching 00:21:54.620 --> 00:21:55.519 your own inner 00:21:55.519 --> 00:21:56.080 resources 00:21:56.080 --> 00:21:56.820 and exhausting 00:21:56.820 --> 00:21:57.600 your own will 00:21:57.600 --> 00:21:59.400 or are you 00:21:59.400 --> 00:21:59.940 finding your 00:21:59.940 --> 00:22:00.420 sufficiency 00:22:00.420 --> 00:22:02.360 in the one 00:22:02.360 --> 00:22:04.240 who strengthens you 00:22:04.240 --> 00:22:05.180 through your faith 00:22:05.180 --> 00:22:06.039 union with him? 00:22:07.059 --> 00:22:07.720 Last week, 00:22:07.779 --> 00:22:09.000 we saw in Revelation 4 00:22:09.000 --> 00:22:10.460 that God 00:22:10.460 --> 00:22:11.859 is never shaken. 00:22:12.859 --> 00:22:13.680 Like we sang 00:22:13.680 --> 00:22:14.619 just a few moments ago, 00:22:14.779 --> 00:22:15.779 he never changes. 00:22:16.480 --> 00:22:17.779 He is on his throne. 00:22:18.339 --> 00:22:19.299 As Jiwon mentioned earlier, 00:22:19.380 --> 00:22:20.359 there's no sea, 00:22:20.500 --> 00:22:21.440 there's no chaos 00:22:21.440 --> 00:22:22.819 in God's presence. 00:22:23.579 --> 00:22:24.579 No ups and downs 00:22:24.579 --> 00:22:25.380 of circumstances. 00:22:25.599 --> 00:22:26.640 He reigns 00:22:26.640 --> 00:22:27.819 over all. 00:22:30.079 --> 00:22:31.039 He is sufficient 00:22:31.039 --> 00:22:31.980 because he rules 00:22:31.980 --> 00:22:33.200 over every circumstance. 00:22:33.440 --> 00:22:34.460 And he has orchestrated 00:22:34.460 --> 00:22:36.079 your particular circumstances 00:22:36.079 --> 00:22:37.720 at this stage 00:22:37.720 --> 00:22:38.379 and at this season 00:22:38.379 --> 00:22:39.019 of your life 00:22:39.019 --> 00:22:40.139 to teach you 00:22:40.139 --> 00:22:41.099 that he is sufficient 00:22:41.099 --> 00:22:41.740 for you 00:22:41.740 --> 00:22:43.099 so that you can find 00:22:43.099 --> 00:22:44.119 your full contentment 00:22:44.119 --> 00:22:45.539 in every situation 00:22:45.539 --> 00:22:46.500 in him. 00:22:49.740 --> 00:22:50.859 So that's our first 00:22:50.859 --> 00:22:52.220 stream. 00:22:53.740 --> 00:22:54.980 We have our life 00:22:54.980 --> 00:22:57.720 joyfully united 00:22:57.720 --> 00:22:58.819 to him by faith 00:22:58.819 --> 00:22:59.919 and that transforms 00:22:59.919 --> 00:23:01.039 the way that we relate 00:23:01.039 --> 00:23:01.980 to our circumstances 00:23:01.980 --> 00:23:03.379 because we can find 00:23:03.379 --> 00:23:03.899 contentment 00:23:03.899 --> 00:23:05.299 in any circumstance. 00:23:05.299 --> 00:23:06.259 There's another way 00:23:06.259 --> 00:23:08.659 that it transforms 00:23:08.659 --> 00:23:10.180 the way we relate 00:23:10.180 --> 00:23:11.019 to our circumstances 00:23:11.019 --> 00:23:11.720 and it's this. 00:23:13.159 --> 00:23:14.180 Having a joyful 00:23:14.180 --> 00:23:15.539 faith union with Jesus 00:23:15.539 --> 00:23:16.779 produces gratitude 00:23:16.779 --> 00:23:18.919 for things unrelated 00:23:18.919 --> 00:23:20.019 to our circumstances. 00:23:21.339 --> 00:23:22.559 Having a joyful 00:23:22.559 --> 00:23:23.639 faith union with Jesus 00:23:23.639 --> 00:23:24.599 produces gratitude 00:23:24.599 --> 00:23:26.000 for things unrelated 00:23:26.000 --> 00:23:27.680 to our circumstances. 00:23:28.339 --> 00:23:29.079 Let's look at 00:23:29.079 --> 00:23:30.579 verses 14 through 20. 00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:33.859 Yet it was kind of you 00:23:33.859 --> 00:23:34.799 to share my trouble. 00:23:35.299 --> 00:23:36.559 And you Philippians 00:23:36.559 --> 00:23:37.399 yourselves know 00:23:37.399 --> 00:23:38.279 that in the beginning 00:23:38.279 --> 00:23:38.819 of the gospel 00:23:38.819 --> 00:23:39.960 when I left Macedonia 00:23:39.960 --> 00:23:40.859 no church entered 00:23:40.859 --> 00:23:41.480 into partnership 00:23:41.480 --> 00:23:42.379 with me in giving 00:23:42.379 --> 00:23:42.879 and receiving 00:23:42.879 --> 00:23:43.799 except you only. 00:23:44.720 --> 00:23:45.659 Even in Thessalonica 00:23:45.659 --> 00:23:46.440 you sent me help 00:23:46.440 --> 00:23:47.079 for my needs 00:23:47.079 --> 00:23:48.039 once and again. 00:23:48.119 --> 00:23:49.000 Not that I seek 00:23:49.000 --> 00:23:49.480 the gift 00:23:49.480 --> 00:23:50.740 but I seek the fruit 00:23:50.740 --> 00:23:51.339 that increases 00:23:51.339 --> 00:23:52.299 to your credit. 00:23:52.940 --> 00:23:53.879 I have received 00:23:53.879 --> 00:23:54.980 full payment 00:23:54.980 --> 00:23:55.720 and more. 00:23:55.839 --> 00:23:57.019 I am well supplied 00:23:57.019 --> 00:23:58.139 having received 00:23:58.139 --> 00:23:58.980 from Epaphroditus 00:23:58.980 --> 00:23:59.960 the gifts you sent. 00:24:00.339 --> 00:24:01.259 A fragrant offering, 00:24:01.740 --> 00:24:03.159 a sacrifice acceptable 00:24:03.160 --> 00:24:03.940 and pleasing 00:24:03.940 --> 00:24:04.960 to God. 00:24:08.019 --> 00:24:08.759 Remember the whole 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:09.320 last portion 00:24:09.320 --> 00:24:09.820 of this letter 00:24:09.820 --> 00:24:10.580 is Paul's way 00:24:10.580 --> 00:24:11.080 of expressing 00:24:11.080 --> 00:24:11.759 his gratitude 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:13.200 to the believers 00:24:13.200 --> 00:24:14.019 in Philippi 00:24:14.019 --> 00:24:14.580 because they had 00:24:14.580 --> 00:24:16.160 given him a gift 00:24:16.160 --> 00:24:17.220 through a mutual friend 00:24:17.220 --> 00:24:18.079 to Epaphroditus. 00:24:18.660 --> 00:24:19.420 They had no doubt 00:24:19.420 --> 00:24:20.299 heard he was in prison. 00:24:20.420 --> 00:24:21.180 They wanted to express 00:24:21.180 --> 00:24:22.160 their support for him 00:24:22.160 --> 00:24:23.299 and so they sent him 00:24:23.299 --> 00:24:23.680 a gift. 00:24:23.819 --> 00:24:24.400 This was probably 00:24:24.400 --> 00:24:25.640 a financial gift 00:24:25.640 --> 00:24:27.740 and they were trying 00:24:27.740 --> 00:24:28.440 to give him money 00:24:28.440 --> 00:24:29.339 to buy food 00:24:29.339 --> 00:24:29.839 and clothing 00:24:29.839 --> 00:24:30.759 while he was in prison. 00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:33.539 In today's prison system 00:24:33.539 --> 00:24:35.019 it is financially 00:24:35.019 --> 00:24:36.299 supported by the state 00:24:36.299 --> 00:24:38.200 through taxpayer dollars 00:24:38.200 --> 00:24:39.200 to provide food 00:24:39.200 --> 00:24:39.660 and clothing 00:24:39.660 --> 00:24:40.100 and shelter 00:24:40.100 --> 00:24:40.759 for prisoners. 00:24:40.960 --> 00:24:42.380 But Paul's prison experience 00:24:42.380 --> 00:24:42.839 in Rome 00:24:42.839 --> 00:24:43.880 was not. 00:24:44.640 --> 00:24:45.640 It included a room 00:24:45.640 --> 00:24:46.440 but not board. 00:24:47.220 --> 00:24:48.380 A prisoner's family 00:24:48.380 --> 00:24:48.960 and friends 00:24:48.960 --> 00:24:49.680 were responsible 00:24:49.680 --> 00:24:50.600 for supplying 00:24:50.600 --> 00:24:51.660 all the food 00:24:51.660 --> 00:24:52.200 and clothing 00:24:52.200 --> 00:24:53.000 that a prisoner 00:24:53.000 --> 00:24:53.400 needed 00:24:53.400 --> 00:24:54.860 while he was incarcerated. 00:24:56.100 --> 00:24:57.220 So you and I 00:24:57.220 --> 00:24:58.240 might expect 00:24:58.240 --> 00:24:59.779 that Paul's reaction 00:24:59.779 --> 00:25:01.059 might be something like 00:25:01.059 --> 00:25:02.660 man, guys 00:25:02.660 --> 00:25:03.400 thank you. 00:25:04.839 --> 00:25:05.740 If you had not 00:25:05.740 --> 00:25:06.240 sent your gift 00:25:06.240 --> 00:25:06.799 when you did 00:25:06.799 --> 00:25:07.779 I was running out 00:25:07.779 --> 00:25:08.160 of bread. 00:25:08.680 --> 00:25:10.360 So thank you. 00:25:10.420 --> 00:25:10.940 I could see how 00:25:10.940 --> 00:25:11.860 God totally provided 00:25:11.860 --> 00:25:13.400 for my daily needs 00:25:13.400 --> 00:25:14.519 through your kind gift. 00:25:15.460 --> 00:25:16.500 But he doesn't mention that. 00:25:16.500 --> 00:25:17.400 He doesn't go there. 00:25:18.339 --> 00:25:19.380 He's just not 00:25:19.380 --> 00:25:20.519 thinking about himself. 00:25:22.700 --> 00:25:23.839 He's finding 00:25:23.839 --> 00:25:25.319 all of his identity 00:25:25.319 --> 00:25:26.319 and all of his thought 00:25:26.319 --> 00:25:27.299 and all of his concern 00:25:27.299 --> 00:25:30.000 in different priorities 00:25:30.000 --> 00:25:30.880 than his own 00:25:30.880 --> 00:25:32.660 self-priorities. 00:25:33.960 --> 00:25:35.140 He certainly expresses 00:25:35.140 --> 00:25:36.380 joy in their concern 00:25:36.380 --> 00:25:36.640 for him 00:25:36.640 --> 00:25:37.440 but not because of 00:25:37.440 --> 00:25:38.099 how their concern 00:25:38.099 --> 00:25:39.339 for him benefited him 00:25:39.339 --> 00:25:40.380 but rather 00:25:40.380 --> 00:25:41.279 how it benefited 00:25:41.279 --> 00:25:41.980 them 00:25:41.980 --> 00:25:43.539 and then glorify God. 00:25:44.380 --> 00:25:45.860 So verses 14 through 16 00:25:45.860 --> 00:25:47.500 Paul goes above 00:25:47.500 --> 00:25:48.000 and beyond 00:25:48.000 --> 00:25:49.140 to remind the Philippians 00:25:49.140 --> 00:25:50.799 of their active participation 00:25:50.799 --> 00:25:51.960 in his ministry 00:25:51.960 --> 00:25:53.940 ever since he had known them. 00:25:53.980 --> 00:25:55.160 They've been active supporters 00:25:55.160 --> 00:25:56.180 of Paul 00:25:56.180 --> 00:25:57.059 ever since he planted 00:25:57.059 --> 00:25:57.700 their church. 00:25:58.059 --> 00:25:58.720 They had generously 00:25:58.720 --> 00:25:59.319 contributed 00:25:59.319 --> 00:26:01.160 to his gospel ministry 00:26:01.160 --> 00:26:01.880 in other cities 00:26:01.880 --> 00:26:02.700 around their region 00:26:02.700 --> 00:26:04.240 and even when he was 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:04.940 as far away 00:26:04.940 --> 00:26:05.660 as Rome. 00:26:06.680 --> 00:26:07.259 And so you can tell 00:26:07.259 --> 00:26:08.319 there's this warm 00:26:08.319 --> 00:26:09.720 affectionate partnership 00:26:09.720 --> 00:26:11.100 between the apostle 00:26:11.100 --> 00:26:12.079 and this group 00:26:12.079 --> 00:26:12.600 of believers 00:26:12.600 --> 00:26:13.720 but look at verse 17. 00:26:14.620 --> 00:26:15.779 This is where he clarifies 00:26:15.779 --> 00:26:17.360 why he's rejoicing 00:26:17.360 --> 00:26:18.400 in the Lord 00:26:18.400 --> 00:26:19.500 in verse 10. 00:26:20.720 --> 00:26:21.839 Not that I seek the gift 00:26:21.839 --> 00:26:23.259 I seek the fruit 00:26:23.259 --> 00:26:23.740 that increases 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:24.400 to your credit. 00:26:25.640 --> 00:26:27.039 The word fruit 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:28.440 was a common way 00:26:28.440 --> 00:26:29.019 of referring 00:26:29.019 --> 00:26:30.720 to compounded interest 00:26:30.720 --> 00:26:32.059 that accrued 00:26:32.059 --> 00:26:32.700 to the benefit 00:26:32.700 --> 00:26:33.660 of an account holder. 00:26:34.380 --> 00:26:34.980 So if you got 00:26:34.980 --> 00:26:35.799 a savings account 00:26:35.799 --> 00:26:37.779 the more that you invest 00:26:37.779 --> 00:26:38.600 in that account 00:26:38.599 --> 00:26:39.779 then the greater 00:26:39.779 --> 00:26:40.980 your yield of interest 00:26:40.980 --> 00:26:41.919 from the bank. 00:26:42.500 --> 00:26:43.159 In other words 00:26:43.159 --> 00:26:44.179 the greater your fruit. 00:26:45.779 --> 00:26:46.899 Paul was rejoicing 00:26:46.899 --> 00:26:48.419 not because 00:26:48.419 --> 00:26:49.379 his circumstances 00:26:49.379 --> 00:26:50.139 changed 00:26:50.139 --> 00:26:51.579 but because 00:26:51.579 --> 00:26:52.299 the Philippians 00:26:52.299 --> 00:26:53.039 were investing 00:26:53.039 --> 00:26:53.879 more and more 00:26:53.879 --> 00:26:55.119 in the right account 00:26:55.119 --> 00:26:56.559 and it would produce 00:26:56.559 --> 00:26:58.359 a generous spiritual yield 00:26:58.359 --> 00:26:59.779 for their benefit 00:26:59.779 --> 00:27:00.740 both in this life 00:27:00.740 --> 00:27:02.059 and for eternity. 00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:03.699 Now 00:27:03.699 --> 00:27:04.779 just for clarity's sake 00:27:04.779 --> 00:27:07.079 he's not saying 00:27:07.079 --> 00:27:07.980 that their generosity 00:27:07.980 --> 00:27:08.839 is kind of 00:27:08.839 --> 00:27:10.279 helping them 00:27:10.279 --> 00:27:11.319 climb some ladder 00:27:11.319 --> 00:27:12.399 of spiritual performance 00:27:12.399 --> 00:27:13.720 and get good points 00:27:13.720 --> 00:27:14.220 in return. 00:27:14.740 --> 00:27:15.559 That's legalism. 00:27:15.699 --> 00:27:16.179 That's not what 00:27:16.179 --> 00:27:17.099 Paul's talking about. 00:27:17.740 --> 00:27:18.119 Rather 00:27:18.119 --> 00:27:18.960 this is 00:27:18.960 --> 00:27:20.099 what Paul had been 00:27:20.099 --> 00:27:20.720 praying for 00:27:20.720 --> 00:27:21.639 back in chapter 1 00:27:21.639 --> 00:27:22.460 of verse Philippians. 00:27:23.119 --> 00:27:24.240 In Philippians 1 00:27:24.240 --> 00:27:25.199 verses 9 through 11 00:27:25.199 --> 00:27:26.319 he prays 00:27:26.319 --> 00:27:28.019 I have been praying 00:27:28.019 --> 00:27:28.879 that you would be 00:27:28.879 --> 00:27:30.379 filled with the fruit 00:27:30.379 --> 00:27:31.779 of righteousness 00:27:31.779 --> 00:27:33.159 that comes through 00:27:33.159 --> 00:27:34.259 Jesus Christ. 00:27:34.259 --> 00:27:35.980 So Paul wants 00:27:35.980 --> 00:27:36.579 these believers 00:27:36.579 --> 00:27:38.200 to be connected 00:27:38.200 --> 00:27:38.839 to Jesus 00:27:38.839 --> 00:27:39.660 in such a way 00:27:39.660 --> 00:27:40.180 that they are 00:27:40.180 --> 00:27:42.099 thriving and flourishing 00:27:42.099 --> 00:27:43.619 through their faith union 00:27:43.619 --> 00:27:44.220 with him 00:27:44.220 --> 00:27:46.420 and part of that flourishing 00:27:46.420 --> 00:27:48.240 is a costly concern 00:27:48.240 --> 00:27:50.000 for the needs 00:27:50.000 --> 00:27:50.619 of others. 00:27:51.960 --> 00:27:53.200 They are bearing fruit 00:27:53.200 --> 00:27:54.039 and God 00:27:54.039 --> 00:27:55.420 takes notice of that 00:27:55.420 --> 00:27:57.539 and he rewards it 00:27:57.539 --> 00:27:58.200 in a form of 00:27:58.200 --> 00:28:00.140 either a present blessing 00:28:00.140 --> 00:28:00.960 favor 00:28:00.960 --> 00:28:02.660 or a future reward 00:28:02.660 --> 00:28:03.640 in eternity. 00:28:04.259 --> 00:28:05.799 So Epaphroditus 00:28:05.799 --> 00:28:07.039 walks in Paul's 00:28:07.039 --> 00:28:07.619 prison cell 00:28:07.619 --> 00:28:08.920 hands him the gift 00:28:08.920 --> 00:28:10.059 and Paul's jumping 00:28:10.059 --> 00:28:10.619 up and down 00:28:10.619 --> 00:28:11.039 for joy 00:28:11.039 --> 00:28:11.359 and he's like 00:28:11.359 --> 00:28:11.940 yes! 00:28:13.200 --> 00:28:14.240 But it's not because 00:28:14.240 --> 00:28:15.279 he changes circumstances. 00:28:16.059 --> 00:28:16.619 It's because 00:28:16.619 --> 00:28:17.759 their motives are right. 00:28:18.240 --> 00:28:18.759 It's because 00:28:18.759 --> 00:28:19.779 their hearts 00:28:19.779 --> 00:28:20.839 are in the right place. 00:28:21.160 --> 00:28:21.619 It's because 00:28:21.619 --> 00:28:22.779 they're giving generously. 00:28:23.160 --> 00:28:23.640 They're still 00:28:23.640 --> 00:28:24.900 focused on Jesus. 00:28:25.059 --> 00:28:25.900 They're still connected 00:28:25.900 --> 00:28:26.339 to him. 00:28:26.579 --> 00:28:27.160 This is going to be 00:28:27.160 --> 00:28:28.420 so good for them. 00:28:29.940 --> 00:28:30.799 Had the money 00:28:30.799 --> 00:28:31.599 gone to some other 00:28:31.599 --> 00:28:31.900 preacher 00:28:31.900 --> 00:28:32.859 in some other cell 00:28:32.859 --> 00:28:33.559 he would have been 00:28:33.559 --> 00:28:34.480 just as happy. 00:28:36.220 --> 00:28:37.220 He gives thanks 00:28:37.220 --> 00:28:37.639 for something 00:28:37.639 --> 00:28:38.819 completely unrelated 00:28:38.819 --> 00:28:39.940 to his circumstances 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:42.000 because he has 00:28:42.000 --> 00:28:43.059 a joyful faith union 00:28:43.059 --> 00:28:43.599 with Jesus 00:28:43.599 --> 00:28:45.319 and that has changed 00:28:45.319 --> 00:28:46.319 his values 00:28:46.319 --> 00:28:47.279 and his priorities. 00:28:48.379 --> 00:28:48.960 In verse 18 00:28:48.960 --> 00:28:49.519 Paul shifts 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:50.299 attention to himself 00:28:50.299 --> 00:28:51.279 just long enough 00:28:51.279 --> 00:28:52.500 to assure the Philippians 00:28:52.500 --> 00:28:53.039 that his needs 00:28:53.039 --> 00:28:53.720 are fully met 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:54.599 through their generous gift 00:28:54.599 --> 00:28:55.379 and then he gets his eyes 00:28:55.379 --> 00:28:56.859 back off himself again 00:28:56.859 --> 00:28:58.339 and he starts rejoicing 00:28:58.339 --> 00:28:59.359 because not only 00:28:59.359 --> 00:29:00.240 is their generosity 00:29:00.240 --> 00:29:02.059 accruing spiritual benefit 00:29:02.059 --> 00:29:03.339 for them in God's eyes 00:29:03.339 --> 00:29:04.940 but is a precious 00:29:04.940 --> 00:29:06.359 and pleasing act 00:29:06.359 --> 00:29:06.879 of worship 00:29:06.879 --> 00:29:07.899 to God. 00:29:08.220 --> 00:29:08.980 Look at the end 00:29:08.980 --> 00:29:09.599 of verse 18. 00:29:09.940 --> 00:29:10.759 He calls their gift 00:29:10.759 --> 00:29:12.159 a fragrant offering 00:29:12.159 --> 00:29:13.879 a sacrifice acceptable 00:29:13.879 --> 00:29:14.819 and pleasing 00:29:14.819 --> 00:29:15.639 to God. 00:29:15.759 --> 00:29:16.919 Paul is jumping 00:29:16.919 --> 00:29:17.659 up and down 00:29:17.659 --> 00:29:18.399 for joy 00:29:18.399 --> 00:29:20.539 not only because 00:29:20.539 --> 00:29:21.240 the Philippians 00:29:21.240 --> 00:29:22.019 would reap 00:29:22.019 --> 00:29:22.819 spiritual benefit 00:29:22.819 --> 00:29:23.740 from their generosity 00:29:23.740 --> 00:29:26.139 but because it glorified God 00:29:26.139 --> 00:29:28.200 and their generosity 00:29:28.200 --> 00:29:29.879 pleased God. 00:29:29.880 --> 00:29:32.120 He was giving thanks 00:29:32.120 --> 00:29:32.820 not because 00:29:32.820 --> 00:29:34.280 the circumstances changed 00:29:34.280 --> 00:29:36.180 but because the Philippians 00:29:36.180 --> 00:29:37.040 were honoring God. 00:29:38.880 --> 00:29:40.000 If your family 00:29:40.000 --> 00:29:40.600 is like mine 00:29:40.600 --> 00:29:41.200 you probably 00:29:41.200 --> 00:29:41.880 sat around 00:29:41.880 --> 00:29:42.820 a Thanksgiving table 00:29:42.820 --> 00:29:44.000 on Thursday 00:29:44.000 --> 00:29:45.780 and I'm guessing 00:29:45.780 --> 00:29:46.300 that we were 00:29:46.300 --> 00:29:47.760 similarly grateful 00:29:47.760 --> 00:29:50.360 for particular things. 00:29:50.620 --> 00:29:51.640 Things that were related 00:29:51.640 --> 00:29:52.620 to our circumstances. 00:29:53.760 --> 00:29:54.440 Health. 00:29:55.300 --> 00:29:56.380 A roof over our heads. 00:29:57.260 --> 00:29:57.760 Vehicles. 00:29:58.460 --> 00:29:59.460 Money in our bank account. 00:29:59.880 --> 00:30:00.800 Food in the refrigerator. 00:30:01.060 --> 00:30:01.760 Food on the table. 00:30:02.340 --> 00:30:03.200 Family and friends. 00:30:04.140 --> 00:30:05.040 And these are 00:30:05.040 --> 00:30:07.020 circumstantial kindnesses 00:30:07.020 --> 00:30:07.540 of God 00:30:07.540 --> 00:30:08.640 and we ought to give 00:30:08.640 --> 00:30:11.100 thanks for them. 00:30:11.740 --> 00:30:12.200 However, 00:30:13.320 --> 00:30:15.440 if my faith union 00:30:15.440 --> 00:30:16.000 with Jesus 00:30:16.000 --> 00:30:17.180 is the most important 00:30:17.180 --> 00:30:18.060 thing about me 00:30:18.060 --> 00:30:19.420 then these 00:30:19.420 --> 00:30:20.760 circumstantial things 00:30:20.760 --> 00:30:21.400 shouldn't be 00:30:21.400 --> 00:30:22.540 the only things 00:30:22.540 --> 00:30:23.420 I should be giving 00:30:23.420 --> 00:30:23.900 thanks for. 00:30:23.900 --> 00:30:26.360 when Jesus 00:30:26.360 --> 00:30:28.280 is the center 00:30:28.280 --> 00:30:29.100 of my life 00:30:29.100 --> 00:30:29.720 and we are 00:30:29.720 --> 00:30:30.620 joyfully united 00:30:30.620 --> 00:30:31.500 with him 00:30:31.500 --> 00:30:32.240 by faith 00:30:32.240 --> 00:30:33.100 we don't 00:30:33.100 --> 00:30:34.320 only give thanks 00:30:34.320 --> 00:30:34.860 for the things 00:30:34.860 --> 00:30:35.280 that immediately 00:30:35.280 --> 00:30:36.120 affect us 00:30:36.120 --> 00:30:37.060 in our circumstances 00:30:37.060 --> 00:30:39.000 we also give thanks 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:40.160 for a whole new 00:30:40.160 --> 00:30:41.320 set of spiritual 00:30:41.320 --> 00:30:41.940 realities 00:30:41.940 --> 00:30:43.259 that matter to us 00:30:43.259 --> 00:30:44.200 because they matter 00:30:44.200 --> 00:30:45.000 to Jesus 00:30:45.000 --> 00:30:45.700 the one we're 00:30:45.700 --> 00:30:46.380 connected to. 00:30:48.340 --> 00:30:49.960 So do you give thanks 00:30:49.960 --> 00:30:51.440 for what Jesus 00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:52.200 give thanks for? 00:30:53.580 --> 00:30:54.380 If you are 00:30:54.380 --> 00:30:55.420 intimately connected 00:30:55.420 --> 00:30:55.940 to Jesus 00:30:55.940 --> 00:30:56.799 by faith 00:30:56.799 --> 00:30:57.779 if he's the center 00:30:57.779 --> 00:30:58.500 of your life 00:30:58.500 --> 00:30:59.759 then his priorities 00:30:59.759 --> 00:31:01.039 are your priorities 00:31:01.039 --> 00:31:02.200 just like Paul's 00:31:02.200 --> 00:31:02.620 priorities 00:31:02.620 --> 00:31:03.740 were not focused 00:31:03.740 --> 00:31:04.660 on his circumstances 00:31:04.660 --> 00:31:06.279 but on greater 00:31:06.279 --> 00:31:07.900 spiritual realities. 00:31:09.660 --> 00:31:10.580 The things that 00:31:10.580 --> 00:31:11.299 he values 00:31:11.299 --> 00:31:12.880 we ought to value. 00:31:13.000 --> 00:31:13.539 The things that 00:31:13.539 --> 00:31:14.740 Jesus delights in 00:31:14.740 --> 00:31:16.200 we ought to delight in. 00:31:17.100 --> 00:31:17.920 So in this passage 00:31:17.920 --> 00:31:18.380 there are at least 00:31:18.380 --> 00:31:19.259 two things that we 00:31:19.259 --> 00:31:20.000 can see through 00:31:20.000 --> 00:31:20.580 Paul's 00:31:20.579 --> 00:31:21.899 Jesus centered 00:31:21.899 --> 00:31:22.679 lenses 00:31:22.679 --> 00:31:24.199 that we can give 00:31:24.199 --> 00:31:24.759 thanks for 00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:25.579 and rejoice in 00:31:25.579 --> 00:31:26.359 even though they 00:31:26.359 --> 00:31:26.939 don't immediately 00:31:26.939 --> 00:31:27.579 affect us 00:31:27.579 --> 00:31:28.319 or our circumstances. 00:31:29.339 --> 00:31:30.179 It's when others 00:31:30.179 --> 00:31:31.019 are spiritually growing 00:31:31.019 --> 00:31:31.519 and thriving 00:31:31.519 --> 00:31:33.139 and when God 00:31:33.139 --> 00:31:33.619 is honored 00:31:33.619 --> 00:31:34.699 through the spiritual 00:31:34.699 --> 00:31:35.240 fruit bearing 00:31:35.240 --> 00:31:35.759 of others. 00:31:37.179 --> 00:31:38.099 So that means 00:31:38.099 --> 00:31:38.779 that I should be 00:31:38.779 --> 00:31:39.599 giving thanks 00:31:39.599 --> 00:31:40.779 not only for 00:31:40.779 --> 00:31:42.240 God's work in my life 00:31:42.240 --> 00:31:43.019 which affect me 00:31:43.019 --> 00:31:44.699 but when I see 00:31:44.699 --> 00:31:45.799 evidence of God 00:31:45.799 --> 00:31:46.179 at work 00:31:46.179 --> 00:31:47.059 in the heart 00:31:47.059 --> 00:31:47.379 of someone 00:31:47.379 --> 00:31:48.059 in my life group 00:31:48.059 --> 00:31:49.359 because they're 00:31:49.359 --> 00:31:49.939 learning how to be 00:31:49.940 --> 00:31:50.480 content with a 00:31:50.480 --> 00:31:51.220 hard circumstance 00:31:51.220 --> 00:31:53.340 because they're 00:31:53.340 --> 00:31:53.820 making God 00:31:53.820 --> 00:31:54.440 their sufficiency. 00:31:55.640 --> 00:31:56.160 Or I should be 00:31:56.160 --> 00:31:56.640 giving thanks 00:31:56.640 --> 00:31:57.559 when it appears 00:31:57.559 --> 00:31:58.160 that God is 00:31:58.160 --> 00:31:59.240 softening my 00:31:59.240 --> 00:31:59.779 neighbor's heart 00:31:59.779 --> 00:32:00.380 to the gospel. 00:32:01.680 --> 00:32:02.200 I should be 00:32:02.200 --> 00:32:02.640 giving thanks 00:32:02.640 --> 00:32:03.120 when I hear 00:32:03.120 --> 00:32:03.880 someone talk 00:32:03.880 --> 00:32:04.920 about how God 00:32:04.920 --> 00:32:05.400 is exposing 00:32:05.400 --> 00:32:06.380 sin in their life 00:32:06.380 --> 00:32:07.100 and teaching them 00:32:07.100 --> 00:32:07.960 to put it to death 00:32:07.960 --> 00:32:09.360 and trust in Jesus 00:32:09.360 --> 00:32:10.000 more fully. 00:32:10.220 --> 00:32:10.880 I should be 00:32:10.880 --> 00:32:11.820 rejoicing when I 00:32:11.820 --> 00:32:12.600 look at the bulletin 00:32:12.600 --> 00:32:13.600 and I see last week's 00:32:13.600 --> 00:32:14.400 offering amount 00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:15.320 not because it was 00:32:15.320 --> 00:32:16.400 higher than last week 00:32:16.400 --> 00:32:17.580 and then we want 00:32:17.580 --> 00:32:18.840 to have a good 00:32:18.840 --> 00:32:19.480 bank account 00:32:19.480 --> 00:32:21.080 for our church 00:32:21.080 --> 00:32:21.800 but because 00:32:21.800 --> 00:32:22.940 of the fruit 00:32:22.940 --> 00:32:23.620 of generosity 00:32:23.620 --> 00:32:24.700 that is overflowing 00:32:24.700 --> 00:32:25.259 in our church 00:32:25.259 --> 00:32:25.840 that is pleasing 00:32:25.840 --> 00:32:26.259 to God 00:32:26.259 --> 00:32:26.860 and it's for our 00:32:26.860 --> 00:32:27.560 spiritual benefit. 00:32:28.980 --> 00:32:29.740 So we should 00:32:29.740 --> 00:32:30.140 give thanks 00:32:30.140 --> 00:32:31.240 for these realities 00:32:31.240 --> 00:32:32.660 because they matter 00:32:32.660 --> 00:32:33.120 to Jesus. 00:32:33.880 --> 00:32:34.560 Our circumstances 00:32:34.560 --> 00:32:35.500 matter to Jesus too 00:32:35.500 --> 00:32:36.160 obviously 00:32:36.160 --> 00:32:38.440 but this is 00:32:38.440 --> 00:32:39.180 opening our eyes 00:32:39.180 --> 00:32:40.300 to a whole new 00:32:40.300 --> 00:32:41.600 realm of things 00:32:41.600 --> 00:32:42.600 to be grateful for 00:32:42.600 --> 00:32:44.140 because our life 00:32:44.140 --> 00:32:45.120 is connected 00:32:45.120 --> 00:32:46.040 to him. 00:32:47.100 --> 00:32:47.759 There's one last 00:32:47.759 --> 00:32:48.700 thing in this passage 00:32:48.700 --> 00:32:50.060 in verses 19 and 20 00:32:50.060 --> 00:32:51.420 one more stream 00:32:51.420 --> 00:32:52.820 in which our 00:32:52.820 --> 00:32:53.960 joyful faith union 00:32:53.960 --> 00:32:55.140 with Jesus 00:32:55.140 --> 00:32:56.560 transforms the way 00:32:56.560 --> 00:32:57.280 we relate to our 00:32:57.280 --> 00:32:57.880 circumstances. 00:32:58.900 --> 00:32:59.480 We've seen that it 00:32:59.480 --> 00:33:00.320 teaches us contentment 00:33:00.320 --> 00:33:00.980 no matter what our 00:33:00.980 --> 00:33:01.780 circumstances are 00:33:01.780 --> 00:33:03.020 that it teaches us 00:33:03.020 --> 00:33:03.460 gratitude 00:33:03.460 --> 00:33:05.220 for things that are 00:33:05.220 --> 00:33:05.880 unrelated to our 00:33:05.880 --> 00:33:06.340 circumstances 00:33:06.340 --> 00:33:07.020 and lastly 00:33:07.020 --> 00:33:07.960 this 00:33:07.960 --> 00:33:09.560 having a joyful 00:33:09.560 --> 00:33:10.320 faith union with 00:33:10.320 --> 00:33:11.220 Jesus makes us 00:33:11.220 --> 00:33:11.740 confident 00:33:11.740 --> 00:33:13.140 that God will 00:33:13.140 --> 00:33:13.920 provide 00:33:13.920 --> 00:33:14.840 for us 00:33:14.840 --> 00:33:16.240 for our needs 00:33:16.240 --> 00:33:17.440 in the middle 00:33:17.440 --> 00:33:18.519 of our circumstances. 00:33:20.140 --> 00:33:21.180 Having a joyful 00:33:21.180 --> 00:33:21.880 faith union with 00:33:21.880 --> 00:33:22.560 Jesus makes us 00:33:22.560 --> 00:33:23.480 confident that God 00:33:23.480 --> 00:33:24.980 will provide for us 00:33:24.980 --> 00:33:25.840 for our needs 00:33:25.840 --> 00:33:26.820 in the middle 00:33:26.820 --> 00:33:28.259 of our circumstances. 00:33:29.480 --> 00:33:30.320 Let's end 00:33:30.320 --> 00:33:31.240 this sermon 00:33:31.240 --> 00:33:32.200 where Paul ends 00:33:32.200 --> 00:33:32.820 his letter 00:33:32.820 --> 00:33:34.519 verses 19 to 20. 00:33:36.100 --> 00:33:37.180 And my God 00:33:37.180 --> 00:33:37.759 will supply 00:33:37.759 --> 00:33:38.860 every need of yours 00:33:38.860 --> 00:33:39.700 according to his 00:33:39.700 --> 00:33:40.759 riches in glory 00:33:40.759 --> 00:33:41.720 in Christ Jesus 00:33:41.720 --> 00:33:43.519 to our God and 00:33:43.519 --> 00:33:44.200 Father be glory 00:33:44.200 --> 00:33:45.000 forever and ever. 00:33:45.440 --> 00:33:45.660 Amen. 00:33:47.279 --> 00:33:48.259 This is wonderfully 00:33:48.259 --> 00:33:49.160 short and sweet. 00:33:49.900 --> 00:33:50.879 Paul is rejoicing 00:33:50.879 --> 00:33:51.879 in Christ 00:33:51.879 --> 00:33:52.980 because the 00:33:52.980 --> 00:33:53.539 Philippians were 00:33:53.539 --> 00:33:54.579 flourishing in 00:33:54.579 --> 00:33:56.019 Christ by bearing 00:33:56.019 --> 00:33:57.039 fruit of godly 00:33:57.039 --> 00:33:57.940 generosity and 00:33:57.940 --> 00:33:59.079 concern for 00:33:59.079 --> 00:33:59.519 others. 00:34:00.319 --> 00:34:01.259 And because of 00:34:01.259 --> 00:34:01.839 their faithful 00:34:01.839 --> 00:34:02.799 fruit bearing in 00:34:02.799 --> 00:34:03.240 Christ, 00:34:04.259 --> 00:34:05.059 Paul has no doubt 00:34:05.059 --> 00:34:05.740 that God will be 00:34:05.740 --> 00:34:06.599 faithful to supply 00:34:06.599 --> 00:34:07.599 all of their needs 00:34:07.599 --> 00:34:08.719 just as they had 00:34:08.719 --> 00:34:10.059 supplied for his. 00:34:10.059 --> 00:34:12.179 again, the 00:34:12.179 --> 00:34:12.940 Philippians hadn't 00:34:12.940 --> 00:34:13.840 earned some 00:34:13.840 --> 00:34:14.579 benefit here. 00:34:15.799 --> 00:34:17.019 Rather, Paul is 00:34:17.019 --> 00:34:18.460 promising that God 00:34:18.460 --> 00:34:19.480 takes notice 00:34:19.480 --> 00:34:21.099 of the needs of 00:34:21.099 --> 00:34:22.039 those who are in 00:34:22.039 --> 00:34:22.900 his son, 00:34:23.400 --> 00:34:23.659 Jesus, 00:34:24.219 --> 00:34:25.199 and the Philippians 00:34:25.199 --> 00:34:26.019 have shown the 00:34:26.019 --> 00:34:26.659 proof that they 00:34:26.659 --> 00:34:27.679 are in his son 00:34:27.679 --> 00:34:29.119 by showing concern 00:34:29.119 --> 00:34:29.900 for Paul in the 00:34:29.900 --> 00:34:30.579 middle of his need. 00:34:31.619 --> 00:34:32.980 So if we are in 00:34:32.980 --> 00:34:34.059 Christ, if we are 00:34:34.059 --> 00:34:35.380 united to him 00:34:35.380 --> 00:34:36.000 by faith, 00:34:36.079 --> 00:34:36.940 then all the riches 00:34:36.940 --> 00:34:37.820 of God's glory 00:34:37.820 --> 00:34:39.820 are ours in 00:34:39.820 --> 00:34:40.240 Christ. 00:34:40.820 --> 00:34:41.400 So if our 00:34:41.400 --> 00:34:42.860 circumstances seem 00:34:42.860 --> 00:34:44.420 perilous, dark, 00:34:44.960 --> 00:34:46.320 empty, hopeless, 00:34:46.599 --> 00:34:47.619 like Paul's did, 00:34:48.700 --> 00:34:49.720 then we must not 00:34:49.720 --> 00:34:51.420 forget that God 00:34:51.420 --> 00:34:53.139 is abundantly able 00:34:53.139 --> 00:34:54.539 and eager to 00:34:54.539 --> 00:34:55.579 supply what we 00:34:55.579 --> 00:34:56.700 need. 00:34:58.300 --> 00:34:59.420 He's loaded, 00:34:59.780 --> 00:35:00.480 as Pastor Mike 00:35:00.480 --> 00:35:01.179 likes to say. 00:35:02.780 --> 00:35:03.860 Remember Revelation 00:35:03.860 --> 00:35:05.099 4 from last week? 00:35:05.099 --> 00:35:07.159 Our God sits 00:35:07.159 --> 00:35:08.179 enthroned in 00:35:08.179 --> 00:35:08.980 might and 00:35:08.980 --> 00:35:09.980 power and 00:35:09.980 --> 00:35:10.339 glory. 00:35:10.500 --> 00:35:11.199 He's totally 00:35:11.199 --> 00:35:13.159 unmoved by 00:35:13.159 --> 00:35:14.139 chaos or 00:35:14.139 --> 00:35:14.759 circumstances, 00:35:15.099 --> 00:35:16.599 and he loves 00:35:16.599 --> 00:35:17.639 his people. 00:35:17.779 --> 00:35:19.259 His power is 00:35:19.259 --> 00:35:20.319 funneled and 00:35:20.319 --> 00:35:21.519 channeled toward 00:35:21.519 --> 00:35:22.900 those who are 00:35:22.900 --> 00:35:23.920 in Christ, 00:35:24.519 --> 00:35:24.980 and it's this 00:35:24.980 --> 00:35:26.339 power not for 00:35:26.339 --> 00:35:27.579 bad, for good. 00:35:31.699 --> 00:35:32.219 And notice what 00:35:32.219 --> 00:35:33.039 Paul calls God 00:35:33.039 --> 00:35:33.639 in verse 20. 00:35:33.639 --> 00:35:35.940 are God and 00:35:35.940 --> 00:35:37.379 Father. 00:35:38.619 --> 00:35:39.460 If you are 00:35:39.460 --> 00:35:40.460 joyfully united 00:35:40.460 --> 00:35:41.539 by faith to 00:35:41.539 --> 00:35:43.000 Jesus, God is 00:35:43.000 --> 00:35:43.679 your adoptive 00:35:43.679 --> 00:35:44.000 Father. 00:35:44.980 --> 00:35:45.819 He has placed 00:35:45.819 --> 00:35:46.500 the spirit of 00:35:46.500 --> 00:35:47.500 his Son in 00:35:47.500 --> 00:35:48.559 you, calling 00:35:48.559 --> 00:35:49.139 out from the 00:35:49.139 --> 00:35:49.819 depths of your 00:35:49.819 --> 00:35:50.719 being, Abba, 00:35:51.019 --> 00:35:51.359 Father. 00:35:52.719 --> 00:35:53.500 He has united 00:35:53.500 --> 00:35:54.440 you to Jesus 00:35:54.440 --> 00:35:55.559 in such a way 00:35:55.559 --> 00:35:56.219 that you call 00:35:56.219 --> 00:35:56.879 out to the 00:35:56.879 --> 00:35:57.980 same Father, 00:35:58.579 --> 00:35:59.539 and your 00:35:59.539 --> 00:36:00.480 Father answers 00:36:00.480 --> 00:36:01.420 because you are 00:36:01.420 --> 00:36:02.440 in his Son. 00:36:02.440 --> 00:36:04.639 So dear 00:36:04.639 --> 00:36:05.340 brother, dear 00:36:05.340 --> 00:36:07.159 sister, if you 00:36:07.159 --> 00:36:07.920 are in need 00:36:07.920 --> 00:36:09.200 in the middle 00:36:09.200 --> 00:36:09.639 of your 00:36:09.639 --> 00:36:10.280 circumstances, 00:36:10.460 --> 00:36:11.200 and who of us 00:36:11.200 --> 00:36:11.659 isn't, 00:36:12.800 --> 00:36:14.980 this promise is 00:36:14.980 --> 00:36:15.599 so delightful. 00:36:17.599 --> 00:36:18.720 Your Father has 00:36:18.720 --> 00:36:19.880 glorious riches, 00:36:19.880 --> 00:36:20.639 and you have 00:36:20.639 --> 00:36:21.760 intimate access 00:36:21.760 --> 00:36:23.039 to him 00:36:23.039 --> 00:36:24.179 because you are 00:36:24.179 --> 00:36:25.420 in his Son. 00:36:25.420 --> 00:36:28.800 and he delights 00:36:28.800 --> 00:36:29.800 to provide what 00:36:29.800 --> 00:36:30.940 we need in the 00:36:30.940 --> 00:36:31.579 middle of our 00:36:31.579 --> 00:36:32.619 circumstances because 00:36:32.619 --> 00:36:33.780 he gets great 00:36:33.780 --> 00:36:35.300 glory in caring 00:36:35.300 --> 00:36:36.440 for and providing 00:36:36.440 --> 00:36:37.360 for those who 00:36:37.360 --> 00:36:38.700 are in Jesus. 00:36:40.159 --> 00:36:41.659 So dear brother, 00:36:42.099 --> 00:36:42.599 dear sister, 00:36:42.740 --> 00:36:43.840 if you are in 00:36:43.840 --> 00:36:45.360 Christ, then you 00:36:45.360 --> 00:36:46.559 are able to 00:36:46.559 --> 00:36:47.619 daily, moment 00:36:47.619 --> 00:36:48.500 by moment, 00:36:49.700 --> 00:36:52.519 draw joy and 00:36:52.519 --> 00:36:54.740 strength from the 00:36:54.739 --> 00:36:55.399 source of your 00:36:55.399 --> 00:36:56.159 mountain stream. 00:36:57.419 --> 00:36:58.799 Your faith union 00:36:58.799 --> 00:37:00.000 with the 00:37:00.000 --> 00:37:00.859 all-sufficient 00:37:00.859 --> 00:37:01.659 one who never 00:37:01.659 --> 00:37:02.839 changes, who 00:37:02.839 --> 00:37:03.659 gave himself for 00:37:03.659 --> 00:37:04.739 you, who makes 00:37:04.739 --> 00:37:05.959 us content in all 00:37:05.959 --> 00:37:06.519 kinds of 00:37:06.519 --> 00:37:07.899 circumstances, who 00:37:07.899 --> 00:37:08.719 enables us to get 00:37:08.719 --> 00:37:09.679 our eyes off of 00:37:09.679 --> 00:37:10.559 ourselves and on 00:37:10.559 --> 00:37:11.479 our circumstances and 00:37:11.479 --> 00:37:12.279 on things that are 00:37:12.279 --> 00:37:13.459 important to him and 00:37:13.459 --> 00:37:15.299 his kingdom, and who 00:37:15.299 --> 00:37:16.299 is able to supply all 00:37:16.299 --> 00:37:16.959 of our needs in the 00:37:16.959 --> 00:37:17.339 middle of our 00:37:17.339 --> 00:37:17.859 circumstances. 00:37:18.859 --> 00:37:20.099 You have access 00:37:20.099 --> 00:37:23.059 now to rejoice in 00:37:23.059 --> 00:37:23.899 your union with 00:37:23.900 --> 00:37:24.360 him. 00:37:25.519 --> 00:37:27.400 So if you find 00:37:27.400 --> 00:37:28.079 yourself tempted 00:37:28.079 --> 00:37:29.300 toward discontentment 00:37:29.300 --> 00:37:31.880 where you are, or 00:37:31.880 --> 00:37:33.760 towards living in a 00:37:33.760 --> 00:37:36.980 self-absorbed way, or 00:37:36.980 --> 00:37:38.180 towards despairing and 00:37:38.180 --> 00:37:39.019 doubting whether your 00:37:39.019 --> 00:37:39.880 daily needs will be 00:37:39.880 --> 00:37:41.940 provided for, then 00:37:41.940 --> 00:37:43.680 jump in the stream and 00:37:43.680 --> 00:37:44.740 swim up to the 00:37:44.740 --> 00:37:45.059 source. 00:37:47.099 --> 00:37:48.780 Drink deeply of your 00:37:48.780 --> 00:37:50.660 faith union with him. 00:37:50.659 --> 00:37:53.339 spend some time 00:37:53.339 --> 00:37:54.759 contemplating what we 00:37:54.759 --> 00:37:55.699 just read in Ephesians 00:37:55.699 --> 00:37:57.000 1, that sample 00:37:57.000 --> 00:37:58.039 passage I read for us 00:37:58.039 --> 00:37:59.699 earlier, of all the 00:37:59.699 --> 00:38:01.920 benefit, every spiritual 00:38:01.920 --> 00:38:03.759 blessing, ours in 00:38:03.759 --> 00:38:04.299 Christ. 00:38:05.899 --> 00:38:07.199 Ask him to teach you 00:38:07.199 --> 00:38:09.059 contentment, to help 00:38:09.059 --> 00:38:09.940 you to give thanks for 00:38:09.940 --> 00:38:11.379 what he gives thanks for, 00:38:12.059 --> 00:38:13.079 to make you more 00:38:13.079 --> 00:38:14.039 confident in his 00:38:14.039 --> 00:38:15.219 ability to supply all 00:38:15.219 --> 00:38:16.420 of your needs according 00:38:16.420 --> 00:38:17.639 to his glorious riches 00:38:17.639 --> 00:38:18.800 in Christ. 00:38:20.220 --> 00:38:21.200 In just a moment, I'm 00:38:21.200 --> 00:38:21.639 going to pray. 00:38:22.740 --> 00:38:23.720 And what I want to 00:38:23.720 --> 00:38:24.539 encourage you to do is 00:38:24.539 --> 00:38:25.320 spend a few moments 00:38:25.320 --> 00:38:26.639 engaging with your 00:38:26.639 --> 00:38:27.559 all-sufficient one. 00:38:28.360 --> 00:38:29.300 Engage with your God. 00:38:29.960 --> 00:38:31.420 Ask for greater joy in 00:38:32.119 --> 00:38:33.960 your union with Jesus, 00:38:34.960 --> 00:38:36.340 that he may transform the 00:38:36.340 --> 00:38:36.840 way that you are 00:38:36.840 --> 00:38:37.559 relating to your 00:38:37.559 --> 00:38:38.860 circumstances right here 00:38:38.860 --> 00:38:39.500 and now. 00:38:40.360 --> 00:38:41.159 And if you're here this 00:38:41.159 --> 00:38:43.079 morning and you don't 00:38:43.079 --> 00:38:47.219 know Jesus in this 00:38:47.219 --> 00:38:50.299 way, you're aware that 00:38:50.299 --> 00:38:51.480 you don't have a faith 00:38:51.480 --> 00:38:52.980 union with him in this 00:38:52.980 --> 00:38:53.719 way that we've been 00:38:53.719 --> 00:38:55.480 talking about, then turn 00:38:55.480 --> 00:38:56.179 to him in faith. 00:38:57.619 --> 00:38:58.579 Ask him to open your 00:38:58.579 --> 00:39:00.219 eyes to the glorious 00:39:00.219 --> 00:39:02.659 riches of being in Jesus. 00:39:03.779 --> 00:39:04.679 Let's pray together. 00:39:04.679 --> 00:39:04.739 Amen. 00:39:11.159 --> 00:39:14.599 Oh God, we need your 00:39:14.599 --> 00:39:14.859 help. 00:39:15.980 --> 00:39:17.879 We are a people that 00:39:17.879 --> 00:39:20.619 are quick to 00:39:20.619 --> 00:39:22.299 discontentment, to 00:39:22.299 --> 00:39:23.079 grumbling, to 00:39:23.079 --> 00:39:23.559 complaining. 00:39:25.799 --> 00:39:26.899 We tend to have our 00:39:26.899 --> 00:39:28.000 eyes fixed only on 00:39:28.000 --> 00:39:28.719 ourselves and our 00:39:28.719 --> 00:39:29.339 circumstances. 00:39:30.679 --> 00:39:31.739 We tend to be 00:39:31.739 --> 00:39:34.699 faithless and we need 00:39:34.699 --> 00:39:35.139 your help. 00:39:36.079 --> 00:39:37.279 So we come to you, 00:39:37.379 --> 00:39:38.420 God, all-sufficient 00:39:38.420 --> 00:39:40.559 one who never changes. 00:39:41.159 --> 00:39:44.500 Would you show us the 00:39:44.500 --> 00:39:45.899 joy of being united to 00:39:45.899 --> 00:39:46.460 your son? 00:39:48.239 --> 00:39:49.119 And may that transform 00:39:49.119 --> 00:39:50.179 the way that we see 00:39:50.179 --> 00:39:51.799 our circumstances. 00:39:53.239 --> 00:39:54.059 Help us to live by 00:39:54.059 --> 00:39:54.759 faith in him. 00:39:55.399 --> 00:39:56.159 In Christ's name, 00:39:56.339 --> 00:39:56.559 amen.