WEBVTT 00:00:00.620 --> 00:00:03.680 Philippians chapter 4, we'll start at verse 14. 00:00:04.900 --> 00:00:11.300 And you'll notice in our scripture reading, it's Paul thanking this church in Philippi for the gifts that they had sent him. 00:00:12.099 --> 00:00:18.559 And maybe it seems a little strange in our culture. Why would he wait to the very end of the letter if that's one of the occasions for writing it? 00:00:19.160 --> 00:00:21.780 Well, every culture and custom has certain etiquettes. 00:00:21.960 --> 00:00:27.560 My grandma taught me the etiquette of if you get a gift, you don't get to use or enjoy that gift until you've written that thank you note. 00:00:27.699 --> 00:00:29.859 You've got to say thank you for the gift you received. 00:00:30.679 --> 00:00:41.539 It was interesting for me to learn how in this ancient Greco-Roman world, this was it was customary that if you do receive a gift, you have two options. 00:00:41.539 --> 00:00:46.240 If it's a formal relationship, like a patronage, then you ought to send something back. 00:00:46.240 --> 00:00:50.159 It's almost like a transaction. They purchase something that you ought to give now back to them. 00:00:51.000 --> 00:00:59.079 But then on the other hand, the other option is if it's a gift among family or friends, it's almost too formal to say thank you for the gift. 00:00:59.079 --> 00:01:05.140 And because we're friends, we're family. It's almost just like like why wouldn't we provide for one another's needs? 00:01:05.560 --> 00:01:10.719 And so I think you can pick up like the fact that he leaves it till the very end of the letter and even the way he words it. 00:01:10.879 --> 00:01:14.299 It sounds a little foreign to our ears. It's not how we would say thank you. 00:01:14.640 --> 00:01:19.539 This was the custom. And as you'll see, this was Paul's way of reassuring the church in Philippi. 00:01:19.620 --> 00:01:22.680 We are family. I'm not going to give you this formal thank you. 00:01:22.680 --> 00:01:25.340 But this is what our passage is for today. 00:01:25.700 --> 00:01:32.620 So I'll read for us, trusting as God's own word says in Philippians 3, that the word of God is spirit breathed. 00:01:32.820 --> 00:01:36.320 Hebrews 4, the word of God is living, powerful and piercing. 00:01:38.100 --> 00:01:41.820 Our passage is Philippians 4, verses 14 through 23. 00:01:42.780 --> 00:01:44.540 It's God's own word for his people. 00:01:45.219 --> 00:01:48.780 And if you receive it with faith this way, then you can say thanks be to God. 00:01:48.780 --> 00:01:51.659 Verse 14. 00:01:53.359 --> 00:01:54.760 I'll start at verse 13. 00:01:55.000 --> 00:01:58.460 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 00:01:59.219 --> 00:02:02.859 Nevertheless, you have done well that you shared in my distress. 00:02:03.560 --> 00:02:09.060 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, 00:02:09.500 --> 00:02:14.159 no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving, but you only. 00:02:14.159 --> 00:02:19.859 For even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 00:02:20.379 --> 00:02:24.979 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 00:02:25.680 --> 00:02:27.759 Indeed, I have all and abound. 00:02:28.159 --> 00:02:32.800 I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, 00:02:33.219 --> 00:02:39.479 a sweet smelling aroma and acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 00:02:39.479 --> 00:02:47.419 And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 00:02:47.919 --> 00:02:52.159 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. 00:02:52.560 --> 00:02:53.120 Amen. 00:02:54.399 --> 00:02:56.339 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. 00:02:57.019 --> 00:02:59.179 The brethren who are with me greet you. 00:02:59.739 --> 00:03:03.879 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household. 00:03:03.879 --> 00:03:09.039 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 00:03:09.539 --> 00:03:09.900 Amen. 00:03:10.900 --> 00:03:12.780 The word of God for the people of God. 00:03:13.180 --> 00:03:15.199 Thanks be to God. 00:03:15.439 --> 00:03:16.400 You may be seated, please. 00:03:19.219 --> 00:03:24.199 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of the Lord stands forever. 00:03:25.240 --> 00:03:25.919 Isaiah 40. 00:03:25.919 --> 00:03:30.579 In Luke 1, no word from God shall be void of power. 00:03:31.359 --> 00:03:32.120 Let's pray. 00:03:33.879 --> 00:03:43.280 Lord, thank you for this passage, this word of God for your people today. 00:03:44.439 --> 00:03:47.879 I pray that you will minister to your people with your power, 00:03:48.120 --> 00:03:52.759 to your purpose in our lives, in our hearts, in our minds, 00:03:53.539 --> 00:03:55.960 and in us as a church, as a congregation. 00:03:55.960 --> 00:04:02.340 We pray that you will shape us, that your word, the will of God, will shape this church, 00:04:02.439 --> 00:04:05.640 Reformed Heritage Church, for your glory we ask, Father. 00:04:06.159 --> 00:04:06.460 Amen. 00:04:06.460 --> 00:04:15.140 Well, part of a Greco-Roman education would have included learning about the different myths. 00:04:16.139 --> 00:04:20.900 So, some of you have read Greek mythology even today, and some of you students, 00:04:21.019 --> 00:04:26.160 maybe you really enjoy learning about these ancient myths that the Greeks would have believed. 00:04:26.160 --> 00:04:30.920 One of the myths is that of King Midas. 00:04:31.980 --> 00:04:36.720 King Midas is written about by several Greek historians and philosophers. 00:04:36.939 --> 00:04:38.220 One of those is Aristotle. 00:04:38.880 --> 00:04:40.340 Let me make the connection for you. 00:04:40.400 --> 00:04:42.920 Do you remember, Aristotle is from Athens in Greece. 00:04:42.920 --> 00:04:50.100 And it was Philip II who brought Aristotle up to Macedon, Macedonia, same region of Philippi, 00:04:50.360 --> 00:04:56.819 to be the teacher of his son, Alexander, who went on to become Alexander the Great. 00:04:57.800 --> 00:05:02.200 So, these Macedonians would have known very well these Greek myths. 00:05:02.300 --> 00:05:04.259 They would have learned it from Aristotle himself. 00:05:05.080 --> 00:05:08.100 And the myth of King Midas was this, a short version. 00:05:08.100 --> 00:05:13.220 There was a king, and he saved this fictional creature. 00:05:13.700 --> 00:05:18.460 And as a gift, one of the fake Greek gods said, you can have any wish that you want. 00:05:18.860 --> 00:05:22.140 And the king said, I want that anything I touch will turn to gold. 00:05:22.420 --> 00:05:23.920 That's where you get that expression from. 00:05:24.980 --> 00:05:27.980 And he thought this was wonderful until then he touched his food, 00:05:28.460 --> 00:05:31.560 and he couldn't eat it anymore because now it was gold, and it needs food to live. 00:05:32.280 --> 00:05:35.980 And it got even worse when his little daughter came running up to greet her father, 00:05:35.980 --> 00:05:38.520 and in hugging his daughter, she turned to gold. 00:05:39.259 --> 00:05:44.200 So, it's a cautionary myth about where true satisfaction can be found. 00:05:46.340 --> 00:05:49.180 Well, this would have been very familiar to the Philippians. 00:05:49.800 --> 00:05:56.960 And even the pagans like Aristotle could point out that true satisfaction does not exist in worldly things, 00:05:57.160 --> 00:05:59.180 even in your finances or your wealth. 00:06:00.220 --> 00:06:02.960 How much more now for a church like that in Philippi? 00:06:02.959 --> 00:06:07.459 They have this opportunity to see what is very pagan, very worldly, 00:06:08.639 --> 00:06:13.279 what the Bible calls unrighteous, which is mammon or worldly wealth and money. 00:06:13.439 --> 00:06:16.859 And the love for wealth means you can't be a servant of God. 00:06:16.939 --> 00:06:18.079 You've got to choose one or the other. 00:06:18.159 --> 00:06:19.399 Which do you truly love? 00:06:20.579 --> 00:06:24.379 And so, for Paul, he's not silent on the topic. 00:06:24.539 --> 00:06:29.919 He says, yes, money is toxic, and it can lead you away from the true God. 00:06:29.920 --> 00:06:32.960 But the Bible is also not silent on this topic. 00:06:33.699 --> 00:06:37.180 And it's really tricky because throughout church history, even today, 00:06:37.620 --> 00:06:41.680 and maybe some of you, you've seen the sacred be mixed with the profane. 00:06:41.860 --> 00:06:46.400 You've heard someone misuse a Bible verse and manipulate people for their money, 00:06:46.860 --> 00:06:48.100 showing what they truly love. 00:06:49.139 --> 00:06:53.000 But yet, Jesus was very direct and taught very clearly about money. 00:06:53.680 --> 00:06:55.139 And Paul does this here as well. 00:06:55.139 --> 00:06:58.479 So, beloved congregation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:06:58.560 --> 00:07:00.360 I want to simply walk through this passage 00:07:00.360 --> 00:07:05.979 and help us to make about eight observations on financial sharing. 00:07:07.060 --> 00:07:08.259 Why the word sharing? 00:07:08.500 --> 00:07:11.039 Well, in verse 14 and 15, that's what Paul calls it. 00:07:11.159 --> 00:07:12.899 He says, you shared in my distress. 00:07:13.079 --> 00:07:15.019 Verse 14, you shared. 00:07:15.459 --> 00:07:19.399 And in verse 15, he says, no church shared with me, but you only. 00:07:19.399 --> 00:07:23.659 So, it's financial sharing, to use the word from the passage itself. 00:07:25.419 --> 00:07:29.500 You know, often when money comes up, especially in a religious setting, 00:07:29.919 --> 00:07:31.939 it can feel like begging. 00:07:32.500 --> 00:07:36.000 It can feel like arm twisting or false promising, 00:07:36.799 --> 00:07:40.339 all of which are irresponsible and not pleasing to God. 00:07:41.120 --> 00:07:44.699 But really, what we see in this passage that we just read from Paul, 00:07:45.199 --> 00:07:46.979 these are joyful reflections. 00:07:47.979 --> 00:07:48.899 Joyful reflections. 00:07:48.899 --> 00:07:50.859 It's God exalting. 00:07:51.319 --> 00:07:52.719 It's gratitude soaked. 00:07:53.279 --> 00:07:54.519 And it's content. 00:07:54.979 --> 00:07:56.079 Contented reflections. 00:07:56.959 --> 00:08:05.079 So, I invite you with me to ponder eight joyful reflections on financial sharing. 00:08:06.219 --> 00:08:08.219 Joyful reflection number one. 00:08:09.319 --> 00:08:13.639 Financial sharing is an expression of Christ-like care. 00:08:14.599 --> 00:08:18.239 Financial sharing is an expression of Christ-like care. 00:08:18.899 --> 00:08:27.539 Paul has already said in this letter how most Christians and most churches are not genuinely concerned for the interests of others. 00:08:27.540 --> 00:08:29.200 Philippians 2. 00:08:29.200 --> 00:08:34.720 He said, I have no one like Timothy who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. 00:08:35.080 --> 00:08:35.720 That's unusual. 00:08:35.720 --> 00:08:43.019 Most churches, like most Christians, were not concerned for one another or even for Paul. 00:08:43.019 --> 00:08:50.399 But he says this church in Philippi, they were one of the rare churches that weren't only looking to their own interests. 00:08:50.939 --> 00:08:53.840 And that's why in verse 10, Paul says, I rejoiced in the Lord. 00:08:54.079 --> 00:08:55.779 This is Philippians 4 verse 10. 00:08:55.779 --> 00:09:03.480 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again like like a plant that was turning yellow. 00:09:03.579 --> 00:09:05.240 But now it's full of life again. 00:09:05.240 --> 00:09:06.000 It's flourishing. 00:09:07.159 --> 00:09:10.620 Though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 00:09:10.620 --> 00:09:17.279 So Paul rejoices because their care was expressed by this financial gift that they sent for him. 00:09:17.600 --> 00:09:21.019 Their care was expressed by the financial gift. 00:09:22.940 --> 00:09:25.840 Think of how much Christ cares for his church. 00:09:27.600 --> 00:09:34.460 Christ cares for his church so much that he generous, generously shared of his own glory. 00:09:35.100 --> 00:09:37.600 He shared his own life with the church. 00:09:37.600 --> 00:09:47.720 So when the church receives so much from Jesus Christ, it's merely a reflex of gratitude to share financially with those Christ loves. 00:09:49.060 --> 00:09:55.639 We sing of this glorious, self-giving, generous love of Christ in almost every song in him we sing. 00:09:56.500 --> 00:10:01.320 No power of hell, no scheme of man can ever pluck me from his hand. 00:10:01.779 --> 00:10:02.800 How do you know that, Christian? 00:10:03.600 --> 00:10:06.160 For I am his and he is mine. 00:10:06.340 --> 00:10:06.860 Why is that? 00:10:06.860 --> 00:10:10.620 Because I am bought with the precious blood of Christ. 00:10:11.240 --> 00:10:12.180 He bought me. 00:10:13.539 --> 00:10:17.360 He took of his riches and purchased me for himself. 00:10:19.240 --> 00:10:30.100 When Christ grows a congregation to share his mind, have the mind of Christ, then their financial sharing expresses Christ's own care for others. 00:10:30.100 --> 00:10:33.600 The joyful reflection number two is this. 00:10:34.279 --> 00:10:38.639 Financial sharing is a response of obedience to Christ. 00:10:38.639 --> 00:10:42.379 Financial sharing is a response of obedience to Christ. 00:10:42.379 --> 00:10:47.580 In verse 13, he says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 00:10:47.700 --> 00:10:52.679 One of the vehicles of Christ's strength to Paul is the giving of the church in Philippi. 00:10:52.679 --> 00:10:59.039 In verse 14, he says, yet or it could be translated as still or moreover. 00:10:59.359 --> 00:11:00.819 There's more I need to say about this. 00:11:02.299 --> 00:11:06.879 You, church, have done well that you shared in my distress. 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:08.299 You have done well. 00:11:08.939 --> 00:11:10.639 You've shared in my distress. 00:11:11.139 --> 00:11:12.220 It's surprising. 00:11:12.360 --> 00:11:17.259 He says, not that you did well by pulling me out of my distress. 00:11:17.759 --> 00:11:22.259 He didn't say you did well in eliminating my source of distress. 00:11:22.259 --> 00:11:27.179 He says, you did well by sharing in my distress. 00:11:28.580 --> 00:11:29.220 Why? 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:38.559 Paul has accepted that the distress in his life is God's good, loving, fatherly providence over him. 00:11:39.319 --> 00:11:41.039 The distress is not the problem. 00:11:42.080 --> 00:11:46.700 It's what God's using to give Paul more and more of this mind of Christ. 00:11:47.480 --> 00:11:49.340 Turn back to Philippians 1.13. 00:11:49.340 --> 00:11:52.460 Do you remember how Paul spoke of this distress? 00:11:52.740 --> 00:11:54.320 Philippians 1.13. 00:11:55.960 --> 00:12:04.200 Paul says it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard into everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 00:12:05.440 --> 00:12:08.160 His distress, he summarizes it as chains. 00:12:09.000 --> 00:12:14.040 But those chains are squeezing out of him like you would take a lemon and squeeze it out. 00:12:14.680 --> 00:12:15.800 Squeeze the juice out of it. 00:12:16.340 --> 00:12:18.259 That's what the distress is doing to Paul. 00:12:18.259 --> 00:12:21.159 It's squeezing Christ so that all can see. 00:12:23.019 --> 00:12:25.240 And Paul tells this church in Philippi. 00:12:25.939 --> 00:12:29.340 Church, you shared the money that God put in your hands with me. 00:12:30.559 --> 00:12:33.159 Well, God put a ministry in my hands. 00:12:33.720 --> 00:12:35.379 And I'm sharing this ministry with you. 00:12:35.939 --> 00:12:37.539 You share in my distress. 00:12:37.819 --> 00:12:39.580 You share in my ministry. 00:12:39.580 --> 00:12:42.879 Look at Philippians 1.6. 00:12:45.200 --> 00:12:55.480 Both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. 00:12:55.480 --> 00:13:01.899 In his distress, Paul gets to identify very closely with Jesus Christ. 00:13:01.899 --> 00:13:08.919 And in sharing financially with Paul, the church of Philippi now gets to share in identifying with Christ. 00:13:09.279 --> 00:13:12.139 We are sharing in the grace of Christ together. 00:13:12.139 --> 00:13:15.419 By sharing financially. 00:13:15.419 --> 00:13:18.000 Churches do well. 00:13:18.679 --> 00:13:21.120 Churches obey Jesus Christ. 00:13:21.559 --> 00:13:22.360 That's what it is. 00:13:22.860 --> 00:13:26.980 Financial sharing is a response of obedience to King Jesus. 00:13:26.980 --> 00:13:29.759 Joyful reflection number three. 00:13:30.840 --> 00:13:35.139 Financial sharing ought to be through your local church. 00:13:36.700 --> 00:13:37.860 Financial sharing. 00:13:38.700 --> 00:13:42.700 This pattern we see in scripture is that it ought to be through your local church. 00:13:43.580 --> 00:13:44.840 Look at verse 15. 00:13:45.019 --> 00:13:47.920 So Philippians chapter four, verse 15. 00:13:47.919 --> 00:14:00.419 Now, you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving. 00:14:00.419 --> 00:14:05.159 But you only you only meaning this church, this congregation. 00:14:07.159 --> 00:14:11.959 Who had Paul expected to share with him for ministry? 00:14:11.960 --> 00:14:18.120 He could have said no individuals shared with me or no families shared with me. 00:14:18.440 --> 00:14:22.620 But he says in verse 15, no church shared with me. 00:14:25.040 --> 00:14:28.060 Let's turn also to Second Corinthians eight. 00:14:29.379 --> 00:14:31.220 Second Corinthians chapter eight. 00:14:32.240 --> 00:14:34.060 Verses one through five. 00:14:34.840 --> 00:14:36.740 And as you're turning there, I'll remind you. 00:14:36.940 --> 00:14:41.360 Paul says when I departed from Macedonia, you know, in the beginning of the gospel, 00:14:41.360 --> 00:14:46.279 when I first brought the gospel to your region, the beginning of the gospel in you, among you. 00:14:46.879 --> 00:14:48.379 And then I left Macedonia. 00:14:48.680 --> 00:14:55.159 This region of Macedonia, not only is where Philip the second and Alexander the Great are from, 00:14:55.539 --> 00:14:59.240 but it also includes three churches that we are familiar with. 00:14:59.539 --> 00:15:02.139 The other churches in Macedonia are the Bereans. 00:15:02.759 --> 00:15:03.620 They're wonderful. 00:15:03.800 --> 00:15:04.539 We love the Bereans. 00:15:04.620 --> 00:15:07.519 They're the ones who are always searching everything against the scripture. 00:15:08.120 --> 00:15:11.120 Paul is preaching and they're examining the scriptures for themselves. 00:15:11.360 --> 00:15:14.779 The other church in Macedonia were the Thessalonians. 00:15:15.440 --> 00:15:18.019 The Thessalonians endured extreme persecution. 00:15:18.899 --> 00:15:24.039 And Paul encouraged them about the second coming of Christ and the resurrection, the glorious promise. 00:15:24.500 --> 00:15:26.919 And the third church in Macedonia are the Philippians. 00:15:27.300 --> 00:15:29.960 So these Macedonian churches are some of the best. 00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:33.320 Paul has hardly anything negative to say to them compared to others. 00:15:33.320 --> 00:15:38.640 And we read in 2 Corinthians chapter 8, a reference. 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:40.639 Paul wrote, 00:15:40.639 --> 00:15:47.039 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia. 00:15:47.860 --> 00:16:01.279 For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 00:16:01.279 --> 00:16:08.159 They gave according to their means, as I can testify beyond their means of their own accord. 00:16:09.279 --> 00:16:13.120 We just read how God did this among the Israelites in Exodus. 00:16:13.759 --> 00:16:23.259 He brought them out of slavery and bondage and they joyfully brought these freewill offerings because it was the Egyptian slave masters that said, take it all and leave with it. 00:16:23.519 --> 00:16:25.120 God put it in their hands to begin with. 00:16:25.120 --> 00:16:27.560 They joyfully and willingly brought it back to God. 00:16:28.120 --> 00:16:35.060 Now God's doing this exact same thing among the Greeks, among the Gentiles and all the other nations that will believe. 00:16:36.500 --> 00:16:39.840 Now, Paul was assessing the means of the church. 00:16:39.940 --> 00:16:44.379 He says these churches had poverty, but they gave according to their means. 00:16:44.440 --> 00:16:46.840 And I even witnessed beyond their means. 00:16:47.840 --> 00:16:50.259 It was these Macedonian churches. 00:16:50.259 --> 00:16:57.960 So organized, orderly congregations that experienced this test of affliction and extreme poverty. 00:16:58.480 --> 00:17:03.939 God in his providence made these early churches suffer persecution and were tested in that way. 00:17:05.660 --> 00:17:10.680 And these congregations decided to give even beyond their means. 00:17:11.559 --> 00:17:12.240 Why is that? 00:17:12.240 --> 00:17:21.339 Because it was the overflowing wealth of generosity flowing from the abundance of their joy in the Lord. 00:17:22.660 --> 00:17:25.720 Now, that's the type of church we all want to be and be part of. 00:17:26.099 --> 00:17:31.740 A church that is so overjoyed by the love of the Lord in the face of persecution. 00:17:32.019 --> 00:17:35.920 We're reminded that anything God's put in our hands as a church is God's already. 00:17:36.180 --> 00:17:38.339 We give it back to him joyfully. 00:17:39.740 --> 00:17:41.940 A few practical conclusions. 00:17:42.240 --> 00:17:43.259 Up to this point. 00:17:44.279 --> 00:17:46.240 Christians ought to give generously. 00:17:46.779 --> 00:17:48.299 At least according to our means. 00:17:48.440 --> 00:17:51.819 And if God stirs your heart even above our means. 00:17:52.339 --> 00:17:53.079 With his help. 00:17:53.779 --> 00:17:54.099 Number two. 00:17:54.220 --> 00:17:59.519 Christians ought to give in proportion to the abundance of joy that we have in the Lord. 00:18:00.180 --> 00:18:00.720 Number three. 00:18:00.799 --> 00:18:04.400 Christians ought to give through their local church. 00:18:04.720 --> 00:18:09.019 As we read in these two examples in Philippians and 2 Corinthians 8. 00:18:09.019 --> 00:18:16.420 And we've seen in Acts 11 30 that it's under the oversight of the elders that these gifts were exchanged among churches. 00:18:16.420 --> 00:18:17.799 So it's in an orderly way. 00:18:17.799 --> 00:18:21.039 To be very specific. 00:18:21.519 --> 00:18:28.700 Christians ought not to be burdened or nickel and dimed by parachurch organizations or individual ministers or missionaries. 00:18:29.399 --> 00:18:37.399 Christians ought to give through their local church in an orderly way with the Constitution, the division of roles and the oversight of a local church. 00:18:37.400 --> 00:18:41.820 So much of the abuse that's gone on in ministries because that's not happening. 00:18:42.440 --> 00:18:42.980 Basic. 00:18:43.380 --> 00:18:43.860 Fundamental. 00:18:45.120 --> 00:18:49.740 Fourth conclusion is that churches then ought to give generously. 00:18:50.600 --> 00:18:55.100 With their ministers, partner churches and missionaries. 00:18:55.340 --> 00:18:57.420 Their needs on our hearts and minds. 00:18:57.420 --> 00:19:09.519 So to put it another way, if churches would do a better job with their part as an organized congregation, it would support those biblical missionaries that welcome that type of oversight. 00:19:09.519 --> 00:19:14.360 It would eliminate all of those parasites on the visible church. 00:19:15.240 --> 00:19:17.120 And therefore, Christians are freed up. 00:19:17.600 --> 00:19:18.940 I give to my local church. 00:19:19.300 --> 00:19:20.120 No more, no less. 00:19:20.360 --> 00:19:23.140 That's I give to God through the church and the church. 00:19:23.140 --> 00:19:29.040 Then we have a process and we decide how that will be strategically allocated as the Lord leads each congregation. 00:19:30.980 --> 00:19:35.400 So financial sharing ought to be ordinarily through your local church. 00:19:35.400 --> 00:19:37.840 I say ordinarily because there are also exceptions. 00:19:37.840 --> 00:19:39.620 It's great for Christians to be generous. 00:19:39.620 --> 00:19:43.000 But in terms of a clear biblical pattern, that's what I see. 00:19:44.040 --> 00:19:44.880 Joyful reflection. 00:19:45.060 --> 00:19:45.520 Number four. 00:19:46.259 --> 00:19:50.780 Financial sharing supplies the necessities for ministry. 00:19:50.779 --> 00:19:56.039 Financial sharing is what supplies the necessities for ministry. 00:19:56.619 --> 00:19:57.899 Look at verse 15. 00:19:58.059 --> 00:20:00.319 So Philippians chapter four, verse 15 again. 00:20:02.099 --> 00:20:05.200 Paul says no church shared with me. 00:20:05.399 --> 00:20:07.339 Again, he's expecting it of a church. 00:20:08.460 --> 00:20:10.480 Concerning giving and receiving. 00:20:11.480 --> 00:20:14.859 But you only congregation in Philippi. 00:20:14.859 --> 00:20:19.979 Here's another reason why this is a good term for us to use. 00:20:20.079 --> 00:20:21.019 It's sharing. 00:20:21.579 --> 00:20:25.119 Paul says it's giving and receiving. 00:20:27.519 --> 00:20:32.240 When you do give to God through your church, God blesses you. 00:20:32.240 --> 00:20:35.899 He shares with you the ministry that he's doing. 00:20:36.619 --> 00:20:37.439 You care. 00:20:37.899 --> 00:20:38.719 You're giving. 00:20:38.979 --> 00:20:39.339 You're knowing. 00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:40.539 You're staying in tune. 00:20:40.639 --> 00:20:42.759 You're providing that oversight as a congregation. 00:20:43.059 --> 00:20:43.919 You're interested. 00:20:43.920 --> 00:20:53.500 To put it negatively, when churches don't share financially, then churches are the ones missing out on ministry partnership. 00:20:54.779 --> 00:20:59.000 There is a blessing and a sharing, a giving and a receiving. 00:21:00.700 --> 00:21:02.440 Think of our own experience. 00:21:02.600 --> 00:21:05.860 We have four missionaries, four missionary families. 00:21:05.859 --> 00:21:12.959 All of them are devoted 100% to Bible translation and church planting among the least reached peoples of the world. 00:21:14.959 --> 00:21:18.439 This congregation has been very generous in our little two and a half years. 00:21:18.559 --> 00:21:19.799 We want to be all in. 00:21:20.240 --> 00:21:23.859 And with these four missionaries, we want to know everything we can about them. 00:21:24.159 --> 00:21:25.740 We want to read their newsletters. 00:21:25.819 --> 00:21:26.659 We want to stay current. 00:21:26.740 --> 00:21:27.659 We want to pray for them. 00:21:27.719 --> 00:21:30.039 When we're praying for our needs, we're remembering them. 00:21:30.039 --> 00:21:32.200 And just think what a return that's been. 00:21:32.319 --> 00:21:32.899 What a blessing. 00:21:33.319 --> 00:21:37.000 Yeah, it's been a little bit of giving on our part, but it's been so much receiving. 00:21:37.819 --> 00:21:43.940 We feel it with our missionaries in northern Africa, a country I'm not allowed to publicly mention. 00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:47.200 But they're waiting on this container to arrive. 00:21:48.059 --> 00:21:56.320 And as their parents are walking their daughters to the local school, these teenagers are picking on them and bullying them, including the parents. 00:21:56.680 --> 00:22:01.120 And we're praying for them, that they'll have a love for these people that need to know the Lord. 00:22:02.519 --> 00:22:03.640 We share. 00:22:03.820 --> 00:22:07.200 We receive just as much when we think of Aaron Shryock. 00:22:07.259 --> 00:22:09.340 He came and spoke to our church a couple years ago. 00:22:09.339 --> 00:22:16.279 And he's translating a portion of the Bible for the Tokoko people in Chad, also in northern Africa. 00:22:17.259 --> 00:22:20.599 We read recently that his wife was diagnosed with cancer. 00:22:21.559 --> 00:22:27.740 And while that's happening, this extreme trial and affliction, the Gospel of Mark is completed, the first draft. 00:22:28.359 --> 00:22:34.439 Can you imagine being this people group where a church gets planted in Chad, an unreached people group with their own dialect. 00:22:34.440 --> 00:22:39.720 And now you have the entire book of Mark, the Gospel, the life of Jesus. 00:22:40.880 --> 00:22:45.700 I mean, we could organize an entire worship service on the Lord's Day just using the book of Mark. 00:22:46.080 --> 00:22:47.900 For your call to worship, let's read from Mark. 00:22:47.980 --> 00:22:53.160 In our own heart language, confession of sin, assurance of pardon, it's all coming out of Mark. 00:22:54.140 --> 00:22:55.140 The sermons in Mark. 00:22:55.860 --> 00:22:57.120 Our benedictions from Mark. 00:22:57.400 --> 00:23:01.080 We're going to soak everything out of this book of Mark because it's in our heart language. 00:23:01.079 --> 00:23:08.939 We're sharing in that because this church gave a very small percentage of the total project, but it's our sharing, giving and receiving. 00:23:09.480 --> 00:23:10.079 What a joy. 00:23:10.179 --> 00:23:12.619 We don't want to miss out on that ministry opportunity. 00:23:13.679 --> 00:23:18.240 And doesn't it just make you want for that people in that church more books of the Bible? 00:23:18.619 --> 00:23:19.919 There's more than just Mark. 00:23:20.399 --> 00:23:22.539 Mark's wonderful, but let's give them more and more and more. 00:23:22.980 --> 00:23:26.619 And we need to channel our resources to be part of this ministry. 00:23:26.619 --> 00:23:31.639 We don't want to miss out on the blessing of partnership with missions like that. 00:23:33.199 --> 00:23:35.679 In verse 16, Philippians 4, 16. 00:23:35.839 --> 00:23:42.339 For even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:49.359 The Philippian church provided what was necessary for Paul to fulfill his ministry. 00:23:49.359 --> 00:23:53.879 His ministry was to plant this church in Thessalonica. 00:23:56.179 --> 00:23:59.740 There's a real labor that goes into this work. 00:24:00.799 --> 00:24:06.459 Paul clarified, look, one plants, another waters, but it's God who does the miracle of growth. 00:24:06.679 --> 00:24:07.539 No one can do that. 00:24:07.839 --> 00:24:17.539 But it is a real labor that goes into planting and watering and cultivating and pulling weeds and tending what God miraculously does in the life of a church. 00:24:17.539 --> 00:24:19.379 So what is this labor? 00:24:20.200 --> 00:24:23.220 This labor that the church has helped support? 00:24:25.180 --> 00:24:28.019 Would you turn now to 1 Timothy chapter 4? 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:34.339 Because Paul says a similar thing to the next generation. 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:36.619 And remember, Timothy was not an apostle. 00:24:37.759 --> 00:24:41.859 Timothy was a delegate and an elder, just a pastor. 00:24:41.859 --> 00:24:48.259 Paul tells Timothy, fulfill your ministry, fulfill this labor. 00:24:48.519 --> 00:24:51.279 So what is this labor that goes in to ministering? 00:24:51.500 --> 00:24:53.839 What is necessary for such ministry? 00:24:54.500 --> 00:24:59.699 As you're turning to 1 Timothy 4, 13, I'll also read for us Acts 6, 4. 00:25:00.519 --> 00:25:09.819 This was the pattern set by the apostles that we will devote ourselves continually, continually to prayer, to the ministry of the word. 00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:20.639 And so in 1 Timothy 4, 13, Paul wrote, devote yourself to the public reading of scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 00:25:21.439 --> 00:25:24.759 Timothy is to be set apart, devoted to that. 00:25:25.659 --> 00:25:28.480 Look two verses down, 1 Timothy 4, 15. 00:25:28.480 --> 00:25:31.920 Paul tells Timothy, be diligent in these things. 00:25:32.519 --> 00:25:39.960 Devote yourself wholly, completely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 00:25:40.380 --> 00:25:47.880 In verse 16, he tells them, keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching and persist in this. 00:25:49.460 --> 00:25:51.819 See, this is long-term ministry. 00:25:52.059 --> 00:25:56.920 You're going to persist in these duties, devoting yourself wholly to them. 00:25:56.920 --> 00:26:10.539 Well, Timothy could not fulfill the charge that was given him unless churches, specifically the local church, would provide what was needed to support him in that calling and in that labor. 00:26:11.360 --> 00:26:20.080 If a church does not provide for this labor, then the necessities are not supplied in the way that God ordained. 00:26:20.079 --> 00:26:30.679 That would be the ordinary way of God helping ministers to fulfill their calling would be through the provision of the congregation, the local church. 00:26:31.220 --> 00:26:32.679 Does that mean God can't do it? 00:26:32.699 --> 00:26:33.339 Of course not. 00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:37.720 God is doing this in ways that blow our mind around the world. 00:26:37.720 --> 00:26:45.460 But these are the extraordinary ways or the scrappy ways that God gets it started so they mature and grow in to what God has ordained. 00:26:46.480 --> 00:26:53.460 God ordains the financial sharing of churches to supply what is necessary for long-term ministry. 00:26:54.779 --> 00:26:56.220 Joyful reflection number five. 00:26:56.960 --> 00:27:01.620 Financial sharing is evidence of spiritual fruit. 00:27:02.319 --> 00:27:05.920 Financial sharing is evidence of spiritual fruit. 00:27:05.920 --> 00:27:07.160 Look at verse 17. 00:27:07.400 --> 00:27:10.039 Philippians 4, verse 17. 00:27:10.519 --> 00:27:15.360 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 00:27:16.920 --> 00:27:24.460 Paul's main concern is not the financial gift itself, but that the church may know this fruit. 00:27:25.660 --> 00:27:29.160 That they may enjoy the fruit of maturing in their faith. 00:27:29.160 --> 00:27:40.420 A pastor from a previous generation named John Gill, he wrote, Paul had not, Paul had been God's instrument in planting this church. 00:27:40.560 --> 00:27:43.940 And to keep that same image, you know, Paul says that it flourished again. 00:27:45.060 --> 00:27:50.259 Well, Isaiah 61.3 refers to trees of righteousness. 00:27:50.259 --> 00:27:53.759 So that's how Paul is describing this church in Philippi. 00:27:53.859 --> 00:27:55.660 It's the fulfillment of this great prophecy. 00:27:56.420 --> 00:28:02.240 This church in Philippi, planted, grown by God, is now maturing into a tree of righteousness. 00:28:03.000 --> 00:28:11.559 And Gill said, Paul's great desire was to see fruit, the fruit of righteousness now growing on this tree of the local church. 00:28:12.839 --> 00:28:14.240 Paul used this language also. 00:28:14.240 --> 00:28:16.700 So you can flip back to Philippians 1.11. 00:28:17.480 --> 00:28:25.400 He prayed that they would be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God. 00:28:27.160 --> 00:28:37.480 And Jesus himself reminded believers that God does not forget to recompense the acts of grateful obedience to his people. 00:28:37.480 --> 00:28:49.839 In Matthew 10.24, Jesus said, if even a cup of cold water is given to a prophet or a minister of Christ on account of his being so, it shall be rewarded. 00:28:50.680 --> 00:28:56.440 So financial sharing is evidence of spiritual fruit, spiritual maturity. 00:28:57.319 --> 00:29:04.799 Another way of putting it is that a church that is not sharing financially, generously, is an immature church. 00:29:04.799 --> 00:29:10.200 It's a sapling that needs deeper roots, deeper trust in God and needs to mature. 00:29:11.879 --> 00:29:13.859 It's evidence of spiritual fruit. 00:29:14.480 --> 00:29:16.259 Joyful reflection number six. 00:29:16.819 --> 00:29:22.259 Financial sharing is a well-pleasing offering to God himself. 00:29:23.599 --> 00:29:27.659 Financial sharing is a well-pleasing offering to God himself. 00:29:29.159 --> 00:29:30.680 Philippians 4.18. 00:29:30.680 --> 00:29:34.039 Indeed, I have all and abound. 00:29:34.360 --> 00:29:39.320 I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you. 00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:42.580 So it's more than just money. 00:29:42.720 --> 00:29:43.840 It's a care package. 00:29:44.160 --> 00:29:48.120 They lovingly prepared something that Epaphroditus could take with him. 00:29:48.940 --> 00:29:51.019 We can only speculate what it might have been. 00:29:51.019 --> 00:29:54.160 Most likely some encouraging notes. 00:29:55.200 --> 00:29:59.680 Maybe a handmade, you know, turnic or blanket that he could wear. 00:30:00.900 --> 00:30:03.400 Maybe more blank parchment and ink. 00:30:04.240 --> 00:30:06.400 I mean, how else is he going to get these supplies? 00:30:07.460 --> 00:30:08.240 Can you think of that? 00:30:08.319 --> 00:30:14.440 Like the Philippians caring so much about Paul and thinking, here's what Paul can do from prison. 00:30:14.539 --> 00:30:16.500 He prays and he can write letters. 00:30:16.500 --> 00:30:22.240 How else would Paul be able to write all of these letters that we now have preserved as the New Testament? 00:30:22.900 --> 00:30:29.059 It might have been on the blank parchment using the ink that Epaphroditus carried with him for six months. 00:30:29.559 --> 00:30:31.759 Sit by this little congregation in Philippi. 00:30:31.859 --> 00:30:38.299 That might have been God's providence to give us the autographs of scripture that have now been preserved and copied down. 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:40.919 He rejoiced. 00:30:41.039 --> 00:30:41.519 He's full. 00:30:41.619 --> 00:30:42.680 He has everything he needs. 00:30:42.819 --> 00:30:50.480 And he says in verse 18, it's a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 00:30:52.059 --> 00:30:54.259 Christians want to please God. 00:30:56.359 --> 00:31:00.899 And so when Christians hear these instructions from the Lord, we want to do that. 00:31:01.019 --> 00:31:03.579 That's joyful for us to be able to offer back to God. 00:31:03.779 --> 00:31:05.579 Who are we to even be able to bring God anything? 00:31:05.960 --> 00:31:07.919 And he accepts it and he's pleased by it. 00:31:08.299 --> 00:31:09.519 The God who needs nothing. 00:31:10.399 --> 00:31:11.700 So Hebrews 13, 6. 00:31:11.839 --> 00:31:14.899 Do not forget to do good and to share. 00:31:15.940 --> 00:31:16.700 There's that word again. 00:31:17.119 --> 00:31:21.180 For with such sacrifices, God is well pleased. 00:31:22.079 --> 00:31:23.799 And Jesus said in Matthew 6, 3. 00:31:24.799 --> 00:31:27.139 Not if, but when you give. 00:31:27.819 --> 00:31:31.220 Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 00:31:31.859 --> 00:31:35.000 The reason you don't need to worry about it or make sure someone noticed. 00:31:35.339 --> 00:31:37.319 It's because God noticed. 00:31:38.299 --> 00:31:40.579 This was an offering to God himself. 00:31:40.899 --> 00:31:43.399 It was well pleasing to the Lord. 00:31:44.099 --> 00:31:45.379 He sees what you bring. 00:31:46.039 --> 00:31:47.539 And it's not even about the amount. 00:31:48.399 --> 00:31:51.180 Remember when Jesus was watching people give in the temple. 00:31:51.279 --> 00:31:54.500 He said it was that poor lady with her might like a penny. 00:31:54.500 --> 00:31:56.079 But she gave all she had. 00:31:56.420 --> 00:31:57.960 And that was pleasing to God. 00:31:57.960 --> 00:31:59.279 God sees. 00:32:00.119 --> 00:32:03.059 He savors your giving in Christ's name. 00:32:04.180 --> 00:32:07.700 Though he needs nothing, he accepts it as an offering, a gift. 00:32:08.259 --> 00:32:10.079 A way of saying thank you to him. 00:32:11.240 --> 00:32:15.140 So financial sharing is not even ultimately for the recipient. 00:32:15.140 --> 00:32:18.860 It's an offering to God himself. 00:32:20.060 --> 00:32:22.120 Joyful reflection number seven. 00:32:23.259 --> 00:32:29.400 Sharing financially exercises faith in God, the provider of all our needs. 00:32:30.140 --> 00:32:37.880 Sharing financially exercises faith in God, who is the provider of all our needs. 00:32:37.880 --> 00:32:40.540 Look at verses 19 and 20. 00:32:40.660 --> 00:32:42.340 Philippians 4, 19 and 20. 00:32:42.340 --> 00:32:51.440 And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 00:32:52.480 --> 00:32:57.420 Now to our God and father be glory forever and ever. 00:32:58.040 --> 00:32:58.480 Amen. 00:32:59.660 --> 00:33:01.600 Paul's using an expression here. 00:33:02.620 --> 00:33:05.120 My God shall supply all you need. 00:33:05.119 --> 00:33:10.559 I learned that to comfort a person who had suffered a loss. 00:33:11.039 --> 00:33:13.139 Ancient Jews use that expression. 00:33:14.039 --> 00:33:16.279 God fulfill your need. 00:33:17.559 --> 00:33:20.379 So someone loses a child in sickness. 00:33:21.139 --> 00:33:23.879 Or someone's house in the ghetto gets burned. 00:33:24.879 --> 00:33:26.099 You gather around that person. 00:33:26.239 --> 00:33:26.859 You weep with them. 00:33:26.939 --> 00:33:27.439 You mourn. 00:33:27.839 --> 00:33:29.339 And you just repeat this phrase. 00:33:29.500 --> 00:33:31.959 God fulfill your need. 00:33:32.959 --> 00:33:34.579 And that's what Paul is doing for them. 00:33:35.959 --> 00:33:44.219 Well, also, this church had been the ones making it possible for Paul to survive in prison and also to have a ministry through letter writing. 00:33:44.220 --> 00:33:51.539 And in a more formal relationship, when you receive a gift, like I mentioned, you're expected to give something back. 00:33:51.539 --> 00:33:59.259 I think this is a beautiful, humble, gracious, polite way of Paul saying, you know, I'm in poverty. 00:33:59.420 --> 00:34:01.240 I have nothing I can give back. 00:34:02.559 --> 00:34:07.039 But may God bless you according to his riches. 00:34:07.859 --> 00:34:09.779 His riches are kept up in glory. 00:34:10.880 --> 00:34:13.460 And may he bless you spiritually in Christ. 00:34:14.099 --> 00:34:15.699 That's what I can offer back to you. 00:34:15.699 --> 00:34:22.319 May God keep channeling blessings to your church in Christ. 00:34:23.480 --> 00:34:25.579 He is Jehovah Jireh. 00:34:26.219 --> 00:34:27.539 God, the provider. 00:34:28.299 --> 00:34:29.460 That's who God is. 00:34:29.460 --> 00:34:38.159 When the Israelites brought offerings to be used for the building of the temple, David prayed in First Chronicles 29, 14. 00:34:38.679 --> 00:34:43.619 Who are we, God, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? 00:34:44.280 --> 00:34:47.940 For all things come from you and of your own. 00:34:48.460 --> 00:34:49.760 Have we been given? 00:34:50.900 --> 00:34:55.699 We're simply giving back to God, our provider, while he's entrusted into our hands. 00:34:55.699 --> 00:35:01.480 So sharing financially is a way of exercising that truth, that faith. 00:35:03.460 --> 00:35:05.059 God also gave us muscles. 00:35:06.859 --> 00:35:14.939 And if we know that if we're sitting around on the couch eating potato chips, we're not exercising those muscles, we lose them. 00:35:15.159 --> 00:35:15.839 It's attrition. 00:35:15.840 --> 00:35:18.960 But God gave us muscles to use. 00:35:19.059 --> 00:35:20.440 And so as we use them, they grow. 00:35:20.660 --> 00:35:21.280 They're strengthened. 00:35:22.320 --> 00:35:26.940 And this is what I see here as well, that we're confessing all things come from God. 00:35:27.160 --> 00:35:28.640 He'll supply all our need. 00:35:29.059 --> 00:35:35.059 Let's exercise this muscle by sharing financially and trusting God is our provider. 00:35:35.059 --> 00:35:48.460 Well, joyful reflection number eight, the last one for today from this passage, is that financial sharing celebrates the ever advancing kingdom of God. 00:35:49.739 --> 00:35:55.000 Financial sharing celebrates the ever advancing kingdom of God. 00:35:55.000 --> 00:36:04.719 Philippians 4, verse 21, Paul wraps it all up and he says, greet every saint in Christ Jesus. 00:36:05.460 --> 00:36:06.840 Every single one. 00:36:07.159 --> 00:36:07.920 Keep a list. 00:36:08.679 --> 00:36:11.460 Know who are the saints of the church at Philippi. 00:36:12.460 --> 00:36:15.760 Greet every single one of them in Christ Jesus. 00:36:17.360 --> 00:36:19.219 Can you imagine being able to do that? 00:36:19.360 --> 00:36:23.000 You know, it's like it's like grandma wants me to give you a hug from her. 00:36:23.099 --> 00:36:24.739 So come here, you know, give him a big hug. 00:36:25.000 --> 00:36:25.760 That's from grandma. 00:36:26.659 --> 00:36:28.659 Paul wants a greeting for every single saint. 00:36:29.320 --> 00:36:33.539 And to greet a saint is to celebrate Christ's kingdom has advanced in this place. 00:36:34.340 --> 00:36:39.440 These are enemies of God, sinners, rebellious that would hate God. 00:36:39.440 --> 00:36:44.800 And God has lovingly drawn them to himself and organized them into a church. 00:36:45.920 --> 00:36:49.579 So a greeting like this is a celebration of Christ's advancing kingdom. 00:36:50.699 --> 00:36:51.880 And look what he says next. 00:36:51.980 --> 00:36:52.840 This is so interesting. 00:36:52.840 --> 00:36:56.000 The brethren who are with me greet you. 00:36:56.000 --> 00:37:04.940 Well, it might be Timothy, Epaphroditus, maybe other Christians that were traveling back and forth across this Aegean way, this road doing commerce. 00:37:05.159 --> 00:37:06.039 But they're also believers. 00:37:07.179 --> 00:37:14.179 And then in verse 22, he says, all the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household. 00:37:14.179 --> 00:37:23.339 Well, we know that those those guards, the praetorian guards and those who are of Caesar's household, you know, rotating through and keeping a watch on Paul. 00:37:23.539 --> 00:37:25.739 They have never met the church in Philippi. 00:37:25.739 --> 00:37:28.059 Why are they sending their greeting? 00:37:29.959 --> 00:37:32.819 Especially make sure to tell them that these guys are greeting you, too. 00:37:33.479 --> 00:37:39.179 It's celebrating that these are believers here in Rome, a ministry of the trains of the distress. 00:37:39.399 --> 00:37:44.199 They believe now and they feel this bond with you, even though they've never met you. 00:37:44.199 --> 00:37:53.079 Well, the only way they would know these guards in Rome would know about this church in Philippi is if Paul and Timothy and Epaphroditus tell these guards about them. 00:37:53.460 --> 00:37:54.759 These are your brothers and sisters. 00:37:54.760 --> 00:38:01.180 And we actually have language from Scripture of how Paul described these churches in Macedonia. 00:38:02.180 --> 00:38:13.400 Second Corinthians 8 for this Macedonian church begged earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints. 00:38:13.400 --> 00:38:20.500 And this not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 00:38:21.440 --> 00:38:24.460 See how Paul honors them and commends them so highly. 00:38:25.280 --> 00:38:31.420 So then these Praetorian guards, these tough guys that got saved, they're saying, man, tell those saints hi from me, too. 00:38:31.960 --> 00:38:33.180 And I'll pray for their church. 00:38:33.300 --> 00:38:36.040 I'm encouraged by their example of maturity. 00:38:39.260 --> 00:38:43.700 Well, Paul's ministry to the Philippians in this letter, you remember how it began? 00:38:44.320 --> 00:38:48.720 It began with a wonderful, powerful word. 00:38:49.020 --> 00:38:50.060 Philippians 1.1. 00:38:50.960 --> 00:38:51.360 Grace. 00:38:53.120 --> 00:38:54.280 Grace to you. 00:38:54.760 --> 00:38:58.540 And peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:38:59.980 --> 00:39:02.520 Now, do you see how his letter to the same church ends? 00:39:02.700 --> 00:39:03.760 It ends as it began. 00:39:04.760 --> 00:39:05.500 Verse 23. 00:39:06.680 --> 00:39:10.720 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 00:39:11.420 --> 00:39:11.780 Amen. 00:39:14.280 --> 00:39:16.680 That's the gospel kingdom that we belong to. 00:39:16.679 --> 00:39:17.679 We enter by grace. 00:39:17.679 --> 00:39:19.519 We enter by grace. 00:39:20.059 --> 00:39:23.179 We remain in Christ's kingdom by his grace. 00:39:24.259 --> 00:39:26.000 And grace one day will bring me home. 00:39:27.539 --> 00:39:36.739 The grace of the Lord be with each saint, with each soul, because everyone is precious and an important member of the body. 00:39:37.199 --> 00:39:40.460 Greet every single one that the grace of Jesus has touched. 00:39:40.460 --> 00:39:43.019 We sing of this too. 00:39:43.019 --> 00:39:48.500 Every single one of those that God saves are his delight. 00:39:48.500 --> 00:39:53.280 If you know this wonderful grace of God, you are the delight of God. 00:39:53.280 --> 00:40:01.000 You are precious in his holy sight because you were bought by him at such a price. 00:40:01.000 --> 00:40:03.000 We sing. 00:40:03.000 --> 00:40:03.739 We sing. 00:40:04.539 --> 00:40:07.340 Let the glory of the Lord forever be our joy. 00:40:08.019 --> 00:40:10.860 May redemption be the theme of our song. 00:40:11.340 --> 00:40:13.079 For by grace we have been saved. 00:40:13.519 --> 00:40:20.119 And by grace we shall proclaim to the corners of the earth that Christ has come. 00:40:20.119 --> 00:40:22.759 That's what happened in Philippi. 00:40:22.960 --> 00:40:24.699 That's what happened in Rome. 00:40:25.759 --> 00:40:29.559 And we too, Reformed Heritage Church, we have this opportunity. 00:40:30.519 --> 00:40:40.299 In part through sharing of the finances God has shared with us to celebrate the ever advancing kingdom of Christ. 00:40:41.519 --> 00:40:46.319 With his help and by his grace may we do that joyfully for his glory. 00:40:47.059 --> 00:40:47.839 Let's pray. 00:40:47.840 --> 00:40:51.260 Lord, thank you for your grace. 00:40:51.620 --> 00:40:53.360 Thank you for drawing us into your kingdom. 00:40:53.800 --> 00:40:57.320 Thank you for maturing us as individuals and as a congregation. 00:40:57.320 --> 00:41:05.039 We trust the promise to the church in Philippi for ourselves that you who began a good work among this congregation, 00:41:05.039 --> 00:41:10.460 you will see it through to completion for your glory and for our good. 00:41:11.180 --> 00:41:11.519 Amen.