WEBVTT

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 Heavenly Father, as we have been going through this book of Philippians, we have been struck

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 again and again by the great bond that the Philippians and Paul shared with you and with

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 one another, their partnership in the gospel, their common commitment to Christ, their affections

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 for Christ and for one another in Christ. As we conclude this series, Lord, we are desirous

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 of that for ourselves. We want to be characterized more and more by that unity, by that affection,

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 by that generosity, by that Christ dependence. So help us, Lord, to find all our sufficiency

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 in Christ this evening. Teach us how to live that way. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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 Philippians chapter 4 verses 10 to 23.

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 I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me.

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 You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being

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 in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought

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 low and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of

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 facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens

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 me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the

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 beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in

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 giving and receiving except you only. Even in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs once

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 and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

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 I have received full payment and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts

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 you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every

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 need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever

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 and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints

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 greet you, especially those of Caesar's household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your

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 spirit. This is God's holy and authoritative word. The main point of this passage is really that out of

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 our sufficiency in Christ, that we should be generous in our gospel partnerships for the glory of God.

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 And that's going to be the outline that I follow. First, Paul's contentment in verses 10 to 13.

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 And then secondly, Philippians' generosity in verses 14 to 20. And finally, God's glory and grace in

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 verses 21 to 23. So let's begin in verse 10 by looking at Paul's contentment. As we've seen over

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 and over again, Paul rejoices throughout this letter. He rejoiced many times himself and exhorted

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 the Philippians to rejoice many times throughout the book. And one final time in this letter,

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 Paul rejoices. And this time it's because of the concern that the Philippian believers have shown

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 him. And he says in verse 10, I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived

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 your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. So in chapter 3,

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 verse 1, and chapter 4, verse 4, Paul commanded the Philippian church to rejoice in the Lord always

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 and exhorted them to imitate people who do. And Paul's now exemplifying that in verse 10.

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 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me.

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 When under house arrest in the Roman Empire, the prisoners were not provided for like they are in

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 modern jails. Instead, they were expected to have their needs met by their family and friends.

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 And so Paul mentioned in chapter 2, verses 25 to 30, that the Philippian church sent provisions to him

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 through Epaphroditus, who is described there as their messenger and minister to Paul's need,

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 chapter 225. And in doing this, Paul said in chapter 230 that Epaphroditus completed what was lacking

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 in the Philippian service to him. The Philippian church's service to Paul was incomplete because

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 they were absent and could not provide for his needs. But Epaphroditus, as their representative,

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 ministered to Paul and completed what was lacking in their service to him. And when Epaphroditus finally

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 arrived with greetings and provisions from the Philippians, Paul was overjoyed. And he says,

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 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length, another translation says, or at last you have revived

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 your concern for me. Paul had longed for this. He was waiting for this, not necessarily for the gift

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 that the Philippians sent, as we will see later, but for the assurance of their continued joy and

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 progress in the faith, which Paul said in chapter 125 is what he was concerned about. This is why Paul

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 says, I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. He was

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 rejoicing in the Lord because the Philippians' gift assured him that they were continuing in their

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 faith in the Lord. Twice in verse 10, Paul uses the word concern, which is the same Greek word that's

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 often translated mind or think. He used the same word in chapter 2 to tell the Philippians to be of the

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 same mind and to have the same mind of Christ by looking not only to one's own interests, but also to

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 the interests of others. So then the concern that the Philippians showed for Paul, the mind that they

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 showed was evidence of their ongoing Christ-like mindset. And this is what made Paul rejoice greatly

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 in the Lord. So he says, finally, at last you have revived your concern for me. He had been waiting for

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 that assurance. But Paul didn't want the Philippians to think that he was being passive-aggressive here,

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 saying, you know, finally, you sent me a care package. You've delayed long enough. I thought

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 I'd never get one, you know. Paul doesn't want the Philippians to understand him that way, misunderstand

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 him that way. And so he adds verse 10. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.

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 They had wanted to provide for Paul all along. Paul knows this. But until Epaphroditus volunteered to

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 make the 600-mile-plus trek, they didn't have a suitable messenger through whom they could send their

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 provisions. And so after addressing that possible misunderstanding, Paul addresses yet another

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 possible misunderstanding in verse 11.

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 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

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 Paul doesn't want the Philippians to think that he was disgruntled and discontent, you know, desperately

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 and impatiently waiting for the Philippians' gift. His joy was not over having his physical needs met,

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 but over the token of friendship, over their ongoing fellowship in Christ and partnership in the gospel.

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 So he tells them that he's not talking about how needy he was.

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 Not that I'm speaking of being in need, for I've learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

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 And the word content is, at the time of Paul's writing, was a culturally loaded word.

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 It was a word that captured the ideal of self-sufficiency, being without any need, being totally independent

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 of one's circumstances that was taught by Stoicism, a popular Greek philosophy.

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 Stoicism is not the same as Buddhism, but they have striking similarities.

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 Buddhism teaches people to transcend the sufferings of this world by renouncing or emptying themselves of desire.

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 Stoicism similarly teaches that people should be independent of their circumstances,

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 indifferent to both pain and pleasure, finding peace by being sufficient unto oneself.

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 But there's a significant difference between Christian contentment and Stoic contentment, as we will see.

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 Paul continues that thought in verse 12,

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 What's interesting about this verse is that Paul says he has learned the secret of being content,

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 not only in hunger and need, but also in plenty and abundance.

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 Well, we might object at this point, well, I know how to be content in plenty and abundance too.

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 That's no secret.

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 But it is.

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 Because contentment, you see, does not come naturally to the rich.

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 Michael Norton is a Harvard Business School professor who has spent significant time studying the connections

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 between happiness and wealth.

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 And he writes that the way people evaluate their level of satisfaction in their lives center around two questions.

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 Am I doing better than I was before?

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 Am I doing better than other people?

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 And if the answer to either of these questions is no, then people are not satisfied.

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 Since many things in life are hard to quantify, they often turn to money as a metric.

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 Am I making more money than I was before?

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 Do I have more money than the people around me?

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 The problem with this line of thinking is that these questions are comparative,

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 and for that reason, the goalpost moves.

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 You might be making a lot more money than you were ten years ago,

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 but if you're not making more money than you were two years ago, you're discontent.

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 If you make millions of dollars and move to a posh neighborhood where all your neighbors have that much money,

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 then you feel a lot less rich than you used to feel in your previous neighborhood.

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 The goalpost is ever-shifting so that even the top 1% are never truly content.

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 Contentment is elusive not only for those in need, but also for those in abundance.

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 C.S. Lewis diagnoses this problem with penetrating insight in his book, Mere Christianity,

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 where he argues that pride is at the root of discontentment.

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 He says this,

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 Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next man.

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 We say that people are proud of being rich or clever or good-looking, but they are not.

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 They are proud of being richer or cleverer or better-looking than others.

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 If everyone else became equally rich or clever or good-looking, there would be nothing to be proud about.

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 It is the comparison that makes you proud, the pleasure of being above the rest.

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 Once the element of competition has gone, pride has gone.

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 That is why I say that pride is essentially competitive in a way that other vices are not.

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 Greed may drive men into competition if there is not enough to go around,

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 but the proud man, even when he has got more than he can possibly want,

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 will try to get still more just to assert his power.

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 Nearly all those evils in the world that people put down to greed or selfishness

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 are really far more the result of pride.

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 The secret to contentment, then, is humility, being emptied of self and filled with Christ,

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 making Christ our all in all.

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 Paul's secret to contentment is not self-sufficiency as the Stoics taught,

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 but a Christ-sufficiency.

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 This is why he can say, I know how to be brought low.

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 That's the same word that he used in chapter 2, verse 8,

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 to say that Christ humbled himself, or he lowered himself,

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 by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross.

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 Being brought low, humiliation, was something that Stoics could not handle.

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 Many Stoic philosophers deliberately entered into a life of scarcity

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 to demonstrate their self-sufficiency or contentment,

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 but they despised humiliation,

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 which was often at the top of the list of attitudes that the Stoics were taught to avoid.

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 Being made poor, they could handle,

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 because in embracing poverty,

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 they were elevating themselves above other men

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 by demonstrating their superior philosophy and self-sufficiency.

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 But being made low,

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 being humiliated,

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 they could not handle.

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 But for Paul, even that was no issue,

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 because he was following the footsteps of his Master,

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 who was humbled to the cross.

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 And Paul's joy and contentment were not contingent

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 on his humiliation or exaltation,

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 poverty or riches,

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 because he was finding his satisfaction in something entirely different,

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 in Christ alone.

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 That's why he says in verse 13,

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 I can do all things

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 through him who strengthens me.

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 According to BibleGateway.com,

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 I didn't realize they published these,

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 but every year they publish their kind of top verses that are searched.

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 And Philippians 4.13 is a perennial contender

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 for the top prize.

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 Always in the top five,

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 among the most searched and most tweeted verses on the website.

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 This verse is, however, often misused

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 because it's wrenched out of its context.

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 Paul is not speaking here

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 of a superhuman ability

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 to accomplish anything

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 with the strength of Christ.

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 This verse does not promise us

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 that Christ will help us win NBA championships

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 or run two-hour marathons

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 or accomplish our wildest dreams.

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 It tells us that we can face plenty and hunger,

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 abundance and need,

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 that we can be brought low and abound,

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 that in any and every circumstance

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 we can find contentment in Christ.

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 In other words,

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 this verse does not promise the power

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 to conquer or change every circumstance,

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 but rather the power to be content

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 in every circumstance.

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 And the person strengthening Paul

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 is Christ the Lord,

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 whom Paul rejoiced in early in verse 10.

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 That's why being a Christian,

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 finding Christian contentment

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 is not about being self-satisfied

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 or self-sufficient,

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 but Christ-satisfied and Christ-sufficient.

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 It's what Paul said in chapter 1, verse 21,

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 For to me to live is Christ

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 and to die is gain.

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 Andrew Murray describes it this way

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 in his book, Humility.

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 Humility is the path to death

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 because in death it gives the highest proof

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 of its perfection.

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 Humility is the blossom

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 of which death to self is the perfect fruit.

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 Jesus humbled himself unto death

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 and opened the path in which we too must walk.

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 As there was no way for him to prove

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 his surrender to God to the very uttermost,

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 but through death,

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 so with us too.

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 True contentment is found

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 where the self is dethroned

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 and Christ is enthroned.

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 In humility,

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 in surrendering ourselves

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 to the purposes and priorities of God entirely,

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 whether in life or death,

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 riches or poverty,

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 success or failure,

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 exaltation or humiliation.

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 The person who says,

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 Lord, I am well provided for,

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 well loved,

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 but I find my satisfaction

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 not in the abundance

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 of my friends or wealth,

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 but in you, my King.

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 The person who says,

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 Lord, I am beaten and worn down,

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 humiliated and broken,

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 but I find my satisfaction in you,

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 my Master.

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 That is the person

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 who has learned

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 the secret of contentment.

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 What Philippians chapter 4,

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 verse 13 promises

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 is in reality

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 far greater than

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 what it is frequently,

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 how it's frequently perceived.

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 The common misinterpretation

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 of the verse

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 reduces Christ to our sidekick,

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 but the true meaning of it

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 is that Christ must be

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 our supreme treasure,

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 our life's purpose,

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 our eternal destiny,

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 our all in all.

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 That's the secret

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 of Christian contentment.

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 And then having qualified

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 the nature of his need,

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 Paul resumes his thank you note

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 to the Philippines

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 in verses 14 to 20,

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 speaking of their generosity.

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 He says in verses 14 to 16,

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 Yet it was kind of you

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 to share my trouble,

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 and you Philippians yourselves

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 know that in the beginning

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 of the gospel,

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 when I left Macedonia,

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 no church entered

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 into partnership with me

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 in giving and receiving,

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 except you only.

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 Even in Thessalonica,

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 you sent me help

00:18:44.599 --> 00:18:46.199
 for my needs once and again.

00:18:48.039 --> 00:18:48.919
 Though Paul had learned

00:18:48.919 --> 00:18:49.579
 to be content

00:18:49.579 --> 00:18:50.559
 even in the midst

00:18:50.559 --> 00:18:51.339
 of need and hunger,

00:18:51.439 --> 00:18:52.859
 it was still kind,

00:18:53.079 --> 00:18:53.480
 he says,

00:18:53.539 --> 00:18:54.259
 of the Philippians

00:18:54.259 --> 00:18:55.700
 to share his trouble.

00:18:56.640 --> 00:18:58.220
 The word share in verse 14

00:18:58.220 --> 00:18:59.440
 is derived from the word

00:18:59.440 --> 00:19:00.460
 translated partnership

00:19:00.460 --> 00:19:01.440
 in verse 15,

00:19:02.099 --> 00:19:02.740
 which was used

00:19:02.740 --> 00:19:03.640
 in various places

00:19:03.640 --> 00:19:04.460
 throughout this letter

00:19:04.460 --> 00:19:06.480
 to refer to the Philippian church's

00:19:06.480 --> 00:19:07.859
 partnership in the gospel,

00:19:08.319 --> 00:19:09.240
 their partaking

00:19:09.240 --> 00:19:11.240
 with Paul of God's grace,

00:19:11.720 --> 00:19:12.579
 their participation

00:19:12.579 --> 00:19:13.579
 in the Spirit,

00:19:14.039 --> 00:19:15.019
 and their sharing

00:19:15.019 --> 00:19:16.259
 in Christ's sufferings.

00:19:16.859 --> 00:19:17.720
 And so once again,

00:19:17.819 --> 00:19:19.140
 the Philippians sharing

00:19:19.140 --> 00:19:20.339
 in Paul's trouble

00:19:20.339 --> 00:19:21.579
 by providing for his

00:19:21.579 --> 00:19:22.460
 temporal needs

00:19:22.460 --> 00:19:24.059
 during his imprisonment

00:19:24.059 --> 00:19:25.679
 is ongoing evidence

00:19:25.679 --> 00:19:26.619
 of their sharing

00:19:26.619 --> 00:19:28.039
 in the grace of God,

00:19:28.359 --> 00:19:30.220
 sharing in the Spirit of God,

00:19:30.659 --> 00:19:31.319
 and sharing

00:19:31.319 --> 00:19:32.099
 in the ministry

00:19:32.099 --> 00:19:32.740
 of the gospel.

00:19:34.379 --> 00:19:35.059
 In fact,

00:19:35.119 --> 00:19:36.059
 this is what the Philippians

00:19:36.059 --> 00:19:36.599
 had been doing

00:19:36.599 --> 00:19:37.559
 from the beginning

00:19:37.559 --> 00:19:38.519
 of the gospel,

00:19:38.679 --> 00:19:39.079
 Paul says.

00:19:39.539 --> 00:19:40.819
 Since the very beginning

00:19:40.819 --> 00:19:41.779
 of their reception

00:19:41.779 --> 00:19:42.399
 of the gospel,

00:19:42.519 --> 00:19:43.379
 the Philippian church

00:19:43.379 --> 00:19:44.700
 had been in a partnership

00:19:44.700 --> 00:19:45.319
 with Paul

00:19:45.319 --> 00:19:47.179
 in giving and receiving

00:19:47.179 --> 00:19:49.259
 in a way

00:19:49.259 --> 00:19:50.440
 that no other church did.

00:19:51.440 --> 00:19:52.599
 Paul is very emphatic

00:19:52.599 --> 00:19:53.019
 about this.

00:19:53.219 --> 00:19:54.219
 No church entered

00:19:54.219 --> 00:19:54.819
 into partnership

00:19:54.819 --> 00:19:55.879
 with me in giving

00:19:55.879 --> 00:19:56.279
 and receiving

00:19:56.279 --> 00:19:57.859
 except you only.

00:19:59.279 --> 00:20:00.179
 Macedonia was

00:20:00.179 --> 00:20:01.179
 the province

00:20:01.179 --> 00:20:02.379
 within which cities

00:20:02.379 --> 00:20:03.000
 of Philippi

00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:03.699
 and Thessalonica

00:20:03.699 --> 00:20:04.679
 were both located.

00:20:05.459 --> 00:20:06.179
 And not only

00:20:06.179 --> 00:20:07.299
 when Paul was in Philippi,

00:20:07.379 --> 00:20:08.119
 but also when he had

00:20:08.119 --> 00:20:09.339
 moved on to Thessalonica,

00:20:10.079 --> 00:20:10.659
 the Philippians

00:20:10.659 --> 00:20:11.599
 provided for him.

00:20:12.339 --> 00:20:13.259
 And not only that,

00:20:13.339 --> 00:20:14.339
 after Paul left

00:20:14.339 --> 00:20:15.500
 Macedonia altogether,

00:20:15.939 --> 00:20:16.599
 he partnered

00:20:16.599 --> 00:20:17.579
 with no other churches

00:20:17.579 --> 00:20:18.419
 in this way.

00:20:18.420 --> 00:20:20.620
 This is corroborated

00:20:20.620 --> 00:20:21.880
 in 2 Corinthians 11,

00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:22.580
 7-9,

00:20:22.660 --> 00:20:23.240
 where Paul says

00:20:23.240 --> 00:20:23.759
 that he preached

00:20:23.759 --> 00:20:24.960
 the gospel to the Corinthians

00:20:24.960 --> 00:20:25.580
 quote,

00:20:25.700 --> 00:20:26.660
 free of charge,

00:20:27.100 --> 00:20:28.600
 and that he robbed

00:20:28.600 --> 00:20:29.519
 other churches

00:20:29.519 --> 00:20:30.640
 by accepting support

00:20:30.640 --> 00:20:31.800
 from them

00:20:31.800 --> 00:20:32.800
 in order to serve them.

00:20:33.480 --> 00:20:34.080
 And that whenever

00:20:34.080 --> 00:20:35.360
 he had need,

00:20:35.759 --> 00:20:37.000
 he did not burden anyone

00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:37.759
 for the brothers

00:20:37.759 --> 00:20:39.519
 who came from Macedonia

00:20:39.519 --> 00:20:41.539
 supplied his need.

00:20:42.740 --> 00:20:44.220
 So the Philippian church

00:20:44.220 --> 00:20:45.180
 was at least

00:20:45.180 --> 00:20:46.560
 in the financial sense,

00:20:46.559 --> 00:20:48.879
 Paul's sending church,

00:20:49.619 --> 00:20:50.740
 sponsoring church,

00:20:51.220 --> 00:20:53.319
 which was a unique honor.

00:20:54.799 --> 00:20:55.700
 The phrase

00:20:55.700 --> 00:20:56.639
 in giving and receiving

00:20:56.639 --> 00:20:57.220
 is literally

00:20:57.220 --> 00:20:58.099
 in the matter

00:20:58.099 --> 00:20:59.319
 of giving and receiving.

00:20:59.539 --> 00:21:00.399
 And the word matter

00:21:00.399 --> 00:21:02.059
 has a sense of computation

00:21:02.059 --> 00:21:03.240
 or reckoning.

00:21:03.619 --> 00:21:05.059
 It's being used here

00:21:05.059 --> 00:21:06.240
 as a commercial metaphor

00:21:06.240 --> 00:21:07.119
 to refer to

00:21:07.119 --> 00:21:08.240
 a formal accounting

00:21:08.240 --> 00:21:09.359
 of Paul's

00:21:09.359 --> 00:21:10.460
 and the Philippians' actions.

00:21:11.480 --> 00:21:12.139
 Between them,

00:21:12.220 --> 00:21:13.319
 there is a mutual credit

00:21:13.319 --> 00:21:14.139
 and debit,

00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:14.819
 a relationship

00:21:14.819 --> 00:21:15.419
 of giving

00:21:15.419 --> 00:21:16.500
 and receiving.

00:21:16.559 --> 00:21:17.099
 an account.

00:21:19.220 --> 00:21:20.220
 And Paul continues

00:21:20.220 --> 00:21:20.659
 that metaphor

00:21:20.659 --> 00:21:21.500
 in verse 17,

00:21:21.639 --> 00:21:22.519
 not that I seek

00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:23.200
 the gift,

00:21:23.399 --> 00:21:24.740
 but I seek the fruit

00:21:24.740 --> 00:21:25.879
 that increases

00:21:25.879 --> 00:21:27.279
 to your credit.

00:21:29.059 --> 00:21:29.919
 The Philippians

00:21:29.919 --> 00:21:30.819
 give to Paul

00:21:30.819 --> 00:21:30.879
 a little bit

00:21:30.879 --> 00:21:31.139
 of a gift.

00:21:31.139 --> 00:21:32.960
 It's not that Paul

00:21:32.960 --> 00:21:33.559
 is giving fruit

00:21:33.559 --> 00:21:34.679
 that increases

00:21:34.679 --> 00:21:35.359
 to their credit.

00:21:35.359 --> 00:21:36.039
 It's not that Paul

00:21:36.039 --> 00:21:36.059
 is keeping count

00:21:36.059 --> 00:21:36.559
 and saying,

00:21:36.679 --> 00:21:36.839
 you know,

00:21:36.919 --> 00:21:37.099
 well,

00:21:37.179 --> 00:21:38.240
 it's now your turn

00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:38.619
 to give

00:21:38.619 --> 00:21:41.159
 because I gave last time.

00:21:41.200 --> 00:21:41.579
 It's my turn

00:21:41.579 --> 00:21:42.039
 to receive.

00:21:42.500 --> 00:21:43.179
 He's not counting

00:21:43.179 --> 00:21:43.619
 like that,

00:21:43.679 --> 00:21:44.819
 but he is interested

00:21:44.819 --> 00:21:46.099
 in the spiritual fruit

00:21:46.099 --> 00:21:47.419
 that accrues

00:21:47.419 --> 00:21:48.279
 to their account.

00:21:49.480 --> 00:21:50.720
 Verses 14 to 17

00:21:50.720 --> 00:21:52.259
 follow the same pattern

00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:53.779
 as verses 10 to 13

00:21:53.779 --> 00:21:55.299
 where Paul mentioned

00:21:55.299 --> 00:21:56.039
 his rejoicing

00:21:56.039 --> 00:21:56.720
 at the Philippians'

00:21:56.879 --> 00:21:57.939
 revival of their concern

00:21:57.939 --> 00:21:58.419
 for him,

00:21:58.599 --> 00:21:59.359
 but then quickly

00:21:59.359 --> 00:22:00.839
 qualified that statement

00:22:00.839 --> 00:22:01.399
 by saying,

00:22:01.779 --> 00:22:02.799
 not that I am speaking

00:22:02.799 --> 00:22:03.740
 of being in need,

00:22:04.359 --> 00:22:04.960
 for I've learned

00:22:04.960 --> 00:22:05.779
 in whatever situation

00:22:05.779 --> 00:22:06.460
 I am to be content.

00:22:06.460 --> 00:22:08.440
 Similarly,

00:22:08.600 --> 00:22:10.059
 in verses 14 to 17,

00:22:10.440 --> 00:22:11.779
 Paul tells the Philippians

00:22:11.779 --> 00:22:13.720
 that it was kind of them

00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:15.340
 to share his trouble,

00:22:16.240 --> 00:22:17.120
 but then once again

00:22:17.120 --> 00:22:18.480
 quickly qualifies that

00:22:18.480 --> 00:22:19.160
 by saying,

00:22:19.680 --> 00:22:20.880
 not that I seek

00:22:20.880 --> 00:22:22.079
 the gift,

00:22:22.660 --> 00:22:23.920
 but I seek the fruit

00:22:23.920 --> 00:22:24.539
 that increases

00:22:24.539 --> 00:22:25.279
 to your credit.

00:22:25.559 --> 00:22:26.180
 So you kind of see

00:22:26.180 --> 00:22:26.940
 a pattern here.

00:22:28.000 --> 00:22:29.360
 Paul goes to great lengths

00:22:29.360 --> 00:22:30.180
 to ensure

00:22:30.180 --> 00:22:31.039
 that there's no

00:22:31.039 --> 00:22:31.680
 misunderstanding

00:22:31.680 --> 00:22:33.279
 about his attitude

00:22:33.279 --> 00:22:35.079
 toward his financial need

00:22:35.079 --> 00:22:36.539
 and their financial gift.

00:22:38.339 --> 00:22:39.379
 And the way Paul

00:22:39.379 --> 00:22:40.599
 walks so gingerly

00:22:40.599 --> 00:22:41.639
 around this topic

00:22:41.639 --> 00:22:42.480
 of money

00:22:42.480 --> 00:22:43.439
 is illuminating.

00:22:44.619 --> 00:22:45.579
 In Paul's day,

00:22:45.699 --> 00:22:46.619
 there were many

00:22:46.619 --> 00:22:47.899
 itinerant philosophers

00:22:47.899 --> 00:22:48.579
 and even some

00:22:48.579 --> 00:22:49.539
 Christian preachers

00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:50.659
 with ulterior motives

00:22:50.659 --> 00:22:51.879
 who made a career

00:22:51.879 --> 00:22:52.599
 out of teaching

00:22:52.599 --> 00:22:54.039
 and used their platforms

00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:55.199
 to fill their coffers.

00:22:56.039 --> 00:22:57.819
 In 1 Timothy 6,

00:22:57.939 --> 00:22:58.599
 verse 5,

00:22:59.119 --> 00:23:00.000
 Paul denounced

00:23:00.000 --> 00:23:00.839
 such people

00:23:00.839 --> 00:23:01.839
 who imagined,

00:23:01.960 --> 00:23:02.179
 quote,

00:23:02.500 --> 00:23:03.539
 that godliness

00:23:03.539 --> 00:23:05.059
 is a means of gain.

00:23:05.079 --> 00:23:07.179
 And this is why

00:23:07.179 --> 00:23:08.559
 Paul strenuously

00:23:08.559 --> 00:23:10.259
 distinguished himself

00:23:10.259 --> 00:23:10.859
 from them.

00:23:11.659 --> 00:23:12.319
 This is why

00:23:12.319 --> 00:23:12.859
 he continued

00:23:12.859 --> 00:23:14.460
 to make and sell tents.

00:23:15.299 --> 00:23:16.199
 This is why

00:23:16.199 --> 00:23:16.839
 he refused

00:23:16.839 --> 00:23:17.699
 financial support

00:23:17.699 --> 00:23:18.439
 from other churches.

00:23:19.299 --> 00:23:19.980
 This is why

00:23:19.980 --> 00:23:20.759
 the Philippian church

00:23:20.759 --> 00:23:21.839
 was the only church

00:23:21.839 --> 00:23:22.740
 that partnered

00:23:22.740 --> 00:23:23.659
 with him financially.

00:23:26.019 --> 00:23:27.799
 And pastors like me,

00:23:28.159 --> 00:23:28.980
 whose needs

00:23:28.980 --> 00:23:29.879
 are furnished

00:23:29.879 --> 00:23:30.539
 by the church,

00:23:31.079 --> 00:23:32.099
 as well as anyone

00:23:32.099 --> 00:23:33.719
 who is compensated

00:23:33.719 --> 00:23:35.159
 in some form

00:23:35.159 --> 00:23:36.779
 by their Christian ministry

00:23:36.779 --> 00:23:38.279
 needs to learn

00:23:38.279 --> 00:23:39.319
 from Paul's example.

00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:41.919
 Today,

00:23:42.139 --> 00:23:42.619
 also,

00:23:42.740 --> 00:23:43.279
 there are many

00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:43.899
 who imagine

00:23:43.899 --> 00:23:44.500
 that godliness

00:23:44.500 --> 00:23:45.500
 is a means of gain.

00:23:46.639 --> 00:23:47.659
 There are people

00:23:47.659 --> 00:23:48.819
 who use their pulpits

00:23:48.819 --> 00:23:50.139
 to polish their brands,

00:23:50.899 --> 00:23:51.839
 promote their products,

00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:53.019
 and enrich themselves.

00:23:53.019 --> 00:23:55.440
 But as Christians,

00:23:55.740 --> 00:23:56.839
 we need to be models

00:23:56.839 --> 00:23:58.339
 not of brash

00:23:58.339 --> 00:23:59.420
 self-promotion

00:23:59.420 --> 00:24:01.079
 and extravagance,

00:24:01.400 --> 00:24:02.759
 but of modesty,

00:24:03.660 --> 00:24:04.240
 sobriety,

00:24:04.759 --> 00:24:05.700
 and transparency.

00:24:08.400 --> 00:24:09.299
 And even though

00:24:09.299 --> 00:24:10.180
 Paul was appreciative

00:24:10.180 --> 00:24:11.339
 of the Philippians' gift,

00:24:11.420 --> 00:24:12.500
 he wanted them to know

00:24:12.500 --> 00:24:13.980
 that he was not rejoicing

00:24:13.980 --> 00:24:14.700
 over the gift

00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:15.500
 in and of itself,

00:24:15.859 --> 00:24:16.839
 but in the fruit

00:24:16.839 --> 00:24:17.480
 that increases

00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:18.680
 to their credit.

00:24:19.519 --> 00:24:20.639
 Early in verse 10,

00:24:20.720 --> 00:24:21.139
 when he said,

00:24:21.140 --> 00:24:22.120
 I rejoiced in the Lord

00:24:22.120 --> 00:24:23.080
 greatly that now

00:24:23.080 --> 00:24:23.580
 at length

00:24:23.580 --> 00:24:24.520
 you have revived

00:24:24.520 --> 00:24:25.700
 your concern for me.

00:24:25.880 --> 00:24:26.780
 The word revive

00:24:26.780 --> 00:24:28.740
 was an agricultural metaphor

00:24:28.740 --> 00:24:29.600
 that literally means

00:24:29.600 --> 00:24:30.620
 to bloom again.

00:24:31.420 --> 00:24:32.780
 Like a seasonal crop

00:24:32.780 --> 00:24:34.220
 that blooms time and again,

00:24:34.360 --> 00:24:34.900
 the Philippians

00:24:34.900 --> 00:24:35.900
 were blooming again

00:24:35.900 --> 00:24:36.740
 in their partnership

00:24:36.740 --> 00:24:37.800
 with Paul in the gospel.

00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:39.820
 And in this way,

00:24:39.920 --> 00:24:41.080
 they were bearing fruit.

00:24:41.680 --> 00:24:42.420
 And this was Paul,

00:24:42.820 --> 00:24:43.100
 this is,

00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:43.980
 that fruit was what

00:24:43.980 --> 00:24:45.240
 Paul was really interested in.

00:24:46.460 --> 00:24:47.920
 And we should also assume

00:24:47.920 --> 00:24:49.460
 this Christ-centered

00:24:49.460 --> 00:24:50.660
 and eternity-oriented

00:24:50.660 --> 00:24:51.040
 attitude

00:24:51.039 --> 00:24:52.059
 toward financial giving.

00:24:53.259 --> 00:24:53.960
 Of course,

00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:55.740
 churches and parachurches

00:24:55.740 --> 00:24:56.960
 and organizations

00:24:56.960 --> 00:24:57.779
 and missionaries

00:24:57.779 --> 00:24:59.180
 all need money

00:24:59.180 --> 00:24:59.899
 to conduct

00:24:59.899 --> 00:25:00.779
 their ministries.

00:25:01.399 --> 00:25:02.420
 But when we give

00:25:02.420 --> 00:25:02.980
 to them,

00:25:03.220 --> 00:25:04.220
 what is a debit

00:25:04.220 --> 00:25:06.420
 in our bank accounts

00:25:06.420 --> 00:25:07.899
 is actually a credit

00:25:07.899 --> 00:25:09.139
 in terms of

00:25:09.139 --> 00:25:10.019
 our spiritual fruit.

00:25:11.799 --> 00:25:12.539
 So then,

00:25:12.680 --> 00:25:13.399
 donors are not

00:25:13.399 --> 00:25:14.579
 merely benefactors,

00:25:14.779 --> 00:25:15.480
 they are also,

00:25:16.059 --> 00:25:17.299
 in a more important sense,

00:25:17.460 --> 00:25:17.960
 beneficiaries.

00:25:18.759 --> 00:25:20.039
 Because what Jesus said

00:25:20.039 --> 00:25:20.720
 is really true,

00:25:20.720 --> 00:25:22.140
 it is more blessed

00:25:22.140 --> 00:25:22.960
 to give

00:25:22.960 --> 00:25:24.039
 than to receive.

00:25:25.779 --> 00:25:26.819
 And this is why

00:25:26.819 --> 00:25:27.720
 our church leadership

00:25:27.720 --> 00:25:28.660
 considers giving

00:25:28.660 --> 00:25:29.380
 to the church

00:25:29.380 --> 00:25:31.279
 a matter of discipleship.

00:25:32.160 --> 00:25:33.019
 If a member

00:25:33.019 --> 00:25:33.640
 of the church

00:25:33.640 --> 00:25:34.600
 is not giving

00:25:34.600 --> 00:25:35.819
 financially to the church,

00:25:36.519 --> 00:25:37.420
 it exposes

00:25:37.420 --> 00:25:39.100
 disordered priorities

00:25:39.100 --> 00:25:39.680
 of the heart.

00:25:42.140 --> 00:25:43.160
 Because Jesus said

00:25:43.160 --> 00:25:43.779
 in Matthew 6,

00:25:43.779 --> 00:25:44.220
 verse 21,

00:25:44.399 --> 00:25:45.579
 where your treasure is,

00:25:45.700 --> 00:25:46.299
 there your heart

00:25:46.299 --> 00:25:46.940
 will be also.

00:25:48.700 --> 00:25:49.899
 If our expenditures

00:25:49.899 --> 00:25:50.879
 do not reflect

00:25:50.879 --> 00:25:52.039
 kingdom investments

00:25:52.039 --> 00:25:53.899
 and spiritual priorities,

00:25:53.899 --> 00:25:55.279
 they betray the fact

00:25:55.279 --> 00:25:56.319
 that our hearts

00:25:56.319 --> 00:25:57.519
 are not actually set

00:25:57.519 --> 00:25:58.639
 on heavenly things,

00:25:58.639 --> 00:26:00.259
 but on earthly things.

00:26:00.259 --> 00:26:07.539
 And I could really

00:26:07.539 --> 00:26:08.559
 say what Paul

00:26:08.559 --> 00:26:09.180
 is saying here

00:26:09.180 --> 00:26:10.759
 to you guys

00:26:10.759 --> 00:26:12.440
 because we don't

00:26:12.440 --> 00:26:13.319
 have any lack

00:26:13.319 --> 00:26:14.000
 in our church.

00:26:15.279 --> 00:26:16.200
 From the time

00:26:16.200 --> 00:26:17.299
 of planting our church

00:26:17.299 --> 00:26:18.279
 since the public launch

00:26:18.279 --> 00:26:18.920
 four years ago,

00:26:19.019 --> 00:26:19.879
 we have never,

00:26:20.379 --> 00:26:20.759
 as a church,

00:26:20.819 --> 00:26:21.859
 been in financial need.

00:26:22.140 --> 00:26:22.940
 We have always

00:26:22.940 --> 00:26:24.019
 been well provided for

00:26:24.019 --> 00:26:25.119
 because of the generosity

00:26:25.119 --> 00:26:25.920
 of the members

00:26:25.920 --> 00:26:27.000
 of this church

00:26:27.000 --> 00:26:28.400
 and others

00:26:28.400 --> 00:26:28.880
 who have given.

00:26:33.339 --> 00:26:34.740
 But for your sake,

00:26:35.500 --> 00:26:36.380
 for the sake

00:26:36.380 --> 00:26:36.960
 of the credit

00:26:36.960 --> 00:26:37.519
 that accrues

00:26:37.519 --> 00:26:38.380
 to your account,

00:26:38.900 --> 00:26:39.759
 this is a matter

00:26:39.759 --> 00:26:40.400
 that is important

00:26:40.400 --> 00:26:41.740
 for us to learn.

00:26:45.019 --> 00:26:45.920
 And brothers and sisters,

00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:46.740
 this is a bargain

00:26:46.740 --> 00:26:48.200
 we can't pass up.

00:26:50.599 --> 00:26:51.460
 Think about it.

00:26:52.000 --> 00:26:52.759
 In the giving

00:26:52.759 --> 00:26:54.039
 of our earthly money,

00:26:54.660 --> 00:26:55.460
 we can gain

00:26:55.460 --> 00:26:56.359
 more credit

00:26:56.359 --> 00:26:57.979
 in our heavenly account.

00:26:59.399 --> 00:27:00.139
 That's like

00:27:00.139 --> 00:27:01.559
 using monopoly money

00:27:01.559 --> 00:27:02.399
 to get real money.

00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:04.659
 Who wouldn't do that?

00:27:07.579 --> 00:27:08.859
 Even in this situation,

00:27:09.379 --> 00:27:10.240
 Paul is not concerned

00:27:10.240 --> 00:27:10.939
 for himself

00:27:10.939 --> 00:27:12.099
 and the meeting

00:27:12.099 --> 00:27:13.259
 of his personal needs,

00:27:13.419 --> 00:27:14.779
 but for the spiritual growth

00:27:14.779 --> 00:27:15.759
 of the Philippian church.

00:27:18.099 --> 00:27:19.019
 And in expressing

00:27:19.019 --> 00:27:19.779
 his appreciation

00:27:19.779 --> 00:27:21.199
 for the Philippians' generosity,

00:27:21.559 --> 00:27:22.539
 Paul doesn't want them

00:27:22.539 --> 00:27:23.019
 to think

00:27:23.019 --> 00:27:24.259
 that he is indirectly

00:27:24.259 --> 00:27:25.199
 asking them,

00:27:25.259 --> 00:27:26.339
 indirectly asking them,

00:27:26.359 --> 00:27:27.659
 for more financial provision.

00:27:28.219 --> 00:27:28.859
 I'm sure you guys

00:27:28.859 --> 00:27:30.439
 have all experienced that

00:27:30.439 --> 00:27:32.439
 or received letters

00:27:32.439 --> 00:27:33.599
 to such effect.

00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:34.779
 Whenever I receive

00:27:34.779 --> 00:27:35.619
 fundraising letters

00:27:35.619 --> 00:27:36.399
 from organizations

00:27:36.399 --> 00:27:37.839
 I've given money to,

00:27:38.199 --> 00:27:38.979
 they always begin

00:27:38.979 --> 00:27:39.740
 with that thank you.

00:27:39.839 --> 00:27:40.439
 Thank you

00:27:40.439 --> 00:27:41.719
 for being a generous

00:27:41.719 --> 00:27:42.659
 supporter of our ministry.

00:27:43.099 --> 00:27:43.619
 And then, of course,

00:27:43.639 --> 00:27:44.139
 there's a pivot

00:27:44.139 --> 00:27:44.759
 at some point.

00:27:45.099 --> 00:27:45.879
 Well, maybe you will

00:27:45.879 --> 00:27:46.539
 want to continue

00:27:46.539 --> 00:27:48.099
 to support this dire need.

00:27:48.519 --> 00:27:50.399
 It's their indirect way

00:27:50.399 --> 00:27:50.699
 of saying,

00:27:50.779 --> 00:27:51.339
 can you continue

00:27:51.339 --> 00:27:52.679
 to support us?

00:27:52.680 --> 00:27:53.940
 And Paul wants

00:27:53.940 --> 00:27:54.539
 the Philippians

00:27:54.539 --> 00:27:55.100
 to know that

00:27:55.100 --> 00:27:55.680
 this is not

00:27:55.680 --> 00:27:56.640
 what he's trying to do.

00:27:56.980 --> 00:27:58.240
 He's not thanking them

00:27:58.240 --> 00:27:59.000
 so that they think,

00:27:59.100 --> 00:28:00.140
 oh, we should give him more.

00:28:00.820 --> 00:28:02.360
 That's not what he's after.

00:28:02.480 --> 00:28:03.200
 So he clarifies

00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:04.539
 in verses 18 to 19,

00:28:04.779 --> 00:28:05.660
 I have received

00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:06.600
 full payment

00:28:06.600 --> 00:28:08.180
 and more.

00:28:09.120 --> 00:28:10.440
 I am well supplied,

00:28:10.840 --> 00:28:11.440
 having received

00:28:11.440 --> 00:28:12.279
 from Epaphroditus

00:28:12.279 --> 00:28:13.360
 the gifts you sent,

00:28:13.700 --> 00:28:14.900
 a fragrant offering,

00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:16.640
 a sacrifice acceptable

00:28:16.640 --> 00:28:17.820
 and pleasing to God.

00:28:17.819 --> 00:28:18.819
 and my God

00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:19.639
 will supply

00:28:19.639 --> 00:28:21.119
 every need of yours

00:28:21.119 --> 00:28:22.579
 according to his riches

00:28:22.579 --> 00:28:24.139
 and glory in Christ Jesus.

00:28:25.619 --> 00:28:27.339
 This is a remarkable statement.

00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:29.079
 Paul compares

00:28:29.079 --> 00:28:30.159
 the gift

00:28:30.159 --> 00:28:30.919
 that the Philippians

00:28:30.919 --> 00:28:32.339
 sent via Epaphroditus

00:28:32.339 --> 00:28:33.200
 to him

00:28:33.200 --> 00:28:36.639
 as a fragrant offering,

00:28:37.220 --> 00:28:39.000
 a sacrifice acceptable

00:28:39.000 --> 00:28:41.339
 and pleasing to God.

00:28:43.179 --> 00:28:44.339
 Though Paul

00:28:44.339 --> 00:28:45.899
 was the human recipient

00:28:45.899 --> 00:28:47.039
 of the Philippians' gift,

00:28:47.039 --> 00:28:49.379
 God was the ultimate recipient

00:28:49.379 --> 00:28:50.519
 of their spiritual

00:28:50.519 --> 00:28:52.200
 sacrificial offering.

00:28:53.379 --> 00:28:54.399
 When we give

00:28:54.399 --> 00:28:55.500
 to God's servants,

00:28:56.159 --> 00:28:56.740
 when we give

00:28:56.740 --> 00:28:57.839
 to God's people,

00:28:58.240 --> 00:28:59.539
 we give to God

00:28:59.539 --> 00:29:00.279
 himself.

00:29:02.740 --> 00:29:03.899
 This is what Jesus

00:29:03.899 --> 00:29:04.480
 had in mind

00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:04.940
 when he said

00:29:04.940 --> 00:29:05.639
 to his disciples

00:29:05.639 --> 00:29:06.480
 in Matthew 10,

00:29:06.559 --> 00:29:07.359
 40 to 42,

00:29:07.779 --> 00:29:09.059
 whoever receives you

00:29:09.059 --> 00:29:09.879
 receives me

00:29:09.879 --> 00:29:11.019
 and whoever receives me

00:29:11.019 --> 00:29:11.740
 receives him

00:29:11.740 --> 00:29:12.659
 who sent me.

00:29:13.240 --> 00:29:14.319
 The one who receives

00:29:14.319 --> 00:29:14.740
 a prophet

00:29:14.740 --> 00:29:15.700
 because he is a prophet

00:29:15.700 --> 00:29:16.759
 will receive a prophet

00:29:16.759 --> 00:29:17.299
 reward.

00:29:17.559 --> 00:29:18.640
 And the one who receives

00:29:18.640 --> 00:29:19.599
 a righteous person

00:29:19.599 --> 00:29:20.859
 because he is a righteous

00:29:20.859 --> 00:29:22.059
 person will receive

00:29:22.059 --> 00:29:23.640
 a righteous person's reward.

00:29:24.019 --> 00:29:25.099
 And whoever gives

00:29:25.099 --> 00:29:26.460
 one of these little ones

00:29:26.460 --> 00:29:28.119
 even a cup of cold water

00:29:28.119 --> 00:29:29.559
 because he is a disciple,

00:29:30.220 --> 00:29:31.259
 truly I say to you,

00:29:31.319 --> 00:29:32.599
 he will by no means

00:29:32.599 --> 00:29:33.859
 lose his reward.

00:29:33.859 --> 00:29:38.559
 in the same way

00:29:38.559 --> 00:29:40.159
 when Jesus addresses Paul

00:29:40.159 --> 00:29:41.219
 prior to his conversion

00:29:41.219 --> 00:29:42.219
 on the Damascus road

00:29:42.219 --> 00:29:43.299
 in Acts chapter 9,

00:29:44.079 --> 00:29:44.959
 Paul was rounding up

00:29:44.959 --> 00:29:46.059
 Christians and persecuting

00:29:46.059 --> 00:29:46.819
 them and putting them

00:29:46.819 --> 00:29:47.399
 in jail.

00:29:48.079 --> 00:29:49.619
 And Jesus said to Paul

00:29:49.619 --> 00:29:50.259
 in Acts 9,

00:29:50.359 --> 00:29:51.019
 for Saul,

00:29:51.199 --> 00:29:51.479
 Saul,

00:29:51.599 --> 00:29:52.959
 why are you persecuting

00:29:52.959 --> 00:29:53.740
 me?

00:29:56.319 --> 00:29:57.639
 Because that's how

00:29:57.639 --> 00:29:59.500
 closely God identifies

00:29:59.500 --> 00:30:00.359
 with his people.

00:30:00.359 --> 00:30:03.339
 the church is the body

00:30:03.339 --> 00:30:03.979
 of Christ

00:30:03.979 --> 00:30:05.759
 and Christ is the head

00:30:05.759 --> 00:30:06.500
 of the church.

00:30:07.299 --> 00:30:08.419
 So in the same way here,

00:30:08.479 --> 00:30:09.299
 Paul says,

00:30:09.719 --> 00:30:10.579
 what you have given

00:30:10.579 --> 00:30:12.179
 to meet my needs

00:30:12.179 --> 00:30:13.119
 is an offering

00:30:13.119 --> 00:30:14.740
 to God.

00:30:16.439 --> 00:30:17.859
 And though I can do

00:30:17.859 --> 00:30:19.139
 nothing to repay you,

00:30:19.359 --> 00:30:20.479
 I can't visit

00:30:20.479 --> 00:30:21.719
 to minister to you,

00:30:21.839 --> 00:30:23.259
 and certainly I can't

00:30:23.259 --> 00:30:24.639
 reciprocate financially

00:30:24.639 --> 00:30:26.099
 due to my imprisonment

00:30:26.099 --> 00:30:26.719
 and poverty,

00:30:26.720 --> 00:30:28.140
 but my God

00:30:28.140 --> 00:30:28.860
 will supply

00:30:28.860 --> 00:30:30.220
 every need of yours

00:30:30.220 --> 00:30:32.819
 according to his riches

00:30:32.819 --> 00:30:33.779
 in glory

00:30:33.779 --> 00:30:35.000
 in Christ Jesus.

00:30:36.819 --> 00:30:38.160
 What a privilege

00:30:38.160 --> 00:30:40.460
 that we can give

00:30:40.460 --> 00:30:41.440
 anything to God.

00:30:47.100 --> 00:30:48.299
 And this factor

00:30:48.299 --> 00:30:49.440
 totally upends

00:30:49.440 --> 00:30:50.259
 human economics.

00:30:51.220 --> 00:30:52.799
 In the Roman Empire,

00:30:52.799 --> 00:30:53.700
 as they do

00:30:53.700 --> 00:30:54.460
 in many cultures

00:30:54.460 --> 00:30:55.460
 throughout the world today,

00:30:55.460 --> 00:30:56.559
 people kept

00:30:56.559 --> 00:30:57.559
 the mental ledger

00:30:57.559 --> 00:30:59.539
 of what they have given

00:30:59.539 --> 00:31:00.640
 and what they have received.

00:31:02.840 --> 00:31:03.720
 And often,

00:31:04.019 --> 00:31:04.620
 they engage

00:31:04.620 --> 00:31:06.100
 in a competition

00:31:06.100 --> 00:31:06.600
 of sorts,

00:31:06.660 --> 00:31:07.779
 a form of one-upmanship.

00:31:08.740 --> 00:31:09.460
 Every gift

00:31:09.460 --> 00:31:10.400
 received

00:31:10.400 --> 00:31:11.380
 had to be repaid

00:31:11.380 --> 00:31:12.740
 at some point in time

00:31:12.740 --> 00:31:13.740
 with an equal

00:31:13.740 --> 00:31:14.980
 or greater gift

00:31:14.980 --> 00:31:16.120
 that was the culture

00:31:16.120 --> 00:31:16.640
 at the time.

00:31:17.539 --> 00:31:18.180
 Some of you guys

00:31:18.180 --> 00:31:18.600
 are nodding

00:31:18.600 --> 00:31:19.100
 because you come

00:31:19.100 --> 00:31:19.720
 from that culture.

00:31:21.720 --> 00:31:22.579
 And the person

00:31:22.579 --> 00:31:23.720
 who didn't

00:31:23.720 --> 00:31:25.380
 repay the gift

00:31:25.380 --> 00:31:27.080
 came under

00:31:27.080 --> 00:31:28.540
 long-term obligation

00:31:28.540 --> 00:31:29.800
 to the other person,

00:31:30.180 --> 00:31:31.060
 living with a sense

00:31:31.060 --> 00:31:31.680
 of debt

00:31:31.680 --> 00:31:32.620
 like they owe them

00:31:32.620 --> 00:31:33.020
 something.

00:31:35.180 --> 00:31:36.760
 But because God

00:31:36.760 --> 00:31:37.560
 has entered

00:31:37.560 --> 00:31:38.420
 this equation

00:31:38.420 --> 00:31:39.460
 between Paul

00:31:39.460 --> 00:31:40.360
 and the Philippian churches

00:31:40.360 --> 00:31:41.540
 giving and receiving,

00:31:42.120 --> 00:31:42.840
 the transaction

00:31:42.840 --> 00:31:44.060
 is totally transformed.

00:31:45.200 --> 00:31:45.940
 Neither party

00:31:45.940 --> 00:31:46.660
 needs to keep

00:31:46.660 --> 00:31:47.180
 a ledger.

00:31:47.820 --> 00:31:48.540
 They could give

00:31:48.540 --> 00:31:49.480
 without expecting

00:31:49.480 --> 00:31:50.400
 anything in return.

00:31:50.400 --> 00:31:51.540
 they could give

00:31:51.540 --> 00:31:52.600
 again and again

00:31:52.600 --> 00:31:53.660
 even if their

00:31:53.660 --> 00:31:54.300
 initial gift

00:31:54.300 --> 00:31:55.320
 has never been

00:31:55.320 --> 00:31:56.300
 reciprocated

00:31:56.300 --> 00:31:57.840
 because God

00:31:57.840 --> 00:31:58.500
 will repay.

00:32:01.080 --> 00:32:02.160
 And I love

00:32:02.160 --> 00:32:02.660
 the way Paul

00:32:02.660 --> 00:32:03.560
 says that.

00:32:04.040 --> 00:32:05.019
 My God.

00:32:06.600 --> 00:32:07.740
 Verse 19.

00:32:07.860 --> 00:32:08.480
 So personal.

00:32:08.620 --> 00:32:09.480
 I feel Paul's

00:32:09.480 --> 00:32:10.700
 just deep

00:32:10.700 --> 00:32:11.320
 gratitude,

00:32:11.900 --> 00:32:12.640
 astonishment,

00:32:12.900 --> 00:32:13.300
 joy,

00:32:13.460 --> 00:32:14.440
 and pride

00:32:14.440 --> 00:32:15.540
 in the best sense

00:32:15.540 --> 00:32:16.019
 of that word

00:32:16.019 --> 00:32:16.540
 when he says,

00:32:16.539 --> 00:32:17.740
 my God.

00:32:19.019 --> 00:32:20.420
 I am confined

00:32:20.420 --> 00:32:21.539
 here in chains

00:32:21.539 --> 00:32:22.960
 but my God

00:32:22.960 --> 00:32:23.460
 who has no

00:32:23.460 --> 00:32:24.839
 spatial limits

00:32:24.839 --> 00:32:25.619
 will minister

00:32:25.619 --> 00:32:26.440
 to your needs.

00:32:26.579 --> 00:32:27.599
 I guarantee it.

00:32:28.019 --> 00:32:29.299
 I am impoverished

00:32:29.299 --> 00:32:29.700
 here

00:32:29.700 --> 00:32:30.879
 but my God

00:32:30.879 --> 00:32:31.480
 who has all

00:32:31.480 --> 00:32:31.980
 the riches

00:32:31.980 --> 00:32:32.659
 of heaven

00:32:32.659 --> 00:32:33.759
 at his disposal

00:32:33.759 --> 00:32:34.639
 will provide

00:32:34.639 --> 00:32:35.659
 for your needs.

00:32:37.220 --> 00:32:37.799
 And Paul

00:32:37.799 --> 00:32:38.539
 certainly has

00:32:38.539 --> 00:32:39.299
 material needs

00:32:39.299 --> 00:32:39.680
 in view

00:32:39.680 --> 00:32:40.879
 but perhaps

00:32:40.879 --> 00:32:41.920
 even more importantly

00:32:41.920 --> 00:32:42.960
 he has their

00:32:42.960 --> 00:32:43.879
 spiritual needs

00:32:43.879 --> 00:32:44.259
 in view

00:32:44.259 --> 00:32:45.559
 because he says

00:32:45.559 --> 00:32:46.419
 God's riches

00:32:46.419 --> 00:32:47.379
 in glory

00:32:47.379 --> 00:32:49.200
 in Christ Jesus.

00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:51.519
 God will supply

00:32:51.519 --> 00:32:52.519
 them from his

00:32:52.519 --> 00:32:53.359
 infinite wealth

00:32:53.359 --> 00:32:54.039
 of glory

00:32:54.039 --> 00:32:55.859
 in Christ Jesus.

00:32:56.779 --> 00:32:57.419
 Paul probably

00:32:57.419 --> 00:32:58.099
 has in mind

00:32:58.099 --> 00:32:58.619
 the privilege

00:32:58.619 --> 00:32:59.119
 of sharing

00:32:59.119 --> 00:32:59.799
 in Christ's

00:32:59.799 --> 00:33:00.139
 resurrection

00:33:00.139 --> 00:33:00.940
 from the dead

00:33:00.940 --> 00:33:01.539
 in the future

00:33:01.539 --> 00:33:02.679
 which is reserved

00:33:02.679 --> 00:33:03.419
 for those who share

00:33:03.419 --> 00:33:04.039
 in his suffering

00:33:04.039 --> 00:33:04.559
 and death

00:33:04.559 --> 00:33:05.299
 in the present.

00:33:06.879 --> 00:33:07.480
 Paul spoke

00:33:07.480 --> 00:33:07.759
 of this

00:33:07.759 --> 00:33:08.200
 in Philippians

00:33:08.200 --> 00:33:08.759
 chapter 3

00:33:08.759 --> 00:33:09.419
 using the same

00:33:09.419 --> 00:33:10.059
 word glory.

00:33:10.179 --> 00:33:10.659
 Glory as

00:33:10.659 --> 00:33:12.179
 verses 20 to 21

00:33:12.179 --> 00:33:12.919
 of chapter 3

00:33:12.919 --> 00:33:13.700
 but our citizenship

00:33:13.700 --> 00:33:14.379
 is in heaven

00:33:14.379 --> 00:33:14.899
 and from it

00:33:14.900 --> 00:33:15.940
 we await a savior

00:33:15.940 --> 00:33:17.720
 the Lord Jesus Christ

00:33:17.720 --> 00:33:18.759
 who will transform

00:33:18.759 --> 00:33:19.840
 our lowly body

00:33:19.840 --> 00:33:20.880
 to be like his

00:33:20.880 --> 00:33:22.200
 glorious body

00:33:22.200 --> 00:33:23.259
 by the power

00:33:23.259 --> 00:33:24.140
 that enables him

00:33:24.140 --> 00:33:24.840
 even to subject

00:33:24.840 --> 00:33:25.960
 all things to himself.

00:33:26.519 --> 00:33:27.860
 It's that glory

00:33:27.860 --> 00:33:29.060
 that is promised

00:33:29.060 --> 00:33:29.680
 to us

00:33:29.680 --> 00:33:32.080
 to his saints

00:33:32.080 --> 00:33:32.820
 who share

00:33:32.820 --> 00:33:33.860
 in gospel partnership

00:33:33.860 --> 00:33:34.620
 with one another.

00:33:36.280 --> 00:33:37.440
 And now that his

00:33:37.440 --> 00:33:38.140
 thoughts

00:33:38.140 --> 00:33:39.540
 have come to rest

00:33:39.540 --> 00:33:40.480
 on God's riches

00:33:40.480 --> 00:33:41.220
 in glory

00:33:41.220 --> 00:33:42.440
 Paul can't help

00:33:42.440 --> 00:33:43.759
 but erupt in praise

00:33:43.759 --> 00:33:44.180
 to God

00:33:44.180 --> 00:33:44.839
 in verse 20.

00:33:46.619 --> 00:33:47.720
 And here he goes

00:33:47.720 --> 00:33:48.779
 from my God

00:33:48.779 --> 00:33:49.640
 verse 19

00:33:49.640 --> 00:33:51.099
 to our God

00:33:51.099 --> 00:33:52.619
 and thereby

00:33:52.619 --> 00:33:53.759
 binding together

00:33:53.759 --> 00:33:54.299
 God

00:33:54.299 --> 00:33:55.539
 the Philippian church

00:33:55.539 --> 00:33:56.200
 and himself

00:33:56.200 --> 00:33:57.059
 in a three way

00:33:57.059 --> 00:33:57.579
 fellowship.

00:33:59.140 --> 00:34:00.579
 To our God

00:34:00.579 --> 00:34:01.339
 and Father

00:34:01.339 --> 00:34:02.379
 be glory

00:34:02.379 --> 00:34:03.779
 forever and ever.

00:34:04.500 --> 00:34:05.299
 Amen.

00:34:06.400 --> 00:34:07.879
 So be it.

00:34:09.280 --> 00:34:10.219
 There is nothing

00:34:10.219 --> 00:34:11.599
 quite so gratifying

00:34:11.599 --> 00:34:12.779
 like seeing

00:34:12.779 --> 00:34:13.339
 the person

00:34:13.339 --> 00:34:13.920
 you love

00:34:13.920 --> 00:34:14.539
 the most

00:34:14.539 --> 00:34:15.819
 receiving the credit

00:34:15.819 --> 00:34:17.039
 he or she deserves.

00:34:18.559 --> 00:34:19.819
 And so it is

00:34:19.819 --> 00:34:20.420
 with God.

00:34:21.699 --> 00:34:22.599
 So it is

00:34:22.599 --> 00:34:23.380
 with us

00:34:23.380 --> 00:34:24.199
 in our relation

00:34:24.199 --> 00:34:24.659
 to God.

00:34:25.400 --> 00:34:26.339
 God alone

00:34:26.339 --> 00:34:27.599
 deserves glory.

00:34:27.739 --> 00:34:28.259
 He deserves

00:34:28.259 --> 00:34:29.099
 all the glory.

00:34:29.739 --> 00:34:30.460
 And he is

00:34:30.460 --> 00:34:30.960
 our great

00:34:30.960 --> 00:34:32.179
 God and Father

00:34:32.179 --> 00:34:33.579
 who loved us

00:34:33.579 --> 00:34:34.119
 from before

00:34:34.119 --> 00:34:34.739
 the foundation

00:34:34.739 --> 00:34:35.380
 of the world

00:34:35.380 --> 00:34:36.719
 and sent his only

00:34:36.719 --> 00:34:37.739
 son into the world

00:34:37.739 --> 00:34:38.559
 to save us.

00:34:38.559 --> 00:34:39.880
 And as the

00:34:39.880 --> 00:34:40.759
 Westminster Shorter

00:34:40.759 --> 00:34:41.779
 Catechism puts it

00:34:41.779 --> 00:34:43.239
 man's chief end

00:34:43.239 --> 00:34:45.219
 is to glorify God

00:34:45.219 --> 00:34:46.579
 and to enjoy him

00:34:46.579 --> 00:34:47.179
 forever.

00:34:49.360 --> 00:34:51.039
 That is our destiny.

00:34:52.259 --> 00:34:53.559
 That is the glorious

00:34:53.559 --> 00:34:54.219
 eternity

00:34:54.219 --> 00:34:55.320
 that awaits us.

00:34:55.920 --> 00:34:56.480
 And it is

00:34:56.480 --> 00:34:57.639
 hope in that

00:34:57.639 --> 00:34:58.840
 future inheritance

00:34:58.840 --> 00:35:00.320
 that enables us

00:35:00.320 --> 00:35:00.840
 in the present

00:35:00.840 --> 00:35:01.559
 to be generous

00:35:01.559 --> 00:35:02.119
 toward God

00:35:02.119 --> 00:35:02.699
 and his saints.

00:35:04.699 --> 00:35:05.480
 So if the

00:35:05.480 --> 00:35:06.739
 if Jesus

00:35:06.739 --> 00:35:07.759
 is the secret

00:35:07.760 --> 00:35:08.940
 to Christian contentment

00:35:08.940 --> 00:35:10.100
 he is also

00:35:10.100 --> 00:35:10.620
 the secret

00:35:10.620 --> 00:35:11.260
 to Christian

00:35:11.260 --> 00:35:12.140
 generosity.

00:35:14.860 --> 00:35:16.040
 And our race

00:35:16.040 --> 00:35:17.220
 toward God's glory

00:35:17.220 --> 00:35:17.960
 begins

00:35:17.960 --> 00:35:19.440
 with God's grace.

00:35:19.940 --> 00:35:20.800
 That brings us

00:35:20.800 --> 00:35:21.600
 to verses 21

00:35:21.600 --> 00:35:22.300
 to 23.

00:35:23.240 --> 00:35:24.400
 Greet every saint

00:35:24.400 --> 00:35:25.720
 in Christ Jesus.

00:35:26.800 --> 00:35:27.740
 The brothers

00:35:27.740 --> 00:35:28.440
 who are with me

00:35:28.440 --> 00:35:29.000
 greet you.

00:35:30.440 --> 00:35:31.420
 All the saints

00:35:31.420 --> 00:35:31.840
 greet you

00:35:31.840 --> 00:35:32.680
 especially those

00:35:32.680 --> 00:35:33.860
 of Caesar's household.

00:35:34.540 --> 00:35:35.200
 The grace

00:35:35.200 --> 00:35:36.500
 of the Lord Jesus Christ

00:35:36.500 --> 00:35:37.740
 be with your spirit.

00:35:37.760 --> 00:35:41.840
 once again

00:35:41.840 --> 00:35:42.600
 for Paul

00:35:42.600 --> 00:35:44.900
 everything hinges

00:35:44.900 --> 00:35:45.740
 on our union

00:35:45.740 --> 00:35:46.300
 and identity

00:35:46.300 --> 00:35:46.960
 with Christ.

00:35:47.280 --> 00:35:48.320
 So he tells

00:35:48.320 --> 00:35:49.220
 the church

00:35:49.220 --> 00:35:50.060
 the Philippian church

00:35:50.060 --> 00:35:51.460
 to greet each saint

00:35:51.460 --> 00:35:53.940
 in Christ Jesus.

00:35:55.940 --> 00:35:57.080
 When we greet

00:35:57.080 --> 00:35:57.880
 another Christian

00:35:57.880 --> 00:35:59.900
 there should be

00:35:59.900 --> 00:36:01.080
 a joyful recognition

00:36:01.080 --> 00:36:02.080
 that we are

00:36:02.080 --> 00:36:03.340
 fellow participants

00:36:03.340 --> 00:36:04.680
 in Christ's death

00:36:04.680 --> 00:36:05.260
 and resurrection.

00:36:05.260 --> 00:36:06.340
 that we are

00:36:06.340 --> 00:36:07.000
 brothers and

00:36:07.000 --> 00:36:07.640
 sisters

00:36:07.640 --> 00:36:08.660
 co-heirs

00:36:08.660 --> 00:36:09.600
 of the family

00:36:09.600 --> 00:36:10.200
 of God

00:36:10.200 --> 00:36:11.040
 and fellow

00:36:11.040 --> 00:36:11.480
 members

00:36:11.480 --> 00:36:12.260
 of the body

00:36:12.260 --> 00:36:12.840
 of Christ.

00:36:14.460 --> 00:36:15.540
 Note the language

00:36:15.540 --> 00:36:16.460
 that Paul uses here

00:36:16.460 --> 00:36:17.180
 to refer to other

00:36:17.180 --> 00:36:17.900
 Christians here.

00:36:18.240 --> 00:36:19.020
 Twice he calls them

00:36:19.020 --> 00:36:19.700
 saints

00:36:19.700 --> 00:36:20.860
 and then he calls them

00:36:20.860 --> 00:36:21.420
 brothers

00:36:21.420 --> 00:36:22.940
 includes sisters

00:36:22.940 --> 00:36:23.380
 as well.

00:36:23.480 --> 00:36:24.180
 Another member

00:36:24.180 --> 00:36:24.700
 of the church

00:36:24.700 --> 00:36:25.320
 is not just

00:36:25.320 --> 00:36:26.120
 another person

00:36:26.120 --> 00:36:27.900
 but a saint

00:36:27.900 --> 00:36:28.960
 consecrated

00:36:28.960 --> 00:36:29.480
 for God's

00:36:29.480 --> 00:36:30.260
 special purposes

00:36:30.260 --> 00:36:31.860
 and a brother

00:36:31.860 --> 00:36:32.940
 a sister

00:36:32.940 --> 00:36:33.520
 members

00:36:33.520 --> 00:36:34.140
 of the same

00:36:34.140 --> 00:36:35.000
 household of God

00:36:35.000 --> 00:36:35.760
 born again

00:36:35.760 --> 00:36:36.540
 by the spirit

00:36:36.540 --> 00:36:37.140
 of the same

00:36:37.140 --> 00:36:37.820
 heavenly father.

00:36:38.860 --> 00:36:39.760
 Let's remember

00:36:39.760 --> 00:36:40.580
 that when we see

00:36:40.580 --> 00:36:41.000
 each other

00:36:41.000 --> 00:36:42.480
 and greet each other.

00:36:43.860 --> 00:36:44.820
 And remarkably

00:36:44.820 --> 00:36:45.520
 Paul adds

00:36:45.520 --> 00:36:46.340
 the unusual note

00:36:46.340 --> 00:36:46.700
 here that

00:36:46.700 --> 00:36:47.680
 all the saints

00:36:47.680 --> 00:36:48.340
 greet you

00:36:48.340 --> 00:36:49.660
 especially those

00:36:49.660 --> 00:36:50.460
 of Caesar's

00:36:50.460 --> 00:36:50.920
 household.

00:36:51.720 --> 00:36:52.340
 This shows

00:36:52.340 --> 00:36:52.820
 the wonderful

00:36:52.820 --> 00:36:53.900
 providence of God.

00:36:54.380 --> 00:36:54.960
 While Paul

00:36:54.960 --> 00:36:56.460
 is tied down

00:36:56.460 --> 00:36:57.760
 under house arrest

00:36:57.760 --> 00:36:58.780
 by the Roman Empire

00:36:58.780 --> 00:36:59.820
 the gospel

00:36:59.820 --> 00:37:00.760
 has infiltrated

00:37:00.760 --> 00:37:01.640
 the very household

00:37:01.640 --> 00:37:02.160
 of Caesar.

00:37:04.920 --> 00:37:06.060
 In 2 Timothy

00:37:06.060 --> 00:37:06.720
 chapter 2

00:37:06.720 --> 00:37:07.220
 verse 9

00:37:07.220 --> 00:37:07.720
 Paul says

00:37:07.720 --> 00:37:08.140
 that he is

00:37:08.140 --> 00:37:08.600
 suffering

00:37:08.600 --> 00:37:09.880
 bound with chains

00:37:09.880 --> 00:37:10.820
 as a criminal

00:37:10.820 --> 00:37:11.580
 for the gospel

00:37:11.580 --> 00:37:12.920
 but then he adds

00:37:12.920 --> 00:37:13.760
 but the word

00:37:13.760 --> 00:37:14.340
 of God

00:37:14.340 --> 00:37:15.460
 is not bound.

00:37:17.519 --> 00:37:18.300
 We see

00:37:18.300 --> 00:37:18.940
 that reality

00:37:18.940 --> 00:37:19.360
 here.

00:37:24.960 --> 00:37:25.620
 We've seen

00:37:25.620 --> 00:37:26.140
 this reality

00:37:26.140 --> 00:37:26.700
 in our church

00:37:26.700 --> 00:37:27.160
 as well.

00:37:27.440 --> 00:37:28.140
 I've been wanting

00:37:28.139 --> 00:37:28.900
 to share with you

00:37:28.900 --> 00:37:29.739
 guys the good news.

00:37:30.699 --> 00:37:31.559
 We had been

00:37:31.559 --> 00:37:33.480
 wondering

00:37:33.480 --> 00:37:34.679
 how in the time

00:37:34.679 --> 00:37:35.219
 of the pandemic

00:37:35.219 --> 00:37:37.339
 can we evangelize

00:37:37.339 --> 00:37:38.460
 share the gospel

00:37:38.460 --> 00:37:39.000
 with people

00:37:39.000 --> 00:37:39.500
 when people

00:37:39.500 --> 00:37:39.779
 are trying

00:37:39.779 --> 00:37:40.279
 to stay away

00:37:40.279 --> 00:37:40.679
 from you.

00:37:42.559 --> 00:37:43.379
 And so we

00:37:43.379 --> 00:37:44.699
 hosted a virtual

00:37:44.699 --> 00:37:45.699
 alpha class

00:37:45.699 --> 00:37:47.299
 for people

00:37:47.299 --> 00:37:47.920
 who are interested.

00:37:48.259 --> 00:37:48.759
 Several of you

00:37:48.759 --> 00:37:49.619
 helped to lead it

00:37:49.619 --> 00:37:50.980
 and from that

00:37:50.980 --> 00:37:52.059
 there was a man

00:37:52.059 --> 00:37:53.059
 named Ben

00:37:53.059 --> 00:37:53.940
 who recently

00:37:53.940 --> 00:37:54.599
 came to

00:37:54.599 --> 00:37:56.000
 profess faith

00:37:56.000 --> 00:37:56.719
 in Jesus Christ

00:37:56.719 --> 00:37:57.559
 and got baptized

00:37:57.559 --> 00:37:57.980
 in a local

00:37:57.980 --> 00:37:58.719
 church near him.

00:38:00.259 --> 00:38:01.079
 The word

00:38:01.079 --> 00:38:01.519
 of God

00:38:01.519 --> 00:38:02.579
 is not bound.

00:38:03.679 --> 00:38:04.639
 Even in this

00:38:04.639 --> 00:38:04.959
 pandemic

00:38:04.959 --> 00:38:05.799
 even through this

00:38:05.799 --> 00:38:07.579
 God's sovereignty

00:38:07.579 --> 00:38:08.839
 prevails.

00:38:10.219 --> 00:38:11.099
 This should be

00:38:11.099 --> 00:38:11.819
 a comfort

00:38:11.819 --> 00:38:12.719
 to us

00:38:12.719 --> 00:38:13.619
 when we face

00:38:13.619 --> 00:38:14.519
 inexplicable

00:38:14.519 --> 00:38:15.179
 sufferings

00:38:15.179 --> 00:38:16.439
 and setbacks

00:38:16.439 --> 00:38:18.219
 that the gospels

00:38:18.219 --> 00:38:18.739
 advance

00:38:18.739 --> 00:38:19.439
 the churches

00:38:19.439 --> 00:38:20.059
 march

00:38:20.059 --> 00:38:21.179
 cannot be stopped

00:38:21.179 --> 00:38:22.399
 and we will

00:38:22.399 --> 00:38:22.939
 keep going

00:38:22.939 --> 00:38:23.639
 from grace

00:38:23.639 --> 00:38:24.159
 to glory.

00:38:26.199 --> 00:38:26.920
 And that's

00:38:26.920 --> 00:38:27.420
 the final

00:38:27.420 --> 00:38:28.339
 reminder

00:38:28.339 --> 00:38:28.940
 Paul ends

00:38:28.940 --> 00:38:29.859
 with in verse 23

00:38:29.859 --> 00:38:30.739
 the grace

00:38:30.739 --> 00:38:31.460
 of the Lord

00:38:31.460 --> 00:38:32.199
 Jesus Christ

00:38:32.199 --> 00:38:32.960
 be with

00:38:32.960 --> 00:38:34.420
 your spirit.

00:38:35.559 --> 00:38:36.480
 The standard

00:38:36.480 --> 00:38:37.420
 Greek salutation

00:38:37.420 --> 00:38:38.440
 was an expression

00:38:38.440 --> 00:38:39.139
 that means

00:38:39.139 --> 00:38:39.779
 something like

00:38:39.779 --> 00:38:40.539
 be glad.

00:38:41.079 --> 00:38:42.179
 It's translated

00:38:42.179 --> 00:38:42.739
 simply as

00:38:42.739 --> 00:38:43.159
 greetings

00:38:43.159 --> 00:38:44.379
 in James 1.1

00:38:44.379 --> 00:38:45.400
 but Paul

00:38:45.400 --> 00:38:46.159
 substitutes

00:38:46.159 --> 00:38:46.739
 that word

00:38:46.739 --> 00:38:47.219
 greetings

00:38:47.219 --> 00:38:48.480
 with grace

00:38:48.480 --> 00:38:50.960
 and Paul

00:38:50.960 --> 00:38:51.460
 does this

00:38:51.460 --> 00:38:51.940
 in every

00:38:51.940 --> 00:38:52.420
 single one

00:38:52.420 --> 00:38:52.619
 of his

00:38:52.619 --> 00:38:52.900
 letters

00:38:52.900 --> 00:38:53.360
 to make

00:38:53.360 --> 00:38:53.780
 an important

00:38:53.780 --> 00:38:54.260
 theological

00:38:54.260 --> 00:38:54.699
 point

00:38:54.699 --> 00:38:56.400
 that all

00:38:56.400 --> 00:38:57.000
 that we

00:38:57.000 --> 00:38:57.380
 are

00:38:57.380 --> 00:38:58.260
 and all

00:38:58.260 --> 00:38:58.800
 that we

00:38:58.800 --> 00:38:59.300
 do

00:38:59.300 --> 00:39:00.820
 as

00:39:00.820 --> 00:39:01.280
 Christians

00:39:01.280 --> 00:39:02.659
 is of

00:39:02.659 --> 00:39:03.240
 the grace

00:39:03.240 --> 00:39:03.760
 of God.

00:39:05.519 --> 00:39:06.199
 God's

00:39:06.199 --> 00:39:06.679
 grace

00:39:06.679 --> 00:39:07.519
 is the river

00:39:07.519 --> 00:39:08.199
 source

00:39:08.199 --> 00:39:09.139
 the headwaters

00:39:09.139 --> 00:39:10.019
 from which

00:39:10.019 --> 00:39:11.199
 every spiritual

00:39:11.199 --> 00:39:11.559
 blessing

00:39:11.559 --> 00:39:12.039
 from God

00:39:12.039 --> 00:39:12.480
 flows

00:39:12.480 --> 00:39:13.800
 and God's

00:39:13.800 --> 00:39:14.219
 glory

00:39:14.219 --> 00:39:15.500
 is the river

00:39:15.500 --> 00:39:16.579
 mouth

00:39:16.579 --> 00:39:17.480
 the ocean

00:39:17.480 --> 00:39:18.139
 of God's

00:39:18.139 --> 00:39:18.500
 glory

00:39:18.500 --> 00:39:19.219
 to which

00:39:19.219 --> 00:39:19.699
 our river

00:39:19.699 --> 00:39:20.219
 of spiritual

00:39:20.219 --> 00:39:20.579
 blessings

00:39:20.579 --> 00:39:20.980
 flows.

00:39:21.860 --> 00:39:22.420
 That's the

00:39:22.420 --> 00:39:22.780
 Christian's

00:39:22.780 --> 00:39:22.940
 life

00:39:22.940 --> 00:39:23.559
 from grace

00:39:23.559 --> 00:39:24.059
 to glory

00:39:24.059 --> 00:39:25.219
 and the

00:39:25.219 --> 00:39:25.719
 Christian's

00:39:25.719 --> 00:39:26.039
 life

00:39:26.039 --> 00:39:26.860
 and Paul

00:39:26.860 --> 00:39:27.320
 concludes

00:39:27.320 --> 00:39:27.740
 this letter

00:39:27.740 --> 00:39:28.119
 the same

00:39:28.119 --> 00:39:28.639
 way that he

00:39:28.639 --> 00:39:29.079
 began it

00:39:29.079 --> 00:39:29.480
 with the

00:39:29.480 --> 00:39:29.699
 mention

00:39:29.699 --> 00:39:30.179
 of grace

00:39:30.179 --> 00:39:31.519
 and here

00:39:31.519 --> 00:39:32.079
 what's in

00:39:32.079 --> 00:39:32.380
 view in

00:39:32.380 --> 00:39:32.780
 particular

00:39:32.780 --> 00:39:33.219
 is the

00:39:33.219 --> 00:39:33.539
 grace

00:39:33.539 --> 00:39:33.900
 of the

00:39:33.900 --> 00:39:34.300
 Lord

00:39:34.300 --> 00:39:34.679
 Jesus

00:39:34.679 --> 00:39:35.199
 Christ

00:39:35.199 --> 00:39:35.960
 and what

00:39:35.960 --> 00:39:36.360
 is this

00:39:36.360 --> 00:39:36.800
 grace?

00:39:37.699 --> 00:39:37.820
 Paul

00:39:37.820 --> 00:39:38.440
 defines it

00:39:38.440 --> 00:39:38.800
 this way

00:39:38.800 --> 00:39:39.639
 in 2nd

00:39:39.639 --> 00:39:40.019
 Corinthians

00:39:40.019 --> 00:39:40.780
 chapter 8

00:39:40.780 --> 00:39:41.240
 verse 9

00:39:41.240 --> 00:39:41.599
 for you

00:39:41.599 --> 00:39:42.019
 know the

00:39:42.019 --> 00:39:42.400
 grace

00:39:42.400 --> 00:39:42.860
 of our

00:39:42.860 --> 00:39:43.280
 Lord

00:39:43.280 --> 00:39:43.639
 Jesus

00:39:43.639 --> 00:39:44.079
 Christ

00:39:44.079 --> 00:39:44.840
 this is

00:39:44.840 --> 00:39:45.139
 the grace

00:39:45.139 --> 00:39:45.340
 of our

00:39:45.340 --> 00:39:45.460
 Lord

00:39:45.460 --> 00:39:45.679
 Jesus

00:39:45.679 --> 00:39:46.019
 Christ

00:39:46.019 --> 00:39:46.900
 that

00:39:46.900 --> 00:39:48.079
 though he

00:39:48.079 --> 00:39:48.840
 was rich

00:39:48.840 --> 00:39:49.820
 yet for

00:39:49.820 --> 00:39:50.500
 your sake

00:39:50.500 --> 00:39:51.139
 he became

00:39:51.139 --> 00:39:51.639
 poor

00:39:51.639 --> 00:39:52.420
 so that

00:39:52.420 --> 00:39:53.099
 you by

00:39:53.099 --> 00:39:53.880
 his poverty

00:39:53.880 --> 00:39:55.340
 might become

00:39:55.340 --> 00:39:56.200
 rich

00:39:56.200 --> 00:39:58.740
 that's

00:39:58.740 --> 00:39:59.720
 the grace

00:39:59.720 --> 00:40:00.000
 of the

00:40:00.000 --> 00:40:00.139
 Lord

00:40:00.139 --> 00:40:00.380
 Jesus

00:40:00.380 --> 00:40:00.920
 Christ

00:40:00.920 --> 00:40:01.860
 that the

00:40:01.860 --> 00:40:02.200
 Son of

00:40:02.200 --> 00:40:02.460
 God

00:40:02.460 --> 00:40:02.780
 who had

00:40:02.780 --> 00:40:03.260
 the heavenly

00:40:03.260 --> 00:40:03.980
 splendor

00:40:03.980 --> 00:40:04.280
 at his

00:40:04.280 --> 00:40:04.820
 disposal

00:40:04.820 --> 00:40:05.920
 became a

00:40:05.920 --> 00:40:06.440
 destitute

00:40:06.440 --> 00:40:06.980
 son of

00:40:06.980 --> 00:40:07.240
 man

00:40:07.240 --> 00:40:07.760
 and died

00:40:07.760 --> 00:40:08.059
 on the

00:40:08.059 --> 00:40:08.480
 cross

00:40:08.480 --> 00:40:09.300
 to pay

00:40:09.300 --> 00:40:10.039
 for our

00:40:10.039 --> 00:40:10.500
 debt of

00:40:10.500 --> 00:40:10.760
 sin

00:40:10.760 --> 00:40:11.079
 that we

00:40:11.079 --> 00:40:11.380
 couldn't

00:40:11.380 --> 00:40:11.700
 repay

00:40:11.699 --> 00:40:14.099
 that

00:40:14.099 --> 00:40:14.319
 the

00:40:14.319 --> 00:40:14.719
 Son of

00:40:14.719 --> 00:40:14.980
 God

00:40:14.980 --> 00:40:15.239
 who was

00:40:15.239 --> 00:40:15.699
 high

00:40:15.699 --> 00:40:16.460
 highly

00:40:16.460 --> 00:40:17.019
 exalted

00:40:17.019 --> 00:40:17.899
 humbled

00:40:17.899 --> 00:40:18.439
 himself

00:40:18.439 --> 00:40:19.099
 lowered

00:40:19.099 --> 00:40:19.679
 himself

00:40:19.679 --> 00:40:20.599
 became a

00:40:20.599 --> 00:40:21.179
 man so

00:40:21.179 --> 00:40:21.659
 that as

00:40:21.659 --> 00:40:22.119
 man he

00:40:22.119 --> 00:40:22.639
 might die

00:40:22.639 --> 00:40:22.919
 in our

00:40:22.919 --> 00:40:23.279
 place

00:40:23.279 --> 00:40:24.079
 as a

00:40:24.079 --> 00:40:24.599
 representative

00:40:24.599 --> 00:40:25.279
 substitute

00:40:25.279 --> 00:40:26.419
 in order to

00:40:26.419 --> 00:40:27.079
 lift us

00:40:27.079 --> 00:40:27.639
 up with

00:40:27.639 --> 00:40:28.119
 himself

00:40:28.119 --> 00:40:28.899
 to

00:40:28.899 --> 00:40:29.399
 resurrection

00:40:29.399 --> 00:40:29.919
 glory

00:40:29.919 --> 00:40:31.960
 that

00:40:31.960 --> 00:40:32.679
 is the

00:40:32.679 --> 00:40:33.159
 grace

00:40:33.159 --> 00:40:34.039
 of our

00:40:34.039 --> 00:40:34.219
 Lord

00:40:34.219 --> 00:40:34.439
 Jesus

00:40:34.439 --> 00:40:34.939
 Christ

00:40:34.940 --> 00:40:37.760
 and it

00:40:37.760 --> 00:40:38.159
 is this

00:40:38.159 --> 00:40:38.639
 grace

00:40:38.639 --> 00:40:39.300
 of our

00:40:39.300 --> 00:40:39.480
 Lord

00:40:39.480 --> 00:40:39.720
 Jesus

00:40:39.720 --> 00:40:40.099
 Christ

00:40:40.099 --> 00:40:40.360
 that

00:40:40.360 --> 00:40:40.940
 enables

00:40:40.940 --> 00:40:41.260
 us

00:40:41.260 --> 00:40:41.539
 to be

00:40:41.539 --> 00:40:41.900
 content

00:40:41.900 --> 00:40:42.400
 in all

00:40:42.400 --> 00:40:42.559
 our

00:40:42.559 --> 00:40:43.179
 circumstances

00:40:43.179 --> 00:40:44.200
 and it

00:40:44.200 --> 00:40:44.500
 is this

00:40:44.500 --> 00:40:44.820
 same

00:40:44.820 --> 00:40:45.280
 grace

00:40:45.280 --> 00:40:45.659
 that

00:40:45.659 --> 00:40:46.039
 enables

00:40:46.039 --> 00:40:46.320
 us

00:40:46.320 --> 00:40:46.539
 to be

00:40:46.539 --> 00:40:46.960
 generous

00:40:46.960 --> 00:40:48.039
 in our

00:40:48.039 --> 00:40:48.320
 gospel

00:40:48.320 --> 00:40:48.940
 partnerships

00:40:48.940 --> 00:40:51.500
 let's

00:40:51.500 --> 00:40:51.760
 pray

00:40:51.760 --> 00:40:52.200
 together