WEEK SIX
Day Four
DAILY SCRIPTURE
Philippians 4:19
LEADER GUIDE QUESTIONS
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Know: Read Philippians 4:14-20
Note: Read slowly, carefully marking keywords.
Philippians, gospel, giving, gift, account, sweet-smelling aroma, pleasing to God
Observation:
Why is Paul so affectionate toward the Philippians?
Who is the supplier of our needs?
What: Remember a time you gave from generosity. In what way did you see God supply your needs as a result?
“Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 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 but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things [sent] from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:14-20
We all have people in our lives for whom someone on the outside looking in wonders at our deep love and devotion. It’s the puzzlement of watching how we seem to always drop anything for the friend who never does anything for us; how we will always move toward our wayward child, despite their bad attitudes; how we love the “velcro” husband who always seems to want our attention; how we always end up saying “yes’ when clearly we should say,’ “no.’ isn’t until we get the whole picture and the emotions attached to the person, that we understand.
My husband and I work as a team. He affectionally likens our teamwork in ministry to “Priscilla and Aquil.” (The biblical husband and wife team). Depending on what is happening that week and what ministry team is being showcased, we take the lead in the area we function best in. I lead the prophetic team, the prayer tea, and the women’s ministry and generally oversee all the other ministries in the church; I also preach, teach, work in our coffee shop, and take care of our home and homeschool. My husband is the head overseer. He leads any building projects, oversees the worship team, men’s ministry, and the youth, and gives the vision and direction of the church. We are deeply devoted to one another at home- our evening time is guarded and cherished. We often get up early to pray and talk. When we are attacked by someone or something, we tighten our ranks and protect one another. We are deeply devoted in love to one another; when one of us is down, we cover for each other. As a team- we give 100%. It does not matter who does more or is not pulling thier weight- sometimes one pulls more than the other, but it’s rooted in steadfastness and love- always in protection for each other first and then for the benefit of our family and church. A book would emerge if I journaled how we came to this place of unity. Every year, our love was strengthened and anchored by one decision we made at the altar—to love one another until death. Our love was established through every trial, argument, and times of peaceful decision. The stories of God’s faithfulness throughout the years make our devotion to one another an unbroken bond. There is no way we would ever want to destroy what has been established.
This kind of history is what we get when Paul mentions, once more, the Philippians and why he loves them so much. His love for them is not just because they sent him money and Ephaphroditus as a willing messenger. It is that they had developed a habit of caring for him from the very beginning. This is why this letter has a warm and affectionate tone—a sense of deep trust and affection.
My husband and I have some friends we call our “Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.” When Jesus came to thier home, they became a respite from ministry. At their home, Jesus could kick up his feet and laugh- enjoy a meal with and enjoy dear friends. When I spend time with my friends who also serve with us, I can do so with a sense that all is safe. I do not need to explain myself, help them understand the complexity of pastoring, or teach them anything. There is a long history of friendship that keeps what we say and do protected and safe while simultaneously challenging and accountable. We don’t want to lose what we have, so we protect one another.
When Paul says, “at the beginning of the gospel” (vs. 15), he refers to his ministry in Greece. Sometimes, he writes as if the move to Greece marked a completely new beginning, although he had been preaching and planting churches in Asia Minor for some time. We get a sense that when he came to Europe, he was in a new territory, and if the Gospel took root, it would prove how powerful it was, just as the Greeks had been able to Helenize the world through its philosophy. The Philippian church was the first of this kind. It was also the first and only church to support Paul financially, even after he had left them. Paul developed a way to provide for his own needs while he could - making tents but still receiving some help from Philippi- the Corinthians held this against him (2 Cor 11:7-11).
In this passage, he continues to show gratitude for their steadfast care and support. Still, he reveals his anxiety over the potential critical attacks of ministry leaders for the money. Many traveling teachers and philosophers would go from place to place to sell their ideas- they were seen as cheats and thieves. Paul does not want the gospel to lose momentum lest anyone view his teaching similarly. This is why he desires to show thankfulness, clarifying that what matters is the partnership that the gift expresses.
Like his metaphor about bookkeeping, he expresses that their account is credited as a result. Paul is not saying they were earning salvation or giving to be blessed or ‘justified by works.’ Instead, God is pleased and delighted when they give from faith—His faith! It was a practical expression of His love and hope whenever they gave.
In verse 18, Paul uses a picture of the Old Testament laws regarding sacrifices. When offerings were given, they were burnt up. The smoke created a sweet, smelling fragrance to God. Just like the Psalmist says (Psalm 50:7-5), its not the smell of the aroma God is pleased with, not the sacrifices themselves, it was the generous spirit which proceeds from love and trust. Just like this, their giving was done with a heart of love for him, rooted in the love of God.
This is how we, too, should give.
There is much debate about the tithe being “Old Covenant.” Many people believe the church’s guilt people into giving, which may be true- but not in practicality. Ultimately, what people fail to understand when making this argument is that we are people of a New and Better Covenant. The law demanded a tithe. The New Covenant put generosity within hearts. We are not obligated to give- we are hardwired to give. We give because we have been given everything. Where the law required 10%, Jesus gave us 100%. Jesus is who we are.
As New Covenant believers, all we have is Christ’s, and all He has has been given to us. So, the argument that wants to control what we give and how we give it is a moot point. Do we withhold love from our children and spouses because they might abuse it? No! We love because that is who we are—we love because we have been loved. If we love only if it’s reciprocated, then we are living under condemnation and holding others to that standard- this is controlling and abusive.
When you give, give generously; give without control and condemnation. Do so as a sweet-smelling fragrance to God.