This was our last week in the book of Philippians. I originally planned 2 months to cover the book, but 2 months became 3. Paul was a missionary and missionaries need help. Whether it is a place to stay or money to provide for their needs. It was not uncommon for Paul and his crew to receive gifts from churches where they had visited. We also know that Paul earned a living as a tent maker ("new shock and awe fact for the students"), but it seems like from there and other passages that he had partners who helped support his missionary journeys.
Paul says that no matter what, he knew how to be content. What was the source of his contentment? THE PROMISE OF GOD.
God has only promised that we have food, shelter and Him. He doesn't promise us a fancy car or a Playstation 3. He does promise that he will feed us, clothe us and be with us. Though few, those are promises Paul was well aware of, as he lived within them daily for years.
God promises to feed us like sparrows, clothe us like flowers and be with us.
1.) Every day, 25,000 people die of hunger and hunger related causes
2.) Most of those 25,000 are under the age of 5
3.) Over 3 billion people (half the Earth's population) live on $2 a day or less
4.) Over 1 billion live on $1 a day or less
When you hear statistics like that, what do you think of God's promises? It seems like God provided for Paul in lots of ways, not the least of which was through other people. It's the people that Paul is praising here, along with God. He is actually praising God for his Philippan friends as noted in verses 14-19. Do you think Paul would've been able to do those things if it weren't for his fellow Christians giving to him and supporting him in various ways?
If it weren't for the Philipians, Paul may not have been able to do what he did. Paul says he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. I challenged each student with one very obvious truth...you have so that you can give away. God has given you things so that you can help provide for people in need. You might not have as much as Warren Buffet, but giving is less about the amount you have and more about your willingness to share what you do have.
If you hold on to money while other people do without, you are disrupting the potential of the gospel and your own spiritual well being. How many of us spend more than 7 dollars a week.? Did you know that $7 a week could feed a hungry person for a whole week. What you have can and should be used to help those in need.
It is almost impossible to read the book of Philippians and not realize the deep partnership represented. Paul leaned heavily on his fellow Christians and they provided. It's time we do the same. Let's pray that God would cause us to feel the same urgency for helping out our brothers and sisters as the Philippians did for Paul.....especially in this time.
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