Today we finished the book of Philippians in Greek 3. Here are a few random thoughts on Paul's view of financial support based on the commentaries and our study of Phil. 4:10-20:
1. Paul championed the right of an apostle to be supported financially by those to whom he preached.
2. He never renounced that right.
3. He preferred supporting himself and his mission by manual labor. Why?
a. So that he could offer the gospel of grace free of charge.
b. So that no one could ever accuse him of using his ministry as a pretext for greed.
c. So that he could set a proper example for others to follow.
4. Paul had no hesitation to ask for money from his churches, but it was always to aid others and to meet needs.
5. Here Paul expresses his appreciation for the Philippians' gifts but not without reservations and qualifications. (Remarkable, he never uses the Greek word for "I give thanks" in this passage.)
6. Paul writes in such a way as to neither offend those who gave him gifts nor in such way as to encourage their continued infringement on his general policy of self-support. He combines unswerving determination to be free from the gifts of others with his desire to show his sincere appreciation for the affection that obviously lies behind the giving.
A few takeaways:
1. The Lord uses generous Christians to help needy believers.
2. A spirit of generosity is not only a Christian virtue but a means and expression of genuine Christian fellowship.
3. God is not unjust to forget the generosity and love believers show to other believers (cf. Heb. 6:10).
4. God delights in seeing Christians take note of the needs of others and generously sacrifice to meet them. Giving to others' needs is "a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God" (4:18).
5. On the other hand, the gospel produces a positive detachment from the things of the world -- its comforts and discomforts alike.
6. Such contentment is not something that comes easily. It is something to be learned (4:11).
7. Believers can find the ability to meet all circumstances with contentment by virtue of their union with Christ, who grants them the strength to endure the demands of daily life. Paul writes, "I have the power to face all such situations in union with the One who continually infuses me with strength" (4:13).
8. Every true need the believer might have will be met by God's supply in a measure appropriate to his glorious riches (4:19).
To our God and Father be glory forever and ever, amen! (4:20).