How to Abound July 22

Philippians 4:18

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.

Positionally this letter is to a group of saved Christians. The Philippian church was founded around 51 AD. St. Luke was the pastor of this church for the first six years. With Luke being the pastor, I’m confident they were doctrinally sound. Paul is writing this letter out of deep gratitude for their offering delivered to him at a high cost. Epaphroditus gave the offering to Paul and almost lost his life during the process.

Paul is enduring hardship for the gospel without complaint, and he has asked no one for help. He worked to supply for his own needs by making prayer shawls and selling them.

I can tell you what has touched Paul’s heart so much about this. It’s the growth of the church in love.

Some of my children were servers in restaurants, and they would tell me that the most generous tippers were servers from other restaurants. These people worked in the same type of occupation, and because they understood the challenges of serving, they gave more significant tips.

It comes to me as no surprise that St. Luke has raised his church to be generous towards those in need because Luke knew the sacrifice of service. He knew the cost. Maybe Luke even knew the reward.

Philippians 4:17

Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.

Because they have done this, they received fruit to their account. Everyone that sacrificed and gave that day gets a part in this epistle! How many hundreds of millions of people has this letter touched? It’s like the best stock investment you could have ever made, and the interest has never stopped.

We can’t all be missionaries or pastors, but we can support other ministries, and by doing so, we take part in their reward. Who knows where your fruit will lead on your account?

Jesus does.

He is: Georgos

Gardener

Blessing’s