10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:10-20 ESV
Q: Why does the Apostle Paul experience enhanced joy?
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly… Philippians 4:10 ESV
A: Because of the WAYS the Philippian church supported ministry.
…that now at length you have revived your concern for me. Philippians 4:10 ESV
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Way #1: They looked for an OPPORTUNITY to express their concern.
You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Philippians 4:10 ESV
What is my current opportunity to express concern for another person?
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11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 ESV
Way #2: They kindly took a SHARE of someone else’s trouble.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. Philippians 4:14 ESV
How can I kindly share in someone else’s trouble?
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Way #3: They entered gospel PARTNERSHIP by giving and receiving.
15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Philippians 4:15 ESV
Where can I enter into gospel partnership in both giving and receiving?
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Way #4: They gave AGAIN when new needs became known.
16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Philippians 4:16 ESV
How can I continue to generously give again to meet new needs?
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17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. Philippians 4:17 ESV
Way #5: They gave a SACRIFICE as an offering in worship to God.
18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. Philippians 4:18 ESV
What sacrifice am I making to give an offering in worship to God?
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19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:19-20 ESV
My ACTION PLAN to become a godly steward in financial giving:
#1: If I have never brought a financial gift to The Lord, then my first step is to START.
#2: If I have never decided the amount that I will choose to bring as a financial gift to The Lord, then my next step is to identify a PART.
#3: If I am desiring to grow as a godly steward in the spiritual act of bringing a financial gift to The Lord, then I need to ask God to increase my HEART.
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