Tag: Philippians

In today’s post from Phil 4:18-23, Paul talks about sweet smelling sacrifices and how believers have security in their salvation. This will be one of my final (of many) posts based on the text of Philippians. 

Photo Credit: Treasures of the Bible

I. INTRODUCTION TO PHIL 4:18-23

A. Summary of the Book of Philippians

Message – Believers ought to live righteously based on the example of Christ, by staying in harmony with each other, enduring suffering, and focusing on the righteousness we all have.

Themes – The Work and Result of Christ, Sanctification, Paul’s Imprisonment, Suffering Because of Ministry

Outline – Greetings, Life Purpose, and the Goal for Believers (1); The Christian Life You Should Have (2); Paul and the Future Goal for Christians (3); Putting the Christian Life Together (4).

Past Lessons

• An Introduction to the Book of Philippians
• Paul’s Greeting, Gratitude, and Group Focus (Phil 1:1-11)
• A Leader Rejoices When His Cause Advances (Phil 1:12-18)
• Paul’s Life for Christ (Phil 1:19-26)
• Leaders Lead and Live in an Ethical Way (Phil 1:27-30)
• Leaders Focus on Others (Phil 2:1-4)
• Have the Same Attitude as Christ (Phil 2:5-11)
• Leaders Shine Brightly for Christ (Phil 2:12-18)
• Christian Leaders Have Confidence in Christ (Phil 3:1-6)
• Righteousness Is Through Jesus Christ (Phil 3:7-11)
• Perfection Not Yet Reached (Phil 3:12-16)
• Living as Citizens of Heaven (Phil 3:17-21)
• Harmony and Joy Among Believers (Phil 4:1-5)
• The Leader’s Anxiety and Role as a Model (Phil 4:6-9)
• Paul’s Gratefulness for What Little He Had (Phil 4:10-17)

B. Philippians 4:18-23

¹⁸And I am paid in full and have plenty. I am well supplied since I have received the things from you. Things which are a fragrant aroma and acceptable sacrifice which are well pleasing to God. ¹⁹And my God will fulfill all of your needs according to his glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰Now to our God and Father be the glory for evermore. ²¹Greet every holy saint in Christ Jesus. Everyone else with me greets you. ²²All of the saints are greeting you, but most of all the believers from Caesar’s house. ²³May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

C. Introduction and Joke

A devout Quaker man was leaning on his fence watching a new neighbor move in next door. After lots of modern appliances, electronic gadgets, plush furniture, and costly wall hangings had been carried in, the Quaker called over, “If you find you’re lacking anything, neighbor, let me know and I’ll show you how to live without it.”

II. PAUL’S NEEDS (4:18-19)

¹⁸And I am paid in full and have plenty. I am well supplied since I have received the things from you. Things which are a fragrant aroma and acceptable sacrifice which are well pleasing to God. ¹⁹And my God will fulfill all of your needs according to his glory in Christ Jesus.

A. Sweet Smelling Gifts (v. 18)

A cowboy rode into town and stopped at a saloon for a drink.

Unfortunately, the locals had a habit of picking on strangers. So when he finished his drink, he found his horse had been stolen. He went back into the bar, handily flipped his gun into the air, caught it above his head and fired a shot into the ceiling. ”Which one of you sidewinders stole my hoss?” he yelled.

No one answered.

”All right, I’m gonna have anotha’ beer, and if my hoss ain’t back outside by the time I finish, I’m gonna do what I done in Texas! And I don’t like to have to do what I done in Texas!”

Some of the locals shifted restlessly. The cowboy had another beer, walked outside, and his horse was back! He saddled up and started to ride out of town.

The bartender wandered out of the bar and asked, ”Say partner, before you go. . .what happened in Texas?”

The cowboy turned back and said, ”I had to walk home.” (from http://www.emmitsburg.net/humor/archives/clean/clean_24.htm)

That cowboy was grateful for his horse. In a similar way Paul was grateful for the things he had in his life as he shared in Phil 4:10-17.

¹⁰For I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because you showed concern for me again regarding this you were concerned for me even though you had no chance to do something. ¹¹Because I am not spreaking from need, for I have learned in these circumstances to be content. ¹²I know how to both live in lack and I know how to live in abundance. In every and all circumstances I have learned the secret to be both fully and hungry, to have abundance and lack. ¹³I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me. ¹⁴Nevertheless, you did right by staying connected with me in my troubles. ¹⁵As you Philippians already know, in the beginning of the Gospel when I left Macedonia, no one from any church gave to me in this matter of giving and receiving, except you. ¹⁶For even in Thessalonica you sent help to me in my lack on several occasions. 17Not that I seek a gift, but I want the fruit which increases your message. Phil 4:10-17

I. PAUL’S GRATITUDE (4:10)

¹⁰For I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because you showed concern for me again regarding this you were concerned for me even though you had no chance to do something. 

A. Ἐχάρην δὲ ἐν κυρίῳ μεγάλως ὅτι ἤδη ποτὲ ἀνεθάλετε τὸ ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ φρονεῖν, — For I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because you showed concern for me again

The Greek verb, ἀναθαλετε (ἀναθαλλω), is a rare word only used here in the New Testament. In my translation I have chosen to translate it as “again” (as well as the NLT). However, other translations use “renewed” (HCSB, NIV) or “revived” (ASV, ESV, NASB, NRSV). It is used elsewhere to describe a bush or tree putting out fresh shoots or flowers in the spring. With that in mind, Paul is painting a picture of the Philippians’ care for him blossoming again. Because of the Philippians’ actions Paul rejoiced (O’Brien, Philippians, 517).

B. ἐφʼ ᾧ καὶ ἐφρονεῖτε, ἠκαιρεῖσθε δέ. – regarding this you were concerned for me even though you had no chance to do something.