October 31, 2015
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:14-20
14Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.15Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Questions for Reflection:
The church at Philippi had regularly partnered with Paul for the advancement of the gospel. Their sustained support and giving was a blessing to Paul. However, he felt that the greater blessing was what the Philippians would receive through giving. Paul uses a curious phrase in verse 17. He says that he desires “that more be credited to your account.” The first readers would have read that phrase to be like bank account that had compound interest working in its favor. Paul was writing a receipt, a thank you, to the church.
What was driving the Philippians giving? Were they giving because they liked Paul or was there a greater motive? Frank Thielman in his commentary on the book of Philippians writes, “Their generosity was a concrete demonstration that God was completing the good work that he had started in them when they believed the gospel.” Giving is a part of worship and worship is nothing more than a response to who God is and what He has done in your life. God had radically transformed the Philippians’ lives and in faith they wanted to partner to see more of that happen. What has God done in your life? How does your generosity flow from your faith?