For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again.For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.for even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my need.
4 sermons cite this verse
But sacrifices of this kind may principally be ranked under two heads; of which the first is, Liberality to ministers of the gospel. The priests of old lived upon the sacrifices that were offered to God, and what is now offered to ministers for their comfortable and honourable support Christ looks upon as offered to himself. “He that receiveth you, receiveth me.” Matt. x. 40. Thus Paul says of those things that were sent him by his hearers, that it was a sacrifice acceptable and well pleasing to God. Phil. iv. 14, &c. ” Notwithstanding ye have well done that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now, ye Philippians, know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because that I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 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, well pleasing to God.” The second is bounty to the poor. Christ accepts what is done to them as being done to himself. Matt. xxv. 40. “And the King shall answer, and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” This God prefers before the legal sacrifices. Hosea vi. 6. “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.” …
… alone. For even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs, not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance. I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God, and my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now, when you read that, it becomes immediately clear to you that this man, Paul knew what it was to be content. He is a contented man. And if we look very closely at this particular portion of Scripture as he shares his own contentment, we can find the secret to our own contentment as well. Now, let me put it in context a bit. Most of us, when we write a letter to someone we deeply love, will include at one point or another some expression of thanks for something that they have done for us. That's fairly reasonable, fairly common part of a letter, and that is the case here. The Apostle Paul, before he concludes this letter to the Philippians, whom he loved very deeply, wants to express at some length his gratitude to them for their kindness. …
Let's open our Bibles to Philippians chapter 4 and return to our study of the secret of contentment. We're looking at Philippians chapter 4 verses 10 through 19 as a unit of thought in the mind of the Spirit of God and from the pen of the Apostle Paul. And here he is writing about the subject of contentment. In verse 11, he writes, Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content. And I would venture to say that everyone would like to experience contentment. That's a wonderful, rich, and somewhat elusive word. I would suppose that we would all agree that most people are sort of desperate in wanting to be content, wanting to be satisfied. wanting to be sufficient. Well, I have good news for you. There is someone who can provide contentment. And I received a flyer this week that tells all about this person. This is what it says. All who are unsuccessful, unlucky, dissatisfied, and discontent, let the woman who knows help you. …
Let's open our Bibles now as we come to our time of study in the Word of God to Philippians chapter 4 and what will be our third and last message on the subject of the secret of contentment. We're looking at Philippians 4 verses 10 through 19. A number of weeks ago I introduced you to a gentleman who has recently become a friend of mine by the name of Thaddeus. Thaddeus. Do you remember me mentioning Thaddeus? He was on our ship up in Alaska and had a major heart attack and almost died, and we carried on an all-night prayer vigil, praying for him, and God was gracious and spared his life. And he arrived safely in Vancouver and then spent a number of days in the hospital recovering in Vancouver. Since that time, has gone home to Colorado Springs. And once home in Colorado Springs and recuperating yet in his home and still weak, he began to be strong in spirit and strong in heart. And he began to call me and in his loving and gracious way called me almost every day, I think at least every day and sometimes a number of times every day, just concerned about what God was doing in my life. He would call and say, how are you doing, John? And I would say, well, how are you doing? You had a heart attack, not me. …