Philippians 4:10-23

Wednesday Evening Bible Study

December 18, 2002

Introduction

Paul is going to close his letter to the Philippians.

We’re going to look at two very popular verses, verses that we often claim as promises.

:10-19 Meeting Needs

:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.

hath flourished again anathallo – to shoot up, sprout again, grow green again, flourish again

care phroneo – to have understanding, be wise; to feel, to think; to have an opinion of one’s self, think of one’s self, to be modest, not let one’s opinion (though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty; to think or judge what one’s opinion is; to be of the same mind i.e. agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious; to direct one’s mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for; to seek one’s interest or advantage; to be of one’s party, side with him (in public affairs); Present infinitive.

“your thought of me”

“You caused your thinking of me to bloom afresh.”

were … carefulphroneo – to have understanding, be wise; to feel, to think; to have an opinion of one’s self, think of one’s self, to be modest, not let one’s opinion (though just) of himself exceed the bounds of modesty; to think or judge what one’s opinion is; to be of the same mind i.e. agreed together, cherish the same views, be harmonious; to direct one’s mind to a thing, to seek, to strive for; to seek one’s interest or advantage; to be of one’s party, side with him (in public affairs); Imperfect tense

lacked opportunity akaireomai (“not” + “timely”) – to lack opportunity

Paul is very happy that they were thinking of him again in the fact that they had sent him a gift. He knows that they had been thinking of him, but that they didn’t have the opportunity to send a gift. Now that Epaphroditus had gone to Rome, they had a way of getting their gift to Paul.

:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

wanthusteresis – want, poverty; from hustereo – behind; to fail, be wanting; to be in want of, lack; to suffer want, to be devoid of, to lack (be inferior) in excellence, worth

learnedmanthano – to learn, be appraised; to increase one’s knowledge, to be increased in knowledge; to learn by use and practice; to be in the habit of, accustomed to

contentautarkes – sufficient for one’s self, strong enough or processing enough to need no aid or support; independent of external circumstances; contented with one’s lot, with one’s means, though the slenderest; self-sufficient.

A.T. Robertson: Socrates said as to who is wealthiest: “He that is content with least, for autarkeia (“a mind content with its lot) is nature’s wealth.”

A similar word is found in:

(1 Tim 6:5-6 KJV)  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. {6} But godliness with contentment is great gain.

:12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

to be abasedtapeinoo – to make low, bring low; to level, reduce to a plain; metaph. to bring into a humble condition, reduce to meaner circumstances; to assign a lower rank or place to; to abase; to be ranked below others who are honoured or rewarded; to humble or abase myself by humble living; of one’s soul bring down one’s pride; to have a modest opinion of one’s self; to behave in an unassuming manner; devoid of all haughtiness

Lesson

Do you know how to be “lowly”

Lower than someone else?
And be content about it?
How do you feel when someone else gets “picked” instead of you? When someone else gets promoted instead of you?
Keep in mind, Paul is writing from prison, chained to a Roman guard.

to abound perisseuo – to exceed a fixed number of measure, to be left over and above a certain number or measure; to be over, to remain; to exist or be at hand in abundance; to be abundantly furnished with, to have in abundance, abound in (a thing), to be in affluence

Lesson

Do you know how to “abound”?

Probably more than a few of us don’t feel that we know what it means to be wealthy.
How about “winning”? How do you handle “winning”?
We see people in the movie business and sports business who tasted success and then crash and burn.
I think that sometimes we get caught off guard when we taste success. There is a secret to handling times of “abundance” as well.

I am instructed mueo – to initiate into the mysteries; to teach fully, instruct; to accustom one to a thing; to give one an intimate acquaintance with a thing; from musterion – hidden thing, secret, mystery; generally mysteries, religious secrets, confided only to the initiated and not to ordinary mortals; a hidden or secret thing, not obvious to the understanding; in rabbinic writings, it denotes the mystic or hidden sense

How was Paul “instructed”? “every where and in all things” – It seems that Paul might be hinting that in all sorts of circumstances he has been taught how to get along with abundance and lack.

(Phil 4:12 NASB) in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

The word Paul uses next is something that would be connected with animals, with nature…

to be full chortazo – to feed with herbs, grass, hay, to fill, satisfy with food, to fatten; of animals; to fill or satisfy men; to fulfil or satisfy the desire of any one; from chortos – the place where grass grows and animals graze; grass, herbage, hay, provender

to be hungrypeinao – to hunger, be hungry; to suffer want; to be needy

to aboundperisseuo – to exceed a fixed number of measure, to be left over and above a certain number or measure; to be over, to remain; to exist or be at hand in abundance; to be abundantly furnished with, to have in abundance, abound in (a thing), to be in affluence

to suffer needhustereo – behind; to fail, be wanting; to be in want of, lack; to suffer want, to be devoid of, to lack (be inferior) in excellence, worth

Lesson

The Secret of Contentment

Last year, the Ladies’ Retreat theme was all about “Mysteries”.
This is one of those mysteries, to figure out how to be “content” in every circumstance.
Madison Avenue is opposed to this.  Advertising is all about making you “discontented”.
Contentment is all about feeling that you have “enough”.  What you have is “sufficient”.
I think that our parents’ generation learned this in the Great Depression.
I think we need to learn to live a “simple” life.  It’s pretty difficult to think this way in America.

:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

all thingspas – each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything

I can do ischuo – to be strong; to be strong in body, to be robust, to be in sound health; to have power; to have power as shown by extraordinary deeds; to exert, wield power, to have strength to overcome; to be a force, avail; to be serviceable; to be able, can

strengtheneth endunamoo (“in” + “to strengthen”) – to be strong, endue with strength, strengthen; to receive strength, be strengthened, increase in strength

“I can be strong through Christ who endues me with strength”.

Lesson

Jesus’ power in me

The power to be “content” in all circumstances comes from Jesus.
I think we sometimes hear this verse being used as some sort of promise of supernatural strength to pick up cars and wrestle evil-doers.
But there is a context here. God doesn’t give us a blank check for strength to do anything.

I’m not sure that God gives us strength to rip apart phone books. I know that God doesn’t give us strength to commit sin.

I think we need to keep in mind that the “all things” refers to learning to “abase” and “abound” and still be “content”.
God gives us strength to do His will.

(John 15:5 KJV) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

Jesus can give us the strength to live with less.

:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.

wellkalos – beautifully, finely, excellently, well; rightly, so that there shall be no room for blame, well, truly; nobly, commendably; honourably, in honour

ye did communicate withsugkoinoneo – to become a partaker together with others, or to have fellowship with a thing

afflictionthlipsis – a pressing, pressing together, pressure; metaph. oppression, affliction, tribulation, distress, straits

(Phil 4:14 ICB) But it was good that you helped me when I needed help.

(Phil 4:14 NIV) Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

:15 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.

the beginningarche – beginning, origin; the person or thing that commences, the first person or thing in a series, the leader; that by which anything begins to be, the origin, the active cause

the gospeleuaggelion – a reward for good tidings; good tidings; the glad tidings of salvation through Christ; the proclamation of the grace of God manifest and pledged in Christ; the gospel

From the first time that Paul had gone through Philippi and shared the gospel…

departedexerchomai – to go or come forth of

MacedoniaMakedonia – “extended land”; The area of northern Greece where Philippi was.

communicated withkoinoneo – to come into communion or fellowship with, to become a sharer, be made a partner; to enter into fellowship, join one’s self to an associate, make one’s self a sharer or partner

He’s talking about the church supporting him financially. They “shared” with Paul.

concerningeis – into, unto, to, towards, for, among

concerninglogos – word; of speech; a word, uttered by a living voice, embodies a conception or idea; what someone has said; discourse; doctrine, teaching; matter under discussion, thing spoken of, affair, a matter in dispute, case, suit at law; the thing spoken of or talked about; event, deed; reason, the mental faculty of thinking, meditating, reasoning, calculating; account, i.e. regard, consideration

The Philippians had “opened an account” to be able to give to Paul so he could receive.

givingdosis – a giving; a gift

receivinglepsis – a receiving

:16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity.

ThessalonicaThessalonike – “victory of falsity”. Another city of Macedonia, capital of a division of Macedonia, residence of the Roman governor.

oncehapax – once, one time; once for all

againdis – twice

necessitychreia – necessity, need; duty, business

ye sentpempo – to send

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

I desireepizeteo – to enquire for, seek for, search for, seek diligently; to wish for, crave; to demand, clamour for

a giftdoma – a gift

I desireepizeteo – to enquire for, seek for, search for, seek diligently; to wish for, crave; to demand, clamour for

fruitkarpos – fruit; that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result; advantage, profit, utility

that may aboundpleonazo – to superabound; of things; to exist in abundance; to increase; be augmented; to make to increase: one in a thing

accountlogos – word; of speech; a word, uttered by a living voice, embodies a conception or idea; what someone has said; discourse; doctrine, teaching; matter under discussion, thing spoken of, affair, a matter in dispute, case, suit at law; the thing spoken of or talked about; event, deed; reason, the mental faculty of thinking, meditating, reasoning, calculating; account, i.e. regard, consideration

The same word translated “concerning” in verse 15.

Lesson

God’s accounting system

Paul isn’t saying these things because he’s trying to pump them for money. He is trying to encourage them in their ministry and to remind them that God is building an “account” in heaven for them because of their gifts.
God keeps track of what you do.
When you support a ministry that is serving the Lord, God gives you part of the credit.
Be careful that you support the right things.

: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.

I have apecho – have; to hold back, keep off, prevent; to have wholly or in full, to have received; it is enough, sufficient; “have” in Mt 6:2 is modified with a prefix which changes its meaning to “have in full” and was commonly used on business receipts to mean “paid in full”. No payment or service was expected to follow the close of the transaction.

allpas – each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything

aboundperisseuo – to exceed a fixed number of measure, to be left over and above a certain number or measure; to be over, to remain; to exist or be at hand in abundance; to be great (abundant)

I am fullpleroo – to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full; to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally; I abound, I am liberally supplied; to render full, i.e. to complete; to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim

Epaphroditus Epaphroditos – “lovely”

This is the man who had been sent to Paul by the Philippians to help him.

The reason Paul is writing to the Philippians is because they had sent this man Epaphroditus to Rome to deliver financial help for Paul.

Paul is sending Epaphroditus back to the Philippians because Epaphroditus was homesick for Philippi and wanted to see how everyone was doing.

(Phil 2:25-30 NLT) Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, a faithful worker, and a courageous soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. {26} Now I am sending him home again, for he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. {27} And he surely was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him--and also on me, so that I would not have such unbearable sorrow. {28} So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and that will lighten all my cares. {29} Welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and be sure to honor people like him. {30} For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while trying to do for me the things you couldn't do because you were far away.

odourosme – a smell, odour

sweet smelleuodia – a sweet smell, fragrance; a fragrant or sweet smelling thing, incense, on odour or something sweet smelling; a sweet odour, spoken of the smell of sacrifices and obligations, agreeably to the ancient notion that God smells and is pleased with the odour of sacrifices

acceptable dektos – accepted, acceptable; from dechomai – to take with the hand; to take up, receive

This was a sacrifice that God was able to “receive”. Sometimes we get gifts that aren’t very exciting. This was a gift that was exciting.

wellpleasingeuarestos – well pleasing, acceptable

Paul is saying that the gifts that the Philippians had sent were absolutely wonderful. They were like the offerings that he had seen made in the Temple, a “sweet smelling sacrifice” to the Lord.

:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

shall supplypleroo – to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full; to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally; to render full, i.e. to complete; to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim; to make complete in every particular, to render perfect

This is the same word Paul used to describe himself, saying “I am full” (vs. 18).

allpas – each, every, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything

needchreia – necessity, need; duty, business

according tokata – down from, through out; according to, toward, along

according to the same measure …

richesploutos – riches, wealth; abundance of external possessions; fullness, abundance, plenitude; a good i.e. that with which one is enriched

glorydoxa – opinion, judgment, view; in the NT always a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honour, and glory; splendour, brightness; a most glorious condition, most exalted state

byen – in, by, with etc.

“in” – NLT, NAS, NIV, ICB

Lesson

God takes care of givers

Keep in mind the context.
This is a church that is giving sacrificially.

This is the church of Macedonia that had established themselves with a reputation for sacrificial giving. When Paul had taken an offering for the poor in Jerusalem, they were the first to step up and participate:

(2 Cor 8:1-5 ICB) And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God gave the churches in Macedonia. {2} They have been tested by great troubles. And they are very poor. But they gave much because of their great joy. {3} I can tell you that they gave as much as they were able. They gave even more than they could afford. No one told them to do it. {4} But they asked us again and again--they begged us to let them share in this service for God's people. {5} And they gave in a way that we did not expect: They first gave themselves to the Lord and to us. This is what God wants.

In writing to the Corinthians, Paul shares with them a similar principle:

(2 Cor 9:6-11 NLT) Remember this--a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. {7} You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. {8} And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. {9} As the Scriptures say, "Godly people give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will never be forgotten." {10} For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you. {11} Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God.

Paul is saying that God will take care of those who are giving generously. He will take care of them by meeting their needs so they can continue to take care of others.

In seeing these things, I’m not sure that we should be using this verse as an unconditional blank check that God will always provide all that we need.
This is a common verse that people will “claim”. Any person who has financial problems is encouraged by hearing this verse, as if God is going to always rescue you in the nick of time.
I think that in reality there may be times when God allows us to go through “tough times” to get our attention.

The nation of Israel would go through times of “famine” in order to bring them back to the Lord.

(2 Chr 6:28-31 NKJV) "When there is famine in the land, pestilence or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers; when their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague or whatever sickness there is; {29} "whatever prayer, whatever supplication is made by anyone, or by all Your people Israel, when each one knows his own burden and his own grief, and spreads out his hands to this temple: {30} "then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and give to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone know the hearts of the sons of men), {31} "that they may fear You, to walk in Your ways as long as they live in the land which You gave to our fathers.

The promise of this verse is towards those who are learning to give as God would lead them.
Do you pay attention to God’s promptings to give? Are you a person who has a regular habit of giving?
Are you supporting the ministries that God is using in your life and in the lives of others?

The Philippians supported Paul and they supported the poor in Jerusalem.

Lesson

God wants to provide for you.

Now that we’ve seen the context, don’t miss the promise – God wants to provide for your needs.
Illustration
Dr. Helen Roseveare, missionary to Zaire (formerly the Belgian Congo), told the following story: A mother at our mission station died after giving birth to a premature baby. We tried to improvise an incubator to keep the infant alive, but the only hot water bottle we had was beyond repair. So during devotions that morning we asked the children to pray for the baby and for her little sister who was now an orphan. One of the girls responded, "Dear God, please send a hot water bottle today. Tomorrow will be too late because by then the baby will be dead. And dear Lord, send a doll for the sister so she won't feel so lonely." That afternoon a large parcel arrived from England. Eagerly the children watched as we opened it. Much to their surprise, under some clothing was a hot water bottle! Immediately the girl who had prayed so earnestly started to delve deeper, exclaiming, "If God sent that, I'm sure He also send at doll." And she was right! The Heavenly Father knew in advance of the child's sincere requests, and 5 months before, He had led a ladies group to include both of those specific articles.
 (Rom 8:32 KJV) He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

:20-23 Closing

:20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

glorydoxa – opinion, judgment, view; in the NT always a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honour, and glory; splendour, brightness; a most glorious condition, most exalted state

for ever … - aion - for ever, an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, eternity

:21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.

Saluteaspazomai – to draw to one’s self; to salute one, greet, bid welcome, wish well to; to receive joyfully, welcome; Used of those accosting anyone; of those who visit one to see him a little while, departing almost immediately afterwards; to pay respects to a distinguished person by visiting him; of those who greet one whom they meet in the way (even not in the East, Christians and Mohammedans do not greet one another); a salutation was made not merely by a slight gesture and a few words, but generally by embracing and kissing, a journey was retarded frequently by saluting.

sainthagios – most holy thing, a saint

greetaspazomai – to draw to one’s self; to salute one, greet, bid welcome, wish well to; to receive joyfully, welcome; Used of those accosting anyone; of those who visit one to see him a little while, departing almost immediately afterwards; to pay respects to a distinguished person by visiting him; of those who greet one whom they meet in the way (even not in the East, Christians and Mohammedans do not greet one another); a salutation was made not merely by a slight gesture and a few words, but generally by embracing and kissing, a journey was retarded frequently by saluting.

:22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.

saluteaspazomai – to draw to one’s self; to salute one, greet, bid welcome, wish well to; to receive joyfully, welcome; Used of those accosting anyone; of those who visit one to see him a little while, departing almost immediately afterwards; to pay respects to a distinguished person by visiting him; of those who greet one whom they meet in the way (even not in the East, Christians and Mohammedans do not greet one another); a salutation was made not merely by a slight gesture and a few words, but generally by embracing and kissing, a journey was retarded frequently by saluting.

chieflymalista – especially, chiefly, most of all, above all

householdoikia – a house; an inhabited edifice, a dwelling; the inmates of a house, the family; property, wealth, goods

A.T. Robertson: Not members of the imperial family, but some connected with the imperial establishment. The term can apply to slaves and freedmen and even to the highest functionaries. Christianity has begun to undermine the throne of the Caesars. Some day a Christian will sit on this throne. The gospel works upward from the lower classes. It was so at Corinth and in Rome. It is true today. It is doubtful if Nero had yet heard of Paul for his case may have been dismissed by lapse of time. But this obscure prisoner who has planted the gospel in Caesar’s household has won more eternal fame and power than all the Caesars combined. Nero will commit suicide shortly after Paul has been executed. Nero’s star went down and Paul’s rose and rises still.

:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

gracecharis – grace; that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech; good will, loving-kindness, favor