Praise given for a heart of compassion, goodwill, and kindness

Philippians 4:15-23

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“Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.” Philippians 4:15

The Apostle Paul is letting the Church of the Philippians know that they did a lot of good works towards him during his evangelism of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, no other Church shared with Paul to help him with his missionary preaching. Now, even though the Philippians needed help to return to walking with Jesus Christ, what they did for Paul at the beginning of his Gospel ministry would not be forgotten. The Holy Spirit speaks these words to us through Paul, “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10

“For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.” Philippians 4:16-17

While Paul lavishes praise on the Philippians for sharing material supplies, food, etc. with him during his ministries, he makes it clear that the praise is to foster the compassion, goodwill, and kindness of their heart that had been given to them by God through Jesus Christ. As our Lord Jesus says, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil.” Luke 6:45

“Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:18-20

While in the Roman prison, Paul received a lot from the Church of the Philippians but was not able to return to them in material ways. Even so, Pul assured the Philippians that God will return to them according to His riches through Jesus Christ, which means filling their spirit and soul with fruit of the Holy Spirit, as well as being given the riches of eternal life in the New Jerusalem. As Christ Jesus says, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.” Philippians 4:38

As followers of Jesus Christ, we don’t give to others to collect interest from them nor to receive anything in return, we do what we do in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As Jesus says to us, “And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back.” Luke 6:34

The Holy Spirit speaks these words to us, “For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened…” 2 Corinthians 8:13 “I don’t mean that others should have relief while you have hardship. Rather, it’s a matter of striking a balance.” 2 Corinthians 8:13 [GW Translation].

“Greet everyone who believes in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings to you. All God’s people here, especially those in the emperor’s palace, greet you. May the good will of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Philippians 4:21-23

“….to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets,“
‘I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.’”
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
Revelation 2:24-25, 3:11