Living the Joyous Christian Life Philippians 4:1-23 Part II
In this section of Philippians, the grand Apostle Paul was vitally concerned that the Philippian believers’ lives would be characterized by joy. Paul urged these believers to seek a life of joy independent of circumstances. Genuine joy can be experienced when Christ is the center of a believer’s life. Philippians 4:1-23 may be outlined as follows: I. Standing Firm in the Lord – Philippians 4:1-3; II. The Recipe for Joy – Philippians 4:4-9; III. God’s Supply of Human Needs – Philippians 4:10-20; IV. Paul’s Concluding Remarks – Philippians 4:21-23.
III. God’s Supply of Human Needs – Philippians 4:10-20
In verses 10-11 Paul “rejoiced in the Lord greatly” at the gift the Philippians had sent him. He was joyful because the gift exhibited their love and concern for him. When the saints had the opportunity, they gave to Paul (v. 10). Paul continued to express that it was the Philippians’ gesture of love more than the material gift itself that he appreciated. Paul had learned to be content with his circumstances, whatever they were (v. 11), By God’s grace Paul had learned the lesson of being content regardless of his circumstances in life.
In verses 12-13, Paul knew “both how to be abased, and how to abound.” He had experienced both deprivation and plenty (v. 12). As believers, we must keep the context in mind when considering Paul’s words, “I can do all things” (v. 13). This statement is not a blanket claim to be able to do anything under the sun. Paul was stating that everything he did accomplish in that area of living contentedly, he accomplished through Christ. It was Christ who gave Paul the strength to do what God had called him to do.
In verses 14-16, though Paul was content no matter what the circumstances, he was nevertheless grateful for the help the Philippians sent with Epaphroditus. Because they gave of their means they shared with the apostle in his troubles (v. 14).
These saints had shared with the Apostle Paul at the beginning of their Christian experience (Acts 16) when Paul left Macedonia; and they shared with him when Paul was in Thessalonica on his Second Missionary Journey (Acts 17) at least twice (vv. 15-16).
In verse 17, Paul was not looking for a gift simply to satisfy his own needs. He wanted credit to come to the account of the Philippians. Since the Philippian saints had helped Paul so much, Paul was not looking for more from them. Paul stated hat he was amply supplied from the money they had sent. The gift they had sent was a fragrant offering, an acceptable service pleasing to God (v. 18).
In verse 19, the Philippian saints had met Paul’s needs and now God would meet theirs. God will truly bless these saints from His bounty according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. In verse 20, Paul rendered thanks and praise to God the Father.
- Paul’s Concluding Remarks – Philippians 4:21-23
In verses 21-23, Paul dispatched greetings to all the saints, especially those of Caesar’s household (vv. 21-22). Paul concluded this wonderful epistle by stressing the marvelous grace of Jesus Christ (v. 23).
May God Bless!
