Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 38th Edition.
Dear Family,
As we come to the conclusion of Philippians, which we will dispense with tomorrow, we first deal with one more matter. The purpose of this letter, among other things, was to thank the Philippians for their generosity. We now look at the expression of gratitude in 4:14-19. This whole passage is anchored in verse 19, which is most often applied out of context. Unfortunately for most of us, this verse is not a blanket promise of God’s provision for the needs of all and sundry! Look elsewhere for such a promise, if you must. To understand this verse, we need to examine its context from verses 14-18.
Concern (verses 14-16). In the previous section, which we looked at yesterday, Paul has declared that God enables him to be content, whatever his circumstances. But now he declares his appreciation for the concern the Philippians have shown him, over the years. They have consistently supported him, sometimes when no other church did. This is not a church that was giving Paul a gift, in exchange for a “blessing.” They supplied his needs out of love, again and again.
Commendation (verses 17-18). Paul responds to their generosity by pointing to something the Philippians have not really bothered with – credit for their efforts, and that, before God. In verse 17, for instance, he talks about “fruit that abounds to your account,” while in verse 18 he calls their gift “a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.” What Paul is saying is that their gifts to him have touched the heart of God. Why? Because whatever is done for God’s servant is done for God himself. Please note, the Philippians were not looking for credit, but they have earned it.
It is on the basis of their faithful support for him that Paul has
Confidence (verse 19) that God will supply all their needs. Imagine a person who drives a state of the art vehicle, while his pastor has no bus fare; or lives in a mansion in upmarket Nairobi, while his pastor lives in the slums; his children playing with, and wasting food in the most expensive restaurants in the city, while the pastor’s children are malnourished; enjoying life at its best, while the pastor is in extreme survival mode. Imagine such a person claiming the promise of this verse for him/herself. That would be a joke! In the first place, the person has no “needs,” at least material ones, but the needs he/she has will not be met – not by the God of the Apostle Paul.
This is why so many rich people are unhappy – not because wealth is bad – on the contrary, it is a blessing from God, but because the wealth has not been used the way God intended. Now you know! If you want to claim Philippians 4:19, be a Philippians 4:14-18 Christian.
Your loving Pastor Chris.