"You sent aid once and again for my necessities."
Text: Philippians 4:16
PRACTICAL SUPPORT
The Apostle Paul was, without question, a godly servant of God who displayed great maturity of faith. Over the years he had learned true contentment. He did not covet anyone’s wealth. He desired none of the things of the world. Nevertheless, there were times when he needed practical support.
“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.
For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again
for my necessities.”
Philippians 4:15-16
1. “At the beginning of the gospel”
a) This is not a reference to the commencement of Paul’s ministry in preaching the gospel.
b) The specific reference is the context of the second missionary journey (Acts 16).
c) Paul made reference to his departure from Macedonia (Acts 16).
2. “You Philippians know”
a) Paul shared freely his plans with the Philippians.
b) They were greatly privileged to know how Paul ministered.
3. “Concerning giving and receiving”
a) The phrase “concerning giving and receiving” was a business metaphor in the ancient days.
b) Paul’s use of this phrase is significant.
i) He accounted for the gifts he received.
ii) He acknowledged the gifts that he received.
4. “No church”
a) There were churches that Paul had founded.
b) Sadly not many churches had learned how to support the Lord’s servants.
c) This could have hindered Paul in his ministry but he pressed on valiantly anyway.
5. “But you only”
a) The Philippians loved Paul dearly.
b) They determined that they would support him.
c) They sent support whenever they could.
d) When Paul was in Thessalonica they sent support for “necessities” (Greek “chreia”).