PHILIPPIANS 4:10-23 WHEN JESUS IS FIRST IN YOUR FINANCES2019 Teaching by Jerry B Simmons

Teaching Transcript: Philippians 4:10-23 When Jesus Is First In Your Finances

You are listening to FerventWord, an online Bible study ministry with teachings and tools to help you grow deeper in your relationship with God. The following message was taught by Jerry Simmons in 2019. Philippians chapter 4. We get the exciting privilege of finishing the book of Philippians.

I don't know about you, but it's always just something to take note of and rejoice and celebrate whenever we complete a book of the Bible. It is our pattern to go through chapter by chapter and verse by verse and understand and obtain the whole counsel of God's Word. Here in the book of Philippians, we've been really focused on the priority of Jesus. There's some incredible, amazing benefits to us when Jesus is our first priority.

And we had some examples that we could look at. We saw some choices that we can make and help us to be men and women who have Jesus first in our lives. And I was encouraged and challenged by that throughout the time. And I pray that you were as well. And we're gonna finish up here in chapter four with still that same focus.

as Paul kind of changes gears a little bit and now begins to really focus on one of the main purposes of the letter was to say thank you for the financial gift that they had given.

And so we're going to be talking about that gift and how Jesus being first is an instrumental part of that gift for the Philippians, but then also for the Apostle Paul. And so let's begin by reading through the passage together. Philippians chapter 4, verses 10 through 23. Here's what it says. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last your care for me has flourished again, though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

Verse 15.

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. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed, I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you.

Verse 21. Amen.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. As we look at Philippians chapter 4 and finish off the chapter this evening, I've titled the message, When Jesus is First in Your Finances. And as we continue to see Jesus as the priority and him having that rightful place of being first in our lives, our finances is no exception to that. And here is Paul saying,

expresses his gratitude and says, thank you. He really demonstrates for us some important truths that we can take to heart about our finances. And some of these things that we'll look at is on Paul's side, and some of it is on the Philippian side. And through both of their examples, we can get a glimpse of what it looks like when Jesus is first

in our finances. And I would encourage you to just allow the Lord to minister to your heart and speak to you because, well, finances is one of those areas of our lives that can be very challenging.

And we can oftentimes, even, you know, mature believers who have known the Lord for a long time, find ourselves really disconnected from God and what he has for us in our finances. And we can kind of distance ourselves and we know doctrines and we know truths and we know scriptures and we worship God. But then when it comes to our finances, it can be a whole area of our lives that is just not submitted to God.

And it can become a part of our lives where a whole segment, you know, of our life, the finances of our life, that it's a big part of our lives. And yet we can find ourselves in that place where Jesus is not first. He's not the priority. And it really makes a huge difference. And it's an area of our life that needs to be surrendered to God. And

organized according to what the Lord desires. And so putting Jesus first in our finances is very important. Now here Paul is going to show us again what it looks like when Jesus is first. And when you learn to put Jesus first, point number one as we look at verses 10 through 13 this evening, you are content with much or little. When Jesus is first in your finances, you're content. You're

Whether your financial situation is really, really bad or whether it is really, really good, there's a contentment that comes when Jesus is the priority of your heart and your life, even when your financial situation is not what you would hope or imagine or desire. Jumping again into verse 10, Paul says, "'I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, "'that now at last your care for me has flourished again.'"

Though surely you did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned whatever state I am to be content. Paul is being very careful here. He is rejoicing and he is celebrating in the gift that has been given. And he is blessed by the Philippians and by the way that they've ministered to him in this financial need that he has. And yet at the same time,

He wants to make sure that he's not laying an obligation on the Philippians. He's not rejoicing to the degree that now, you know, please help me continue to rejoice, you know, send more and send again. And so he's being careful to balance throughout this whole passage. You see it like he's rejoicing greatly, right? But at the same time, not that I speak regard to need. I'm rejoicing, right?

not because of the need, not because that the need has been met. I'm rejoicing over the care that has been expressed, the concern that has been shared. And so here Paul is teaching about giving, but at the same time being careful to not lay a burden or an obligation for them to continue to give.

It's a good balance. It's a good example and a good model for us. And to understand that this is the way that God works. That there is an opportunity that we have that we get to be part of the work of God. But at the same time, there's not the burden and the obligation and the requirement. And that is an appropriate way to understand the financial things when it comes to the ways of the Lord. Remember when Moses was receiving offerings for the tabernacle.

The opportunity was open and they kind of gave the criteria. These are the kinds of materials we're looking for. These are the kind of materials we need. And then they invited the people to give. Then there came time for there to be a putting a halt to the giving because, well, the

Workers realize that there's too much. We have more materials and people keep bringing more. We have more than we need and there's more continuing to come. And so Moses had to actually compel the people to not give. He had to hold back the giving. And it's a good example. It's a good model for us that there should not be that burden of you have to give and

But instead, sometimes it's appropriate for there to be a holding back and compelling, no, no, no, don't give because the Lord has provided and that is sufficient. And so Paul's walking that balance here. And he's explaining to them the reason why he can walk that balance is he's learned to be content. He's learned. It's not something that was automatic to him. This idea of learned, this word learned, it means to learn by experience, right?

Paul says, look, I've experienced a lot of different things in this life and in this walk with God. And through that, I've learned by experience how to be content. I like the way that Warren Wiersbe describes contentment. He says, contentment is not complacency, nor is it a false peace based on ignorance. Contentment is not escape from the battle, but

but rather an abiding peace and confidence in the midst of the battle. Paul says, look, I've learned to have an abiding peace and confidence in the midst of the battles that I face. I've learned to really have peace in the Lord and to trust in the Lord. I've learned that God will provide for me. And so I'm content.

Because what Paul wants most is, well, the will of God. He wants Christ to be glorified. And essentially, as he goes on to say, I know how to be a beast and I know how to abound. If the Lord is more glorified in my life through little, then that's what I want. And if the Lord is more glorified in my life through abundance, then that's what I want. Because, well, the priority is Jesus. And so I'm content.

If there is little, I know it's, well, perhaps that God wants to do a work and perhaps he wants to, you know, stretch me or there's a work that he wants to accomplish in me. And whatever his plan is, he has a plan. He has a purpose. He knows what he's doing. And Paul has peace. He can trust God. He's learned. He can rely upon him. And so Paul says in verse 12, I know how to be abased and I know how to abound.

Everything, I'm sorry, everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Paul says, I've experienced both sides. I've been abased. I've had nothing, completely just emptied and without any resources whatsoever. But then I've also had those seasons where, man, I just, I have more than enough.

I have more than I need. I have enough to give and to share. I know and I've experienced both sides. I know what it's like to be full and I know what it's like to be hungry. And I think a lot of us can relate to that, right? We know what it's like to be hungry. Probably most of us have gone through those seasons and I've shared many times about, you know, my experience.

Financial disasters, self-inflicted disasters, right? And so I went through times of hunger, right? I went through times where saltine crackers...

You know, you buy a box and there's four packages, right? Like that was my meal for the day. And then in the evening, I would have an Easy Mac. And my objective was to spend a dollar a day on food. You know, like that was the most. Every once in a while, I would splurge. I did my Easy Mac. I would put in a little can of tuna and I would have, you know, kind of a tuna casserole with the Easy Mac and tuna. And there was that season. And ever since that season, I never want to be hungry again, which is

why I have other problems today, right? I know how to be full now, right? And I don't ever want to go back to being hungry again. But

But I've been in both, and you probably have too. And Paul says, look, I've experienced, I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. That is, I know how to put Jesus first when I have nothing, and when I'm hungry, and when I have no resources, and my finances are all dried up, and I don't know where I'm going to get my next meal. I've learned how to put Jesus first there, and to trust him, and to walk with him in that condition.

And I've learned how to put Jesus first in the other condition where I have enough. I have more than enough. And I'm not desperate for my next meal. I'm not desperate for my next check. I have that. And yet I've learned how to walk with the Lord and to know him in the midst of that as well. Both of these experiences, both of these extremes have their temptations. Now we look at these too and, you know,

Like I was just sharing, like I don't ever want to be hungry again, right? I'd always want to be full. And sometimes we can forget that, yes, there are temptations and issues that we face in the times of need, but there's also temptations that we face in the times of abundance. We're just maybe not as aware of them. But in times of abundance, we need God just as much as we did in the times of need. We're just not conscious of it.

And in the times of need, then I'm really aware that I really need God. But then in the times of abundance, I kind of forget how much I need the Lord. Paul says, look, I've learned how to keep the Lord first, how to have him the focus and the priority in both conditions, in both situations.

But they both have their temptations. They both have their challenges. There's a proverb in Proverbs chapter 30, verses seven through nine that kind of addresses this. He says, "'Two things I request of you. "'Deprive me not before I die. "'Remove falsehood and lies far from me. "'Give me neither poverty nor riches. "'Feed me with the food allotted to me, "'lest I be full and deny you and say, "'Who is the Lord?' "'Or lest I be poor and steal "'and profane the name of my God.'"

There's challenges on both sides. When we are full, when we have abundance, there is the temptation and the tendency to say, who is the Lord? We forget about the Lord. We deny him, not in a, I'm going to rebel against God, but we just forget how much we need him. And then in the times of desperation, then, well, we're tempted to behave in a way that profanes the name of the Lord and to dishonor God. Paul says, look, for me personally,

I've experienced both. I've been abased. And even as he's writing this, he has come out of that. In verse 14, he talks about this time as a time of distress. Paul says, I was in distress. I was in real need. And so I'm really grateful that you've provided. And yet at the same time, I'm content. If the Lord has me in a place of severe need, I'm content.

well, then I'll be satisfied there. I'll be settled there. I'll be satisfied with the Lord and trust that God is going to take care of my needs. I know how to be abased and I know how to abound. Pastor Warren Wiersbe says that prosperity has done more damage to believers than adversity.

And that's an interesting thing to wrestle with in your mind, you know, because we see the adversity and we see people, you know, responding in negative ways and bad ways and running from the Lord in adversity. And we would think that that would be worse. And I don't know, you know, I'm not trying to back up with statistics or anything, but here's Warren Risby, you know, a man of great wisdom and saw a lot.

And he says prosperity has done more damage to believers than adversity. And so we would desire that. We would desire the prosperity rather than adversity. But sometimes adversity is better for us in keeping us in the pursuit of the Lord and keeping the priority as Jesus. But Paul says, look, you can learn to walk in both. You can learn to keep the Lord first. And God wants you to know how to walk with him in both circumstances. When you have too little and when you have little.

too much. And that's the context when Paul goes into this famous verse, verse 13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I can be content with little. And that seems impossible. It sounds impossible, but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And so I can be content. I can be a base. I can survive that season of nothing because it's Christ who strengthens me. But then also on the other side,

abundance is not too difficult for the Lord either. I can handle abundance, not because it's easy, not because of my strength, but through Christ who strengthens me. And so in either case, with much or with little, Paul says, I've learned to be content. And you, when Jesus is first in your finances, when Jesus is first in your life, you can be content, not dissatisfied, not desperate, you know, not, you can be content.

settled, at peace. It's not escaping from the battle. It's not burying your head in the sand and pretending there is no battle, right? But it's just acknowledging, yes, there is a battle. There is a hurt. There is a need. There is distress. And yet I'm resting in God. I'm satisfied in Him. Moving on to look at these verses again, but then also to include verse 14 for just this point. Point number two is you share in the right season.

And so when Jesus is first in your finances, on the one hand, you can be content with much or little, but then also at the appropriate time in the appropriate season, you're willing to give, you're able to share. Again, in verse 10, it says, And so here looking at the Philippians,

And their example in their financial giving in this case, Paul says, I'm rejoicing. My needs have been met. My distress, you know, has been satisfied by your gift. But I'm also rejoicing because your care for me has flourished again. And this word flourish is, well, it's a word that is used to describe a tree that blooms in its season. You're familiar with that, right? We have

Perhaps a tree in your yard. I have a tree in our yard, a big one in the corner, and all of a sudden, you know, there's this season. I don't even remember what season it is, but at some point in the year, it produces these big pretty flowers. But it does it for a little bit, and then it goes away, and it doesn't produce those flowers, you know, for the rest of the year. But there is that season that it blooms, and that's the idea, that season where it flourishes, that season where it blooms, right?

And Paul is saying, your care for me has flourished. It's bloomed again. And he says, but I'm not saying you didn't care, but there just wasn't the opportunity. It wasn't the season. You cared the whole time, but there's a blooming, a flourishing of your care right now because it's the right season. It's the appropriate time. And seasons change. For a while, the Philippians were supporting Paul. In verse 16 says,

Paul says, for even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for my necessities. He's talking about the first time he went through. He went through Philippi. And then from there, he went on into Thessalonica. He was there in Thessalonica for three weeks. And during those three weeks, the Philippians had sent to him aid. They helped him out. They helped provide for him and support him to be able to do the ministry there in Thessalonica. And so for a little bit, they were supporting Paul.

There was the season of support. But then there was a season where they were not supporting Paul. Why not? Well, we don't know the details. It might have been their financial situation that they didn't have anything to be able to provide that kind of care for Paul.

It might have been the circumstances of Paul. Remember, he went from there to Jerusalem and then he was imprisoned and then now he's in Rome in prison. And so it might have been because of all of those circumstances that they weren't sure where he was. They didn't know what was going on. They didn't know how to send him money. They didn't know what the need was. And it could have been a lot of those circumstances.

those kinds of things. We don't know all of the details, but here's what we know. There was a season where they were providing support and helping him. And then there was a season where they were not. And their care didn't change the whole time, but it wasn't the time for them. It wasn't the season for them to give to Paul before, but now it's in season again. And their care has flourished. It's bloomed. The right season.

I would look at the right season with three different aspects. The right season is a season where there is need. The right season is a season where there are the resources. And the right season is a season where you have God's direction. When it comes to giving, when it comes for us in sharing what God has given to us, there's, well, there's going to be a million ways that we could give,

And given the opportunity, there's a million requests that we could receive that would ask for. Every time you leave a market or drive down the corner or talk to somebody or attend a church service, there's always requests for you to give. And there's more requests than you can answer. And so when is the right season for us to give? When Jesus is first, you're able to share in the right season. And when that happens,

time to flourish, that time to bloom comes, then, well, then you're willing to, you're able to. And so it's a combination of, well, need. Again, in verse 14, Paul says, you've done well and that you shared in my distress. This was a real time of need. They weren't just giving because, well, it's our obligation we have to give, right? But there was a need. And so they wanted to help and be part of meeting that need. And so they knew the need, they were aware of the need, and so they gave and

to Paul in this situation. It was the right season because the need was there, but it was also the right season because they had the resources to be able to give. And this is one of the challenges that we face. And there's a balancing act that has to take place here because, as I said, there's more requests for your money than you can supply. So you have to make decisions. You have to use discretion.

There's more requests for your money than God wants you to respond and to give, right? It's always going to be the case. And so you have to use good judgment and you have to be discerning. But at the same time, we have to walk the balance of not holding on too firmly, too tightly to the resources that God has provided for us. And here again, the Philippians provide for us a good example. They're willing to sacrifice for Paul.

They have the resources. That doesn't necessarily mean that they had abundance, that they had extras. It's safe to understand that the Philippians here made a sacrifice of themselves in order to help Paul in his distress. Pastor David Guzik puts it this way. He says, we shouldn't think that the Philippians were wealthy benefactors of Paul who could easily spare the money. As Paul described them in 2 Corinthians 8, it's plain that their giving was sacrificial.

Their giving was sacrificial. When you look at 2 Corinthians 8, Paul uses them as an example to the Corinthians, but he talks about how they gave out of their poverty. So the Philippians weren't in a place of abundance where they had just all this extra leftover. It's like, well, what do we do? You know, we're tired of rolling around on our beds of money. Let's send it to Paul, right? No, they said, you know, we're going to skip some meals. We're going to cut back ourselves. It's going to be a sacrifice, but there is a distress. There is the need and we have the resources.

And maybe they're not extras, but we have the resources. And so there is that balance. And sometimes we have extras and praise God for that. And the Lord allows us to be part of things. But also sometimes when we don't have extras, we still have the resources if we're willing to be led by the Lord and to let go. And so the right season is when there is the need, when you have the resources, and then thirdly, when you have God's direction.

And this is a combination of those things that I've already been sharing, that the resources, it's a matter of stewardship. Sometimes you have, you know, extra, and there's a need right in front of you, but that doesn't automatically mean that God wants you to give to that need. There's room for God to direct. And there's been many times, you know, here at the church, there is, you know,

a general expectation amongst the world that, you know, you show up at church and if you're in need, then you get your needs met. And so throughout our time here as a church, there's been many who have come looking for help, looking for, you know, money or food or shoes or, you know, whatever their need might be. And there's

It's always a challenge to try to discern, like, is it a real need or is this just someone not, you know, wanting to work or not wanting to follow the Lord, you know? And so there's that balance. But in those situations, there's some times where it's clear the Lord directs us and we meet needs. And sometimes we don't have that clear direction and we don't meet needs. And, oh man, there's been so many times where someone is walking away

And they're just cursing us. Call yourself a Christian. You know, how could you? And, you know, quoting verses like, you see your brother, you know, your sister, and, you know. And we have money in the bank, but it's not extra. And it's not, it's spoken for, right? The mortgage needs to be paid. There's decisions. And so without the direction of the Lord, and like, there is that balance that needs to be walked. And

oh man, I feel so guilty not giving to someone in need. And yet at the same time, God hasn't directed. And there's a matter of stewardship. Should we empty our savings because somebody else failed to save? You know, your reward for being diligent is you lose all of, you know, what you worked for, right? Like, no, that's not really right. That's not necessarily what the Lord wants.

And at the same time, God may say, empty your savings and give to that need, right? And so there needs to be that direction from God along with the resources that are there and the need that is there. And when those three things combine, it's the right season. It's the right time. It's the opportunity to give. It's not exactly about giving, but I was thinking about that situation in Acts 3 where Peter and John, as they were on their way to the temple,

They were going to pray as they always did. And there was this lame man who was laid there at the temple, the gate of the temple. And Acts chapter 3 goes on to record how this lame man was healed by Peter and John. But what's noteworthy about that is it tells us in Acts chapter 3 verse 2, every day he was laid at the gate of the temple. Every day he was laid at the gate of the temple. And so we can draw some conclusions and understandings from that.

When Jesus walked through that gate, that lame man was there. Jesus probably walked by this lame man many times. And yet he wasn't healed until later on in Acts chapter 3 this day when Peter and John are there. And now...

The need was there the whole time, right? The resources were available the whole time, but it wasn't the right time yet. It wasn't the right season yet. There wasn't the direction from God. But now Peter and John are walking and now God says, okay, now is the time we're going to do a work with this lame man and heal him. And so this is something for us to note that there is the season for us to give. And it's the right season. It's not necessarily just because there's a need. It's not necessarily just because we have the resources, but

We don't necessarily not give because we don't have extra, right? Like those aren't the final say. The final say is really what is God saying, God's direction. And again, it goes back to Jesus being first. When Jesus is first, then, well, I can meet needs when he directs with the abundance or the little that he's provided. But I'm willing to do it because he is first, right?

This is something that God calls all believers to. And it's something that I would encourage us to be in prayer over. It's something that God wants to work on in our hearts. Think about what the Lord said to those who were thieves. In Ephesians 4, verse 28, he says, "'Let him who stole steal no longer, "'but rather let him labor, "'working with his hands what is good, "'that he may have something to give to him who has need.'"

If you used to be stealing, stop stealing, but now work and earn something so that you have something to give to those who are in need. That's not just God's instruction for, you know, a couple people here or there or those extra wealthy people, right? But even that person who didn't have anything and so he was stealing before. Now, no, come bring yourself to a place where you work hard and

so that you have something to give to those who have need. And so when Jesus is first in your finances, you're content with much or little, and you share in the right season. When there's the need, the resources, and the direction of God. Well, moving on to verses 15 through 18, we get the third point for this evening, and that is you store up abundant fruit in your account.

When Jesus is first in your finances, oh man, this is exciting. You store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, abundant treasures in heaven. Verse 15, Paul goes on to say, 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.

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Now again, Paul is being careful. He's rejoicing, but he's not requiring. He's teaching about giving, but he's not asking for money, right? He's saying, look, I'm rejoicing. And he reminds them, look, you have been one of the only churches who have helped me and been part of the ministry in this way. No other churches, when I went through there, no other churches have

shared with me. They didn't participate with me concerning giving and receiving. You're the only ones. Again, in Thessalonica, you sent aid a couple times and ministered to my need, but I'm not seeking the gift. I'm not saying this to, you know, encourage you now, could you please do it once again? You know, you've been so faithful. Can you do it one more time? You know, I'm not seeking the gift, but the fruit that abounds to your account.

And what Paul is saying here and what he is teaching us about the giving that the Philippians did is that there was more to it than just meeting a momentary need. There was more to it than just the temporary provision that was offered. And it really speaks to us about the way that God rewards when we are part of his work.

Pastor David Guzik says it this way, this reflects one of the most important principles regarding giving in the scriptures, that we are never the poor for having given. God will never be our debtor and we can never out give. Paul is explaining here, because you gave, there is fruit that abounds to your account. And Paul is talking about an accounting system that God has, an accounting system that is different than our accounting systems and

Probably, you know, we don't really fully understand the way that God accounts for these things, but we have some insights. And that is, you give financially, Paul said to the Philippians, and it costs you. There was a deduction from your account, right? But then in this other column, there was fruit that was added to your account. And it goes to this understanding of when you give...

to the work of God, when you give to help those who are doing the work of God, the fruit that is the result of their work for the Lord, you also get credit for. It goes back to a principle that we see in the life of David when he was with his men and they were going out to recover. All of their goods and possessions had been taken along with their wives and their children while they're away from the city. And

They had come from a journey and so they found their city now. And so now they're, you know, they've been tired already, but now they got to go recover what they lost. And so they're on their way. And as they're trying to catch up with this raiders that had taken all this from them, part of the group said, oh man, we're tired. I don't think we can carry on. And they reached this river and they said, look, we got it. I'm sorry to stop, but we got to stop. We can't carry on. We're not going to last.

And so David said, okay, that's fine, no problem. So everybody else, hey, take off all your packs, all the weight that's holding us down, the things that we're carrying, all those things that are slowing us down. You guys stay behind, watch all of our stuff. You've lightened us up. Now we can go faster and we can catch up to the raiders. And so that's exactly what happens. And so they rush on, they catch up, they defeat those who raided them. They bring back all the goods and everything that was lost.

Some of the evil men in the midst said, all right, those who stayed behind, they don't get anything. They didn't participate in the battle. And David said, no, listen, the people who stayed behind and watched the stuff, they share equally because they contributed. It was a different contribution. They weren't in the battle, sure, but they lightened your load so that you could catch up to the raiders. They guarded your stuff so that you wouldn't lose anything.

what you had while you sought to regain, you know, the things that were taken from you. They had a contribution. They had a part. And so there's an equal share. In a similar way, in a spiritual sense, when the work of God is being done, there is ways for us to participate in that. And you and I may not be the one who, you know, sits down with that person and shares the gospel with them and they give their heart to the Lord.

but that doesn't necessarily mean that we also don't have fruit that comes into our account as a result of that person getting saved. That there is the potential for us to give, for us to support, for us to bless, for us to give to the work of God in whatever he lays upon our hearts. And as we have the different missionaries that we pray for, that's one avenue where we get to be part of the work.

This is the accounting system that God has. And so here in Philippians chapter 4, verse 16 and 17, we see this giving that results in fruit, this eternal reward that's given to your account. And so you give to a missionary and they're doing the work. You're

It freed up his hands so he didn't have to make tents and he was able to share the gospel. And the work that God accomplished through that, the Philippians, well, they share the reward of that. It's a pretty cool accounting system that God uses. But it's not just about finances. One of the things that we often share as we pray for the missionaries is that by praying, we also get to participate. And so Romans 15, verse 30 says,

Paul says, I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me. That by praying for a missionary, you get to participate in the work that the missionary is doing. He says, you're striving together with me when you're praying for me. And so in prayer, we get to join with and strive together with missionaries and

Now, I'm using missionary as a general, you know, someone who's doing the work of the Lord. And so you can share in the reward of pastors. You can share in the reward of evangelists. You can share in the reward of, you know, orphanage runners or, you know, whatever. Whoever you're praying for, whoever you're giving towards, whatever that God has put upon your heart. But the point is, through prayer, you get to participate in that ministry. And then there's, well, the fruit part.

that is added to your account. In God's accounting, there is reward for that, and you get an equal share of the work that was done as a result of your contribution. So we can give, and we can pray. But there's also other kinds of opportunities for us to reap rewards. Another way is to serve. In Matthew 10, verse 41 says,

Jesus said, He's talking about hosting. The one who opens up their home to a prophet, you know, the prophets would be traveling through and need a place to stay. And so, hey, you open up your home and let a prophet stay at your home. Well, you receive the prophet's reward, Jesus said.

And so, yeah, you're talking about a missionary, you're talking about a pastor coming through, you're talking about, you know, opening up your home in those kinds of situations, enabling and helping. Again, it's like those who stayed behind and watched the stuff. Yeah, it's a different work than being in the battle, but it's another way to participate in the battle. And so by hosting, by serving, by meeting practical needs and helping in a variety of ways, there is the benefit of

of this fruit that abounds to your account. Another way to think about this, you know, sometimes serving in different capacities, you know, cleaning the toilets before service, it doesn't seem like very exciting, right? Or very rewarding, right? But hey, if you clean the toilets, or you watch the kids, or you encourage the pastor by listening attentively and not falling asleep,

There's an opportunity for you to participate in whatever rewards are being given for the work that is being done. God's accounting system is really interesting. It's really cool. One final example to give, and that is encouragement. In 2 Timothy 1-6,

Paul talks about anisophorus and he says, he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain. But when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. The Lord grant him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that day. You know how many ways he ministered to me in Ephesus. He just always encouraged Paul. He refreshed me, charged Paul up and just give him that strength to be able to carry on. He sought me out, he says.

And oh man, may he find mercy from the Lord in that day. When he stands before the Lord, may the fruit just abound to his account. And so all of this to say, there's a lot of ways for us to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven. By praying for those who are doing the work of the Lord.

By giving to those who are doing the work of the Lord, by serving those who are doing the work of the Lord, by encouraging those who are doing the work of the Lord, by doing the work of the Lord ourselves, right? There's many ways for us to lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven. And so Paul tells the Philippians, I rejoice. I'm not seeking the gift. I'm not trying to get from you, but I am excited that you are laying up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Oh man, there's going to be a glorious entrance into eternity for you.

because of the way that you've participated in the work of God. In verse 18, he goes on to say, It was a financial gift, but Paul says, look, that's like a sacrifice on the altar.

It's like incense that's burned before God. It's sweet smelling to God. God is so pleased with your sacrifice. It costs you. And again, I'm not trying to get the money, but you've pleased God and I'm rejoicing in that. You've sacrificed and you've worshiped God in a way that is beautiful. And I'm rejoicing in that. And so I'm full. He says, I abound. Again, not just because the need is met, but because all your sacrifice is beautiful for the Lord.

It's pleasing to the Lord and our giving, our praying, our serving, our encouraging can be like that as well. When Jesus is first, you store up abundant fruit in your account. Well, finally, verses 19 and 20 give us point number four, and that is you trust in God's promised provision. In verse 19, Paul says, 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. Paul has this great confidence, this great trust, and my God shall supply all your need. Again, the Philippians did not give out of their abundance, but they gave even though they themselves had need. But Paul says, God's going to meet your need.

He has great confidence, great boldness, great trust. My God shall supply all your need. And notice the contrast. Here's your need, right? But it's according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. You have need, but God has riches. Riches in glory by Christ Jesus. And from the abundance that God has, he will for sure guaranteed meet your need.

Verse 20 is important to consider as well, and that is, now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. It all comes back to God being glorified, Jesus being first. The need being met, the resources are there. God will meet your need to the glory of God. And when our needs are not to the glory of God, then we should not expect those needs to be met, right?

but when our needs are to the glory of God. And when we are seeking after and pursuing the glory of God, when Jesus is first, again, we're content, whether it's much or little, because what matters most is the glory of God, the work of Jesus Christ. When Jesus is first in your finances, you're content with much or little, and you trust God for his promised provision. F.B. Meyer puts it this way,

When once the soul lives in God and finds its highest ideal in the fulfillment of his will, it becomes absolutely assured that all things which are necessary will be added. All things are possible to those who derive their daily strength from God. Paul says, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, right? I can jump over a building. No, that's not what the verse is talking about. I can do all things that bring glory to God.

And that is to have times of need and to have times of abundance and to keep Jesus first. I can do all things. And when your soul, I like the way he says this, when your soul lives in God and finds its highest ideal and the fulfillment of his will, that's an old, ancient, English, fancy way of saying, when Jesus is first. When Jesus is first, when he's most important, you become absolutely assured that all things that are necessary will be added. When I'm not,

content and when I'm not assured that all things are going to be added, it's a sure sign Jesus is not first. My greatest fulfillment is not in his will. I'm seeking out my will. I would encourage you, and I want to finish off considering the words of Jesus in Matthew chapter 6. In Matthew chapter 6, we have that famous passage where Jesus tells us not to worry. But it's interesting as I was looking at this today, in Matthew chapter 6 verse 24, it

Jesus said, no one can serve two masters for either he will hate the one and love the other or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon or another word for mammon is money. And so here Jesus goes from talking about you must choose. You can't have two masters. You need to pick one. Someone needs to be first. And is it going to be God or is it going to be money?

But then he goes on to say in verse 25, therefore, again, these are connected thoughts. You can't serve two masters. You have to pick God or you have to pick money. Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life. What you will eat or what you will drink or about your body, what you will wear is not life more than food and the body more than clothing. Jesus says, you have to pick a master and

And it's either going to be God or it's going to be money, right? You can't do both. You can't serve both. They can't both be first. And if God is first, then don't worry about your life. You don't have to worry. God's going to provide those things. And he goes on to make that case and to state that case. God knows you need those things. He knows what you need. He knows all that you need. But when you're pursuing your needs, then God's not first. When you're pursuing God, then you don't have to worry.

Because God will meet your needs. And then that leads us down to verse 33 of Matthew 6. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and these things will be added to you. Put Jesus first. Make Jesus the priority. And God will take care of all those things. And you don't have to worry. When Jesus is first, you trust in God's promised provision. You trust. And you don't have to worry. And it's not saying that it's not a need. And it's not saying that it's not distressing. Paul says, I was in distress.

But at the same time, I'm okay with that. I'm okay to be in distress. I'm content because what matters most is the will of God, the glory of God. Jesus is first. Well, Paul finishes the letter with his typical greetings. He says, greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar's household and the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Amen. And I pray that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ would be with us as we seek to put him first, as we learn about and be reminded of what it means to put Jesus first and the need to have Jesus first in our life. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is the reason, right? It's our response.

The grace is in our response, but us putting Jesus first is our response to the grace. It's our reasonable service to put him first, to make him the most important. He's demonstrated his love. He's demonstrated his provision. He's demonstrated everything. And in response to that, let's put him first. Let's make him the passion, the priority in every aspect of our lives, including our finances. Let's pray.

God, we thank you for your grace towards us, your goodness towards us. We cannot earn it. We will never deserve it. Yet, Lord, you have given it freely and willingly. And so we thank you, God. And we pray that you would help us in the midst of all the things that happen in our minds and our hearts and all the goals and desires that are stirred up and all the cravings that build and are unfulfilled.

that we experience in this life, Lord, I pray that you would help us to have a real clarity on the order that is in place in our lives. Help us to see the real priorities that we have. And God, if we find that you are not the priority and you don't have that place of priority in our lives, I pray that you would help us to recognize it and to repent of it. Keep bringing us back, Lord, to the place where we belong, at your feet.

seeking you and seeking your glory. And may we live for you. May we honor you. And may our lives bring glory and honor to your name. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.