Philippians 4:18-19 NIV 2011
I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippi was a prosperous colony of Rome. Paul’s letter encouraged the faithful to consistently reflect Christ. He wrapped his letter with a beautiful bow of thanksgiving for their monetary support. Their sacrificial gifts were a fragrant offering just as Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Romans 12:1, “…to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—that is your true and proper worship.” By serving Christ, they were giving of themselves. Paul personalized God and wrote “my God.” Philippians 1:3, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” God cares personally for His followers.
Paul had a passion for the people of Jesus Christ and a personal encounter with Him. With this in mind God’s grace should propel me to sacrificially serve. My excuse for not sharing the Gospel more has consistently been I don’t want to be too pushy. That is what people from Paul to evangelists today do they sacrifice their comfort for the salvation of unbelievers. I need to daily get out of my comfort zone. God will personally take care of me.
How does God personally take of you?
He cares for us,
S
