14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
We saw yesterday that Paul was joyful because he had learned to be content in every situation, and that it was by the strength of Christ alone that he could have that attitude. But he did not want to belittle the gift and the support that this church had shown him. They needed to know that they were unique in their steady support of him. They also needed to know that not only had Paul noticed, but even more so God had. He was not promoting some sort of "give-to-get" scheme, but reminding them that the same God Who was faithful to provide all of his needs would also supply their needs. In Christ Jesus there is plenty to go around. Paul then invites them (and us) to join him in joyfully praising God as our loving provider.
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