Originally preached at Carmel Village on Sunday afternoon, about a week and a half ago. Dedicated to Kyle since he was unable to make it. This is the final message in a loose series that Kevin, Kyle and I were preaching through Philippians. The text is essentially Philippians 4:10-20, although it runs back through most of the rest of the book as a kind of light refresher on the contents of Philippians. If you feel like skimming through it, hope you enjoy.
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What does it mean to be ‘filled with the fruit of righteousness’? A tree bears fruit based on the seed that planted it. The fruit of an apple tree would be apples, etc. The fruit of righteousness in one’s life would be how our heart, and subsequently our whole person – the inward thoughts and the outward actions – how that looks when the seed of righteousness, so to speak, is planted in our heart.
That is what happens, after all, with believers. God promised in Ezekiel 36 that he would put his Spirit in us, remove the heart of stone from inside us and replace it with a heart of flesh, and write his law on our heart.
Our hearts did not become sinful because you and I sinned – rather, we sinned because our hearts are sinful. That’s what David testified in Psalm 51:5,
“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.”
Ever since the original sin of Adam in the Garden of Eden that we read about in Genesis 3, mankind has from generation to generation been sinners at heart.
In fact, that is the Gospel: That man is lost in sin – separated from God and under condemnation. But God sent his Son to become a man and live a life in full accordance with the law. By so doing, Jesus Christ, God’s Son, could take the penalty due to unbelievers and allow them to be received by God through his righteousness that is applied to our account. He took our punishment – we go free.
Now that sounds an awful lot like the conclusion of a sermon. In fact, when I preach the unbelievers, that’s the bulk of my message. Today, it is just the introduction. We’re going to go beyond that.
The guilty record is gone – there is no longer any condemnation for those of us who are in Christ Jesus, it says in Romans 5:1. The Holy Spirit renewed our hearts, causing us to be born again – born from above. Subsequently, we no longer live the way we did before. This is what Peter is saying in 1 Peter 4.
“1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for
he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his
time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3 For we have spent enough of our
past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness,
revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.” (1 Peter 4:1-5, NKJV).
So let’s return now to where we started: Philippians 1. Paul is telling these believers his prayer for them. In verse 11, he prays that they may be,
“...filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise
of God.”
In basic terms this is what Philippians as a book is about: We have believed the Gospel, we’ve repented of our sins – how do we live now? What does a Christian – a follower of Jesus Christ – look like?
Our text is in Philippians 4:10-20. Back in verses 2-3, Paul gave a negative example – What Christians are not to do. Then in verses 10-16, he gives a positive example.
In verses 2-3, Paul points out these two prominent ladies in the church at Philippi who are at odds. He does not take sides; he does not say that either or both of these ladies are not saved; he simply points out the problem, urges them to be at unity, and gives practical instruction on how they can individually resolve the situation in verses 4-9. He tells them to rejoice (v.4); be known by all as reasonable by your habit (v.5); scuttle anxieties by giving them to God in prayer (v.6-7); and meditate on good things – and he gives examples in verses 8-9.
These things all lead to the humbling of self and the return to the Godly imperative of the Old Testament: Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said that all the law and prophets hang on those two principles.
To rejoice in the Lord is to delight yourself in God; enjoy him; appreciate what he provides instead of puffing ourselves up with all we suppose that we have done.
Be reasonable – but he doesn’t stop there; I mean, everyone thinks they’re reasonable – Go beyond that: be someone who is recognized by all as reasonable. Basically, don’t be recognized as a difficult person to be with – although it is not an excuse for us to behave badly because someone else is: Our standard is God, not those around us.
Get rid of anxieties: This is what happens when we start looking to ourselves to solve problems rather than God. The response that someone makes who is led by the Holy Spirit is that when things that would cause anxiety happen, we recognize that they have come from God to help us grow more like him. That’s what James is talking about in the first chapter of his book: Don’t get upset about difficulties, but embrace them as God-sent for our benefit. We might almost describe it like spiritual fitness. Certainly Paul uses imagery like that in his epistles.
Fourth, our actions are the result of our thoughts. We generally don’t act contrary to the inclinations of our heart. Thus, Paul’s solution is to meditate on things that are ‘true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, things worthy of praise’ (v.8).
Finally, Paul says: The things ‘you have learned and received and heard and seen in me’ – what I’ve taught you and what you’ve seen me do – ‘practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.’ (Phil. 4:9, ESV). Their problem was that they weren’t at peace – Do these things, Paul says, and the God of peace will be with you.
That is the negative example from Philippi with Paul's antidote. That is also the introduction. So what is the positive example?
We’ll look over two different main headings on this section: Paul’s analysis and Paul’s directive. What he observed, and, based on that, what he instructed them.
“10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You
were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being
in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought
low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of
facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who
strengthens me.
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.” (Philippians 4:10-19, ESV).
1. Paul’s Analysis
Chapter 4 is really what the whole letter has been building toward. Paul’s purpose in writing the letter was to help settle this feud in v.2-3, and to express appreciation for financial support that the Philippian church had sent him. The rest of the book is preparing the ground for Paul’s teaching about these two issues in their church.
He begins by sharing with them the joy that their gift brought him in v.10.
“I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You
were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.”
Now at length, or at last, you have helped support me again, Paul says. Less charitable readers might imply from this some acrimony on Paul’s part: 'It’s about time you sent me some money to support me'. But that is not Paul’s point at all. That’s why he stresses that, although it has been several years since they last sent him financial support to help provide for him in his mission work, this does not indicate a lack of concern for him, rather, there was just not an opportunity for them to give.
But why is Paul rejoicing in the Lord over their gift?
a. Their work is good, not because of need
If it was me, I can imagine thinking: ‘Wow, I was really running low on savings to provide for myself. This gift came just at the right time to fill some pressing needs.’ But that’s not what Paul says.
“11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be
content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every
circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.”
(Phil. 4:11-12, ESV).
Paul caps this point off with perhaps the most famous verse of this book,
“I can do all things through him [Christ] who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:11, ESV).
Now, this verse isn’t actually meant as a sort of Christian version of the American dream: ‘I can do anything I want to do…with God’s help!’ No, what Paul is saying is that, regardless of whether he is eating three meals a day and sleeping in a warm bed, or whether he is cold at night and unsure where his next meal is coming from, God provides for him. In either case, God cares for him.
That’s why Paul says his joy over their gift was not because of his need. I suspect Paul probably did not have an abundance of food and clothing or any other perks.
Here’s the thing, though, Paul does not want them to be full of themselves or think of themselves particularly highly as Christians because of this; he wants to put it in perspective. That’s why he says in verse 19,
“And my God will supply every need…”
It is the same way in evangelism. Like the sower of seeds in Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13: We are the sower. The seed is God’s Word. Some seed falls on good ground and grows and flourishes. Some seed falls on bad ground and never makes it to maturity. The growth of the seed – its life – comes from God. As Paul put it: I planted, another watered, but God gives the increase.
We have a tendency to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. God is all-powerful and all knowing. He has ordained all that will take place. God knows his own sheep. They will hear his voice, as it says in John 10. If we fail to share the Gospel with someone that God has told us to, that does not limit God’s ability to save them. But our failure does mean that we will not be involved in their salvation in any way.
Now, the fact that God does not need you or me to do any work – he can work without our help - that doesn’t mean that we should be indolent and unconcerned. God has commanded us to help others, particularly other believers, because they are our spiritual brothers and sisters. We are family members in Christ, and thus ought to care for each other. God has also commanded us to evangelize. Therefore, we must do so.
What we must not do is have a puffed up idea of our own importance. Perspective is needed so that we recognize that all we do is subordinate to what God does.
But if God could just magically create a pile of gold right next to Paul, and, for that matter, if God could simply save everyone on earth at that time, why does he want us to give and to evangelize? Why are these things important if God could simply do them himself?
b. Their work is good because of what it shows.
“14 Yet it was kind of your 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.” (Phil. 4:14-16, ESV).
Paul tells us that this church as a pattern of acting in this way – of supporting him in the ministry; providing financially for him. There were churches in which Paul refused to ask for money, in order that they not think of him as a traveling confidence man. But this is a church that Paul was close to. They knew that he was not using their money to enrich himself. On the contrary, the money was used to further the gospel.
As we saw in verse 10, Paul is rejoicing over their gift. This is a good thing they are doing – a godly thing. But he wants them to have perspective on why it is a good thing. We saw in v.11-13 that his joy is not merely because he needed their help. After all, God provides for him, Paul noted.
On the contrary, the reason he is rejoicing over their gift is in the next verse:
“17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.”
Now, remember back to chapter 1, verse 11. Paul prayed that they would, as a church, be
“filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
The purpose of God in creation was to create man in his image so that they could be in relationship with each other – God with man. God would show his power and glory and man would be blessed by God’s gifts and revel in God’s majesty.
Because of sin and the need for salvation, man is now in a different state. That’s what we were talking about at the beginning. What does a Christian look like? Our guilty record is gone because Jesus died for our sins - if we have repented of them and trusted him for salvation. Thus, we are no longer under condemnation for sin. But habitually, we still sin. That is why the Holy Spirit now indwells us: To conform us back into the image of God; to make us like Jesus Christ.
So that is why Paul is excited and rejoicing over their gift: It demonstrates that God is working in them. This is the not attitude of a non-believer. While those who are not Christians do sometimes help others, it is rare that they will be willing to give up much for someone else, particularly if it is not someone close to them.
The unbeliever who is separated from God is characterized by selfishness – putting himself first and others second. The believer, the one who has been reborn from above and has the Holy Spirit at work in his heart, is characterized by selflessness. We begin to see fruit in his life: He is beginning to love God and others more, and himself less.
Self-love and self-satisfaction are the enemies of God. Understand: We are not basically good people. We are by nature sinners who have been separated from God by our sin. It is only by God’s grace that there is any good in us at all. It is a lie from Satan that we are basically good. He doesn’t want us to see where we fall short and fail. The devil does not want us to see how dirty and sinful we really are. The closer we get to God, the more we will recognize just how sinful we are.
In order to emphasize the double-standard that we have, consider this statement from years back: “I can keep a secret just fine; it’s that person I told it to who can’t keep a secret.” We become annoyed at other people for making the same mistakes that we, if we’re honest about ourselves, are guilty of.
Now, this selfless behavior has been a theme of the whole book, really. Paul’s main point throughout Philippians has been: What does a follower of Jesus look like?
In chapter 1, he gave his own example: Paul is in prison, and other people were preaching the gospel out of spite: While they weren’t sincere, they were trying to ‘afflict him in his imprisonment’ (1:17). Paul’s response? He does not complain or whine. He rejoices that the gospel is being preached.
Does he complain in the same chapter about being in prison or the fact that might be executed (as does eventually take place)? No. He says that his imprisonment has actually made it clear to the imperial guard in Rome that he is imprisoned for Christ. And Paul’s life on earth, he tells us, is not important to him. In fact, Paul says in 1:23, I’d just as soon be gone and with Christ now, but I recognize that I can still be of help to you in my teaching. In any case, Paul is willing to leave those details up to Christ. He truly has learned, as he said in chapter 4, verse 11, to be content in every situation.
But then in chapter 2, Paul tells us to have the same attitude as Christ.
“1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the
Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same
love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in
humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own
interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in
Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to
be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of
men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of
death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the
name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven
and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:1-11, ESV).
That’s what Peter was saying earlier in 1 Peter 4:
"1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for
whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live for the rest of the time in the
flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:1-2, ESV).
And finally in Philippians 3, Paul notes practically his own example. His desire is,
“10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings,
becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from
the dead.12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it
my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made
it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
(Phil. 3:10-14, ESV).
In view of that, Paul exhorts,
“15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God
will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.” (Phil. 3:15-16, ESV).
That leads us into the second (and much briefer) point,
2. Paul’s Directive
Paul said in chapter 4, verse 17,
“Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.”
Basically, this is the kind of attitude they should have: This generous, selfless, giving attitude. And I don’t think this was just their spare change from a penny jar. Paul describes their gift in verse 18 as,
“…a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.”
This imagery looks back to sacrifices of the Old Testament, and to an extent, even pagan sacrifices. The smell of this offering is pleasing to God. The idea behind those sacrifices was that it cost them deeply. In the book of Malachi, that is what God is angered over. The people were offering blind animals and tainted crops as sacrifices to God. The Lord said, ‘If you offered that to the governor, would he accept it?’ On the contrary, this gift was pleasing to the Lord. It showed selflessness and generosity.
We are to cultivate this kind of behavior.
As we noted earlier, we’re being transformed by the Holy Spirit into the image of Christ. That’s why how we act is so important. God no longer walks on the earth as Jesus did. People can’t just look at him. He is veiled in his creation. The world sees God through believers, and our purpose is to glorify him: To demonstrate his glory in changing us from sinners to saints.
But if we still act just like everyone else – self-centered and greedy, what kind of message do we send about God? It ought to be obvious that we are different.
In closing, there are two things we need to do. First, examine ourselves carefully, not being afraid to uncover sin inside us or to be changed if necessary. That’s a necessity if we are truly saved by Christ. If you don’t bear the cross, you can’t wear the crown.
Second, pray for the Holy Spirit’s help. We cannot do it on our own. Trying to rely on ourselves to change will make no result. We need to first pray for God’s help and seek to demonstrate Christ’s example to those around us as best we can, recognizing that we will still fail often. One key to changing is to look back at Paul’s advice in Philippians 4:4-9. These are marvelous keys to cultivating Godliness within ourselves.
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