Impressions from Philippians 4:14-23

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 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. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 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. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Lesson Focus: Live sent!

1. God’s Provision (14-23)
share my trouble – This was Paul’s way of letting the Philippians know he was not being ungrateful for their most recent gift. He assured them that he considered them partners in ministry. “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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (vs. 12-13)
in the beginning of the gospel –10 years earlier Paul preached to a group of women in Philippi and Lydia started a house church. (Acts 16:11-15)

I seek the fruit that increases to your credit - Paul thanks the Philippians for their gifts and assures them that the spiritual meaning of their gifts is far more important to him than the gifts themselves.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21) Sermon on the Mount

a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God - What a blessing it is to know that our gifts are looked upon as spiritual sacrifices to the Lord that rejoice His heart!

And my God will supply every need of yours - Paul believed in the providence of God, that God was in control of events and that He was able to meet every need. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Rom. 8:28).

Vision always precedes provision.

Impression: Paul knew, without a doubt, that he was blessed with God’s presence, peace, power, and provision.

(Outline heavily influenced by Warren Weirsbe)