From the very beginning of this book it is very evident that Paul has a great love for the people to whom he is writing. In verses 1-2 he opens up with a standard greeting of grace and peace to the believers at Philippi, but in the third verse he begins to open up his heart about his feelings for his readers. Paul writes “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now….” The church at Philippi had generously given to Paul so that he could spread the gospel to many other places and he was grateful for their faithful participation. Without their financial help and prayers, Paul would not have been able to accomplish as much as he had done. Paul was also confident that God was greatly using them to fulfill His purposes in getting the gospel to other groups of people; in fact, Paul states that “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Salvation is granted at the moment a person places their faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, but final salvation and glorification is not fully accomplished until the return of Jesus Christ (1:6). Paul wanted them to look forward to the day when their salvation would be complete. Until that time, Paul wanted the church to know he had a great love for them and their efforts to assist in Paul’s ministry (1:7-8). Paul also challenged them not to lose their love but that it may “abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” His ultimate desire for the believers at Philippi was that they would be “filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Good works are accomplished through Jesus Christ and always point people’s attention to God the Father. We must learn from the church at Philippi about supporting those who are spreading the gospel and how our participation points other people to God. When you give money, look at it as an opportunity for someone to hear about the salvation which is freely given through Jesus Christ.
Dear God, give me a greater ability to give so that the gospel can be spread throughout the world!
