May 23, 2025 -- Philippians 4:15-17 -- Thankful for the support

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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.
Philippians 4:15-17 ESV
 
Of these verses Sinclair Ferguson writes:
It was a partnership, each partner contributing something different to the other.
Thus viewed, the Philippians would never become jealous of Paul’s status or
gifts, nor would Paul complain that he alone bore the burden of Christian
ministry. It is an ideal description of the relationship we ought to foster among
ourselves. Ministers and people, missionaries and their supporting
congregations alike should learn from Paul’s example that there is no such
thing as a one-man ministry or missionary.
Ferguson, Let’s Study Philippians, page 111
 
The words of Paul and the explanation of Ferguson are so wonderfully humbling. It is easy for any Christian to have the feeling he is off on his own, serving Jesus with no other help. For my part I am reminded to be so thankful to God for the tremendous support I receive in ministry. There are incarcerated men who are faithful in their prayers for me. Even in a place of hardship, they are expressing to me their commitment to prayer. What a huge blessing that is. Many people make donations to Redemption Prison Ministry. Others volunteer at the thrift stores so that funds are raised. Through this passage, I realize once again that as a prison-visiting pastor God has raised up a huge community of supporters. His Spirit leads many to pray, to give, to encourage, and serve so that the work I do is possible.
 
Bring that home to yourself. Do you realize that the Holy Spirit of God has stirred fellow believers to pray for you, to encourage you, or to visit you so that you are encouraged in your walk with God? You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Many times you won’t be able to see who they are; but heaven will be a wonder and a time of overwhelming gratitude to God for the followers of Jesus Christ. By the gift of heavenly hindsight, you’ll be able to see the great support and help He had arranged for your darkest hours, when you might have thought you were all alone.
 
Blessed Father in heaven, gracious and faithful to Your people, thank You for the gift of Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the Sheep. Thank You for the work of the Holy Spirit, through whom gifts are distributed among believers so that Your grace is administered among the whole family of God. As recipients of Your great grace and lovingkindness, we bless You and sing out Your goodness. As those privileged to serve others (doing so knowing it is Christ Himself whom we honour through our sacrificial giving) increase our zeal and willingness to bless others. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/slQ6MTJLU4I?si=aNUDRTrpVIdguZXg Come, Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy
 

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