Philippians 4:10-23: Paul's Thank-You Note
WE'VE ALL WRITTEN thank-you notes for gifts received for a birthday or for Christmas. Such notes usually include rather conventional phrases about the thankfulness of the recipient and the thoughtfulness of the giver. In Philippians 4 Paul thanks the Philippians for a gift of money they sent. However, it is a most unusual thank-you note. First he breaks the conventional rules by waiting until the very end of the letter to say thank you. Then he writes as though he didn't really need the gift!
Warming Up to God
Have you thanked God for his many gifts to you lately? Take time to do so before you begin.
Read Philippians 4:10-23. »
Discovering the Word
- Paul thanks the Philippians not for the money but for the concern they have shown (v. 10). Why would this have been more important to Paul?
- Many people believe they can only be content once they have reached a certain level of economic prosperity. How does their view differ from Paul's secret of contentment (vv. 11-13)?
- How had the Philippians helped Paul both in the past and the present (vv. 14-18)?
- What benefits does Paul expect the Philippians to receive from their giving (vv. 17-19)?
Applying the Word
- Many people complain that missionaries are always asking for money. How does this passage provide a model for both missionaries and those who support them?
- How will this passage affect your giving?
Responding in Prayer
Pray for Christian workers you know, that they would have the emotional and financial support they need.
For Further Study
Getting Sent: A Relational Approach to Support Raising by Pete Sommer