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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
We read this final section of Paul’s letter at Philippians Chapter 4verse 13 – I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. These words are penned by a man in prison in Rome. Even if I have nothing, I can do whatever Jesus Christ wants me to do because He will give me strength. Paul can more than cope.
He knows that when Jesus Christ calls him to do something, that Jesus Christ will equip him for that task, and it could be the dangers and perils of travelling, or waiting as a prisoner in the city of Rome, not knowing exactly what was going to happen next.
Their care for Paul had blossomed again. They had been in this work together for 20 years or so, and Paul writes about how they had ministered to his needs over these past years. Now, although he was not looking for a gift, the receiving of a gift had consequences. Concern from them resulted in contentment in Paul.
Verse 17 – He goes on to use what is commercial language – business talk. You have made an investment by sending the gift and that will show in the accounts.
Not only was it good of you, but it will be good for you.
Verse 18 – You gave me more than you needed to – it meant a lot to Paul, and it was a blessing too to those who sent this gift – and it pleases God! God will see this on the credit side of your accounts. There was a fragrance resulting from what you gave. Yes, you had to sacrifice to give and that was acceptable and pleasing to God.
When God’s people meet the needs of each other, it is as though he says – “That smells good”.
Paul knew that God would repay the Philippians, and that all their needs would be met according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
This makes Paul burst into a word of praise and glory. I am glad that we belong to God, and I am glad that we belong to the God the Father, through Jesus Christ. There is no other way we can belong to God.
Greetings are important. It has been likened to the circulation of the blood, in the body of Christ. It keeps the body healthy – love and gifts and greetings – these keep things flowing.
How we meet each other is important. The way we leave each other is important.
Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers send greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. Here are greetings from the believing servants of Jesus Christ, in the Roman Palace.
Greetings say – we acknowledge you. We want to continue to deepen this relationship in Christ.
We are with you and concerned about you and remembering you. We seek your wellbeing. We want you to be blessed by our loving God.
Shalom – peace be with you. May peace flow in you.
Letter writing at that time was so important and so costly, compared to today.
Consider all that this letter conveys – concern for one another within the body of Christ – answers to questions – dealing with a few issues and problems – the importance of being in Christ and having the mind of Christ, and how to have the mind of Christ – and giving thanks for the kindnesses of others – and reassuring them that God will provide for them just as He provided for him.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
The generous love of God – may that be with you spirit – may that flavour your life – may that flavour you this coming week – and may we leave a fragrance wherever we go.
“Almighty God – for this letter written, by the man You chose – for Paul’s life and ministry and testimony and openness – we give You thanks and praise. As we read and study parts of the Bible let its rich truths guide and direct our path – and protect us from following the wrong pathway. Thank You for the forgiveness of our sins, and that amazing peace which follows and flows – and thank You for the anointing power of the Holy Spirit. For so many gifts and riches and blessings, we praise You and thank You and worship You – in Jesus’ Name.” Amen
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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