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Philippians 4:14-20
In Philippians 4:14-20 we see the full circle of blessing in Christ Jesus for all who will believe in Him and follow His way for our lives. In Philippians 4:14 we see one in need. Jesus taught us to care for those in need and gave us an example of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. The Philippians took action in looking after the needs of Paul while he was in prison (Philippians 4:15-16). Paul shows his sincerity in the actions/works of the Philippians as he states in Philippians 4:17 (NKJV), “17Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.” The fruit of the labor of the Philippians is seen as Paul states in Philippians 4:18, “18Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.” In Philippians 4:19 the promise of blessing is given to the faithful Philippians in that through their faith in Christ Jesus and following His will, God will also provide for their needs. And in Philippians 4:20 is the pinnacle of the event – that this is all done to the glory of God our Father in heaven.
This is an example of being an active Christian.
Jesus declared in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” As God calls each of us to Him, we are called to a life of action – action to declare the gospel and be an example to others of the life that God called us to in Christ Jesus. Jesus gives us the security that He will be with us as we step out and stand up for Him. In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus declared, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Dear LORD,
In following in the example that Jesus set for us all in being a Christian, the Apostle Paul declared in Colossians 1:27-29, “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.” May this be true and present, alive, and active in all our lives – In Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.