Worshipping in a Place of Blessing with other Believers

Philippians 4:18-23

18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

This is the last of the letter to the Philippians. Paul encourages the church by assuring him that their “gift” or support was ample for his needs. Let’s look at how he describes it though: a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. The gift was to Paul (physically) however the spiritual gift was to God, because it was to support furthering His kingdom. This is the difference between this world and His. We look at it as a monetary gift, however God looks at the heart that gave it. The amount is inconsequential, the heart condition is key. By keeping our hearts in a giving attitude to glorify God, THIS is how we please Him. It’s why I think it is so ridiculous when people compare their “good deeds”. It all looks different in comparison to each other, but to God it is all worship, just like any sin is still sin. There is no great or small. Think back to the woman who only gave 2 pennies. Why did she give more than the rich who gave tons of money? Because she gave to worship God, not to look good or save on taxes. Yeah, I went there.

It is by having this worship driven heart that we store up riches in heaven, as Paul explains the church has put itself in a place of blessing. By having a heart that yearns to serve Christ, serving comes naturally. We don’t have to do things to increase our faith, we get to do things as our faith increases. It is so easy to mix up that concept. We shouldn’t begrudge serving, we should look forward to it. If we don’t look forward to it, something is missing.

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. Paul has said something similar in the other letters of his I have read so far and I anticipate the trend will continue. We should greet our brethren as that, brethren. Why do we avoid other Christians? We should step out and be kind to our family. Paul sends his greetings from those around him, including those that some may not expect. Why? Because they are followers and believers of Jesus Christ. Why wouldn’t they? We have lived in our house over a year and for the first time yesterday we spoke to our neighbor about our faith. While we don’t communicate often, I imagine we would have communicated more if we both knew that we were family. This is why we should be outward about our faith.

Why do you worship? Are you in a place of blessing? How do you greet fellow believers?

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