“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed 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.” (Philippians 4:13-18 NKJV)
The apostle Paul, in the strength He gained through Christ, learned
to be content in whatever circumstances he found himself, whether he had plenty
or had need of many things. Paul trusted God to provide what was truly necessary
(Matthew 6:25-34, Hebrews 4:14-16) so
he could continue preaching and teaching the gospel of Christ.
When we set our hearts to help – willing to sacrifice some
of what God has blessed us with (Deuteronomy 8:18, 2 Corinthians 9:8, 1
Timothy 6:17-19) – we can be part of how God blesses those who faithfully preach
and teach His word!
What does this sacrifice look like?
- Financial help – help relieve some of the cost of living so he can focus on preaching (Philippians 4:13-18, 2 Corinthians 11:6-9. 1 Corinthians 9:7-12)
- Hospitality – open your home and cupboard to him (2 Kings 4:8-10, Acts 16:15 and 40, Romans 12:13, 2 Timothy 1:16-18, Hebrews 13:2)
- Sincere words of encouragement – esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake (Ephesians 4:29, 2 Corinthians 7:5-7, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)
- Praying for them – pray that God grant them knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual understanding, that they may know how to answer each one with grace (Matthew 9:37-38, 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, Ephesians 6:18-20, Colossians 4:2-6, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2)
- Obeying God and growing
- hearing his words, searching the scriptures to find out if the they are so, and
applying them to your daily walk (Acts
17:11, 2 Corinthians 7:8-11, 2 Thessalonians 3:4-5, 2 Timothy 1:13, Hebrews
13:7, James 1:21-25, 2 Peter 3:17-18, etc.)
This sacrifice that causes a sweet-smelling aroma and is acceptable
and well pleasing to God can be any or all of those things mentioned above. If
you are blessed with money – be generous. If you are blessed with space in your
home or at your table – invite them in (If you don’t have space you can take
the food to them). If you have a tender heart of care – build these men up with
sincere words that will refresh and revitalize them. When you pray – remember them.
When you hear them speak God’s word – listen attentively, follow in your Bible,
obey God’s truth; your progress will be evident to the preacher and to all (1 Timothy 4:15).
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NKJV)
What a wonderful sacrifice it is to help support a man who faithfully
proclaims God’s word! It is a sacrifice we still need to offer – are you ready?
You can do it! So can
I!!
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