Blossoming into a Transformed Participant

Bible Passage: Philippians 4:10-20

I. About the church at Philippi:

1. Lydia’s open house
2. A hospitable jailor
3. Fellowship in the Gospel
4. Hard working co-workers
5. Supporting of missionaries
6. Partnership in ministry

II. How did this church stand out as a generous, hospitable, and giving church?

1. They probably understood that their restored relationship with God has two components: continuous receiving from Him and generous reciprocity towards Him (cf. 4:15)
2. Gospel converted them from being transactional givers to transformed participants
3. The generosity of the people demonstrates that their hearts were completely transformed, that they believed in the power of the Gospel and they wanted to advance it
4. It demonstrates that their hearts were rich towards God that participating financially was worship to them (cf. 4:18)
5. God initiates giving, empowers givers, supplies gifts, and meets needs (Walter Hanson)

III. According to Phil 4:10, their participation in the Gospel-work turned dormant for a short period of time (Read 4:10b)!! Strange!!

IV. During their dormancy, Paul lists three factors that sustained him (4:11-14)

1. Contentment (verse 11 cf. 4:18)
2. Adaptability (verse 12)
3. Dependency on Christ (verse 13)

V. After being in a brief period of dormancy or inactivity in matters of giving and receiving, Philippians renewed their commitment towards Paul and his ministry (4:10b)

1. Paul uses a botanical term “blossom” for renewal of their commitment to him (4:10b)
2. Ministry is a team sport, and everyone has a role to play and there is no place for apathy
3. God renews those who have a track record of stewardship (cf. 4:10)
4. God initiates giving, empowers givers, supplies gifts, and meets needs (Walter Hanson)
5. God stirred the Philippian believers to do what they are good at: receiving and giving (4:15, 17)

VI. Paul redefines the giving (verse 17-18)

1. Giving is not necessarily benefits the receiver, but it benefits the giver (verses 17-18)
2. Materially, it demonstrated their partnership and friendship
3. Theologically, it demonstrated spiritual maturity and growth
4. Spiritually, it is an act of worship to God
a. Fragrance
b. Acceptable
c. Pleasing
d. The Philippians have not only supplied the needs of Apostle Paul, but they have offered a spiritual service to God
e. In the giving, there is a threefold cord: Philippian Christians, Paul, and God
VII. Paul says that God blesses bountifully those who participate in the advancement of His work (verse 19)

Take Away

1. Blossom again
2. Become a transformed participant