Sowing The Seed For The Future

Image cc:Pierre-François Pirlet

15 You Philippians indeed know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone.

16 For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs more than once. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account.

18 I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:15-20New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

E + R = O

Event + Response = Outcome

Event ● Paul had received some

gifts

● The condtions of Roman Jails

● The dangers of traveling● The distance

Event ● Epaphroditus

● a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. Phillipians 2:25

Response 1) Memories are triggered

● Their longterm and consistant giving● Others who weren't so generous● Of a loyal and committed partnership

Response 1) Memories are triggered

2)A letter is written● An overflowing theological thank you card

OutcomeFor Paul

● Fully satisfiedI have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied Phil. 4:18

as a net filled with fish or cup filled to brim. Blessed in every way possible. Financially, relationally, spiritually

OutcomeFor the Phillipians

● Their account will also be fullAnd my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:19

the promise is to meet needs not their "greeds" and all of their wishes, wants, or whims.

OutcomeFor God● The pure delight of humanity 'getting it right'

a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. Phil. 4:18

Nothing better in life than watching others 'get it right' – smells mighty fine

OutcomeFor Us● A love letter from God to us● A challenge

● What would world history have looked like if the church at Phillipi had not been so generous?

The Lesson of the Fist

The Lesson of the Fist

● Tight● Open● Measured

The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6, 7

OutcomeFor God● The pure delight of humanity 'getting it right'

a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. Phil. 4:18

Nothing better in life than watching others 'get it right' – smells mighty fine

Sowing The Seed For The Future

Image cc:Pierre-François Pirlet

Barry Pearman

about.me: Barry Pearman

Email: barry@turningthepage.info

Twitter: @barrypearman

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