| Philippians 4 1 Therefore, my dearly beloved and longed for brothers, my joy and crown, stand fast in the Lord. 2 I beseech Euodias, and Syntyche, to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I entreat you also, true yoke fellows, to help these women who have labored with me in the gospel, with Clement and others of my fellow laborers whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is [near] at hand.1 6 Be concerned about nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which is superior to all your mind's thoughts, will keep your hearts and minds [quiet and worry free] through Christ Jesus. [Peace comes as the carnal mind is destroyed to be replaced with a new mind, the mind of Christ. From the Word of the Lord within: "We seek a lasting peace. Grace destroys sin. There is a blessing to make the cessation of the mind permanent. Live in peace forever."] 8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things. 9 Put into practice what you have learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me; and the God of peace will be with you. 10 But I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that now, at last, your care for me has flourished again; you were indeed concerned before but you lacked the opportunity to show it. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned to be content in whatever state I am. 12 I know both how to be in need, and how to have plenty; everywhere and in all things I am instructed both how to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless you have done well to have shared in my affliction. 15 Now you Philippians also know that in the beginning of the gospel ministry, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid again and again for my necessities.2 17 Not that I want a gift, but because I seek fruit that will be credited to your account. 18 I have all I need and an abundance. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things that were sent by you, a sweet smelling odor of a sacrifice that is acceptable and well pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints salute you, chiefly those who are of Caesar's household. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Previous Chapter | |||||||||
1 You can't believe Paul's other writings, and say he was confused about the Lord's return being near. He was not confused because Jesus said the same thing: The time has come, the kingdom of God is near. Repent, and believe the good news. Mark 1:15. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus is recorded saying that some then standing with him, 2000 years ago, would see his glorious coming with the Kingdom before they died. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus is recorded saying all the end times prophesies would be fulfilled before the generation of 2000 years ago died, (click here to see them all). For his return is to purified believers, in all generations, who have prepared the way of the Lord, making his beaten paths straight, by repentance through grace, to crucify the sinful nature. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh [the sinful nature] with its passions and desires [lusts and affections]. Gal 5:24. The kingdom of God does not come with outward signs to be observed, Neither shall they say, Look Here! or, look over there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you and around you. Luke 17:20-21.
He said: For the Son of man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels;
and then he will reward every man according to his works. (Not just a particular generation.)
Some standing here will not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. Mat 16:27-8,Mar 8:38,9:1,Luke 9:26-27
Those not purified, to see Jesus' coming in them before death, see him as they die, as all peoples, all nations, all generations do.
Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye will see him, and also those who pierced him: (also, the Jews 2000 years ago)
and all the peoples of the earth will wail because of him. Even so, Amen. Rev 1:7.
2000 years ago, to the Jewish High Priest and the Pharisees at his trial, Jesus said..
you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven. Mark 14:62
This is not a particular generation in our time or later. (See Howgill for more on those not purified).
2 In this verse he says: even in Thessalonica you sent aid again and again for my necessities. These were two unsolicited, but greatly appreciated, gifts.
This is what Jesus taught: Luke 10:7-8 Jesus said: Remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. So here Jesus says, eat and drink such things as they give, because a worker is worthy of his hire. This is the wages that Christ allows — gifts.
Paul confirmed this: Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit.
On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God. 2 Cor 2:17
Paul says: What is my reward then? Truly, that when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel of Christ without charge, so that I do not abuse my power in the gospel. 1 Cor 9:18
And Paul further says: Neither did we eat any man's bread without paying for it, but labored and toiled night and day, so that we might not be a burden to any of you, Not because we did not have the right, but to make ourselves an example for you to follow. 2 Thes 3:8-9 (Paul was hoping to set an example for pastors, which example the great majority have failed to notice.)
Paul again: Just as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 1 Cor 10:33.
When a preacher asks for a contribution, and someone complies, it is not a gift; it is a solicitation. Fund-raising is asking. Passing the plate is asking.
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