Renewing our partnership

Renewing our partnership
What’s the secret?
Philippians 4:10-23
 
Renewed partnership, (vss. 10-13)
“I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me.  Indeed you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
 
Renewed partnership, (vss. 14-17)
“Yet it was good for you to partner in my troubles.  Moreover,…when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared  with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only… Not that I am looking for a gift…”
 
Renewed partnership, (vss. 18-20)
“I have received full payment and even more…  And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.  To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever.  Amen.”
 
“Secret” #1
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
What things?
 
What this doesn’t mean…
ž     I can do anything I want…pro athlete, any career, lift any weight and leap tall buildings…
ž     I can get a date with “Mr. Beautiful” or “Miss Gorgeous,” and be popular…
ž     I will land the big job/position/pay
 
It does mean that as I seek to advance the gospel in partnership with others, I can handle any circumstance I find myself in because of Christ’s strengthening work in my life.
 
“Secret” #2
“…my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
What needs?
 
What this doesn’t mean…
ž     God will give me what I want, especially if I obey him and pray
ž     God wants me to be rich!!!
ž     If I become a Christian, I won’t struggle anymore with needs…
 
What it does mean is that as we are partnering together in the advance of the Gospel, God will meet our NEEDS.
 
It’s all for God’s glory
As we seek to advance the gospel together in the midst of opposition…
 
ž     God strengthens us no matter what our circumstances are…what are mine, and how can I appropriate Christ’s strength here?
ž     God is pleased with and will reward our partnership…how is God calling me to partner with others for the progress of the gospel?
ž     God provides for our needs…what really are my needs as Jesus sees them, and what do I need to ask him for?