18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied,
Paul indicates that he has received everything in full, he’s speaking in terms of that commerce-like language of friendship that the Romans often employed. Basically he’s saying that he’s been paid back fully in terms of the friendship and service that he’s given the Philippians.
When Paul says he has an abundance, he’s saying that he abounds.
Their gift has given him abundance, and that he knows how to use their gift for God’s glory.
Paul expresses his motivation, which is for their spiritual growth, their progress and joy in the faith.
It would be very natural to turn to the language of commerce again to describe the Philippians (largely) monetary gift, but the minute that Paul begins to refer to the gift directly, he turns away from the language of commerce, and to the language of sacrifice, saying
a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
The picture is the burnt offering, which was understood as a “fragrant offering” to God. Since this sacrifice had been properly offered by the Philippians, out of a love for God, and a desire to see His work of the Gospel done and His will done, the sacrifice is “an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God”.
19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Paul is rejoicing in the Lord, saying that his God will supply the Philippians needs-God will assume the responsibility for returning their blessing, for reciprocating for Paul.
In the midst of suffering attacks of opponents of the Gospel, experiencing the same conflict that Paul was experiencing (Phil 1:27-30), God was richly supplying the encouragement, the ability to stand, and the Joy needed to further the gospel.
In the midst of divisions and strive, God will supply the grace and humility to serve each other with joy (Phil 2:2)
In the face of anxiety and fear, God was supplying their needs by not only by supplying the “peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, but will be present with them as the “God of Peace”, Jehovah Shalom.
Paul reminds them of God’s wealth beyond imagination as He dwells “in glory”, made available to us, His children by adoption through putting our trust in Christ Jesus.
20 Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
After describing God’s glory and riches, Paul can’t help but worship.
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus.
Paul greets each saint within the church, but as a group.
The brethren who are with me greet you.
Paul is sending greetings from the circle of fellow saints immediately around him, fellow workers and saints like Luke and Epaphroditus who had served with him in Rome.
22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.
By imprisoning Paul in Rome, the Romans had brought the one person most likely to be effective in spreading the Gospel there
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Paul leaves them with a benediction of grace. The standard “good-bye” in Roman letters is “be strong”. Paul prays that the Grace of Jesus strengthens their spirit
Paul yielded to the will of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
What makes it scripture is that the Holy Spirit has inspired the apostle Paul to write. (2 Tim 3:16) tells us;
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
In Philippians, Paul has taught us:
Put thanksgiving prayer and our relationship with God first
Nurture our relationships with each other as brothers and sisters in Christ with a love that abounds more and more.
God can use our perseverance to inspire others to speak the Word of God
Jesus is our example in all things, the name which is above every name, at which every knee will bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (in Phil 2:9-11).
That self-righteousness or law-righteousness is rubbish, compared to the righteousness of Christ found through faith in Him (Phil 3:7-9).
We’ve heard Paul reprove
Those who’s selfish ambition was causing them to preach Christ out of a spirit of envy and strife.
Those who oppose the Philippians in their work of sharing the gospel, bound for destruction.
Evil-workers who would try to turn them away from Christ and back to religious institutions, rituals and traditions (Phil 3:3),
We’ve heard him warn the Philippians of those who walk as enemies of the Cross of Christ (Phil 3:18)-who refuse to die to their sin and take up their cross and follow Jesus.
We’ve heard Paul’s correction
To “conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Phil 1:27)
To stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel (Phil 1:27) in unity.
To avoid grumbling or complaining and to stop acting like the crooked and perverse generation around them and instead shine as lights to those around them (Phil 2:14-15)
Paul has given training in righteousness,
Suppressing his own desire to depart the earth and be with Christ in order to be available for God’s use “for [your] progress and joy in the faith (Phil 1:25)
Pouring himself out as a drink-offering in joy, and sharing this joy with all of them (Phil 2:14).
“make [his] joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose (Phil 2:2)
By having “this attitude which was also in Christ Jesus (Phil 2:5) the attitude of humble obedience to God, “taking the form of a bond-servant” (Phil 2:7) as He did,
cooperate with the process of sanctification, telling them to “work out their own salvation with fear and trembling” living their lives for God’s good pleasure (Phil 2:12-13), put[ting] no confidence in the flesh (Phil 3:3).
dedication and endurance, not slipping backward in our relationship with Jesus (Phil 3:16), but forgetting what lies behind and straining forward like an athlete in training, pressing into our relationship with Jesus, and the ultimate prize that awaits us when we see Him in Heaven (Phil 3:13-14) and living as citizens of Heaven while we are still on earth, as we eagerly await our savior (Phil 3:20).
To stand firm in the Lord despite opposition, arguments and circumstances (Phil 4:1).
To rejoice in the Lord always (Phil 4:4);
Not to let the enemy steal that joy with worry and anxiety, but to pray with thanksgiving, letting our requests be made know to God (Phil 4:6),
Dwell on true things, honorable things, right things, pure things, lovely things and admirable things, looking to find the good in all situations.
The fact that this letter to the Philippians is inspired scripture—that’s what makes an epistle
The Holy Spirit wanted to address all of these things and speak to the Philippian church
The inspiration of the Holy Spirit makes your sacrifice, your sharing in the work of the Gospel, a wonderful thing.
The Holy Spirit can turn your service to God, no matter how small into something wonderful that blesses others.
Allow God to do what He wants to do through you–THAT’s what will make all of the difference in your life, and in the lives of others around you.