At the moment I have all I need - and more! 

I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God.

Philippians 4:18 NLT

Paul seems to be giving us a glimpse of two things here. 

He's just told us that he knows how to be content with plenty or with little, and here, at least in part, he shows it in his attitude - I've actually got plenty. He's not comparing to others, he's comparing to what he needs. 

(The implication is if he had a need he would ask. If you have a need - ask)

Paul recognises, knows, that their giving is sacrificial. They've given something up to help him. 

It's humbling when that happens. 

When you receive a gift of time, money, resources in some way and realise that they could've used that for themselves.

But instead chose to give.

And thirdly (OK seems there were 3 things) Paul connects their giving, their heart, their actions to God. There's something going on in the spiritual realm, God was blessed by their generosity. That outcome was not reliant on Paul noticing or writing about it. God knows your heart and sees your giving (time, money, resources) and is blessed by it. 

Even if no one else sees or acknowledges it. 

#lockdownlessons

#sunday

#worship

#givingisanactofworship