15 And you, Philippians, 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 in Thessalonica you sent [gifts] The bracketed text has been added for clarity. for my need several times. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that is increasing to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, a welcome sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. [Phil. 4:15-20]
What is appreciation? Appreciation is thankful recognition for what someone has done for you. Appreciation is a necessary part of any relationship we engage in. Our relationships with a person or persons can be strengthened by a little appreciation. So, lets read and explain Paul’s letter of appreciation to the Philippian church:
What is appreciation? Appreciation is thankful recognition for what someone has done for you. Appreciation is a necessary part of any relationship we engage in. Our relationships with a person or persons can be strengthened by a little appreciation. So, lets read and explain Paul’s letter of appreciation to the Philippian church:
15 And you, Philippians, 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.
When Paul had left the area of Macedonia (Acts 16:40), the Philippian church was the only group to support his needs.
16 For even in Thessalonica you sent [gifts] The bracketed text has been added for clarity. for my need several times.
When Paul was in the area of Thessalonica preaching (Acts 17:1-14), the Philippian church still supported his needs. Not only one time, but they sent gifts several times.
17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that is increasing to your account.
Paul says he is not seeking the support of the Philippians, but he wants to see them showing their fruit as Christians. As they were giving of themselves to Paul, they were also storing up treasures for themselves in heaven (Luke 6:38).
18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, a welcome sacrifice, pleasing to God.
He had received all that they had sent to him with Epaphroditus. Not only did Paul have what he needed, but he had an abundant supply. Their sacrificial gift to Paul was pleasing to God.
19 And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
By sending sacrificial gifts to Paul, the Philippians had probably depleted some of their resources. Paul tells them that God will continue to supply for their needs.
So, what does this have to do with appreciation? First of all, the Philippian church appreciated Paul. They obviously believed in him and his ministry or they would not be willing to sacrifice to support him. Second of all, Paul showed appreciation to the Philippians by basically writing them a thank you note. He made sure they knew how much he appreciated their support, not only him, but God as well.
So, what does this have to do with appreciation? First of all, the Philippian church appreciated Paul. They obviously believed in him and his ministry or they would not be willing to sacrifice to support him. Second of all, Paul showed appreciation to the Philippians by basically writing them a thank you note. He made sure they knew how much he appreciated their support, not only him, but God as well.
Appreciation is thankful recognition for what someone has done for you. Paul expressed his appreciation in a thank you note. How are we expressing our appreciation to others? Or are we?
Aaron
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