gratitude, offers it up, “an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God” (v. 18 ASV). If we were better acquainted with the ritual of Old Testament worship, we could appreciate more fully the figure which Paul uses. After the offering had been presented to God, the priest turned to the waiting worshippers to bestow God’s blessings of acceptance. This is what Paul does in that verse which so many have committed to memory: “And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (v. 19 ASV). The inner contentment he has found even in the midst of his ad verse circumstances will be theirs also, and ours if we avail ourselves of the riches of God’s glory in Christ. In the realization of this truth we turn with gratitude overflowing to “God our Father (to whom be) the glory forever and ever. Amen” (v. 20 ) . IV. F arewells and B enediction In the salutation at the beginning of his letter, Paul included only Tim othy with himself, but now his word of farewell is enlarged to take in all the brethren that are with him (in the immediate circle of friends who attended him) and all the saints (in the city of Rome), with special mention of those who were of Cae sar’s household (vv. 21-22). Those of us who have shared in the study of this lovely letter will want to bow together now for Paul’s final benediction. It may help us to remember, before doing so, that the Greek word for grace which he is about to use has survived to this day in our word “charm.” There is a charm about this epistle that we would reflect in our attitude to others. By the quality of our own living we would pass on its love and joy and peace to those around us and on out to others in the ever-widening circle of our influence. Our resources for doing so are found in the measureless grace of God. And now: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit” (v. 23 ASV). 35
cults of which there were many in Paul’s day. The truths learned in the process of initiation may be quite simple, but they are revealed only in the experience itself and thus can never become known to outsiders. Having been duly initiated, Paul is in possession of the happy secret of independence, but it is a secret which he longs to share with others, for he says forthwith, “I am a match for all circumstances through the One whose inflow of power keeps enabling me” (1:13). This statement crowns them all. We can be sure that any one who can sincerely make it has come to happy terms with his sur roundings and will go on life’s way in peace. (2) For them (vv. 15-17). — Hav ing established his own independence as a servant of Christ, and thus his position to accept their gift, not as an object of charity, but as a priest in the house of God, Paul turns to the Philippians and says, “Howbeit ye did well, having fellowship with me in my affliction” (v. 14). He cites their past record to establish the fel lowship which they enjoyed from the beginning in this matter of giving and receiving (w . 15-16). Paul encourages such practical fel lowship in the gospel, not on the basis of their own charitable impulses nor yet on the basis of need—his own or that of those to whom he ministers —but on the basis of a sound business investment in eternal values, where dividends will accrue to them at com pound interest through all time to come. This is the scriptural appeal for giving, and businessmen in par ticular will respond eagerly when once they see that, like Paul, we seek not the gift, but the fru it that in creases to their account (v. 17). 2. Its Acceptance (w . 18-20) Paul now acknowledges “receipt in full,” which is the meaning of the verb translated “I have all things.” With profound satisfaction in what they have done, he places their gift on the altar of Christ and, along with the incense of his own prayers of
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