A Sacrifice Pleasing to God Philippians 4:18

Paul the apostle commended the Philippians for ministering to him in his time of affliction. He noted their giving not because he desired anything from them, but rather that they would have “fruit that may abound” to their account. In Philippians chapter four and verse eighteen, Paul shares about his fullness, Epaphroditus, and the blessedness of their offering to him. We read:

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.

The verse begins, “But I have all, and abound:” Paul once again lets the Philippians know he has “all, and abound” which means he has everything that he needs and more. He lacks nothing that is essential to his living, and since the Philippians had sent their gifts to him, he considered himself full and complete.

The verse goes on to say, “having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you,” The reason for Paul having “all and abound” was because the Philippians sent him “things” by the hand of “Epaphroditus” whose name means “lovely” whom we met previously in chapter two and verse twenty-five of this letter. We learned that he was their “messenger” who brought Paul their gifts, and his servant-hood merited his being mentioned once again.

Finally the verse says, “ an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.” The idea behind “an odor of sweet smell” could be one of the “things” brought unto Paul from the Philippians, however it is more than likely a reference to the state of their sacrifice to him. Paul said their gifts were “a sacrifice acceptable” which means it was a “sufficient and adequate” offering which was “well-pleasing to God”. In other words, though the Philippians were sending gifts to Paul, it was as though they were sacrificing unto God, and the Lord was well-pleased with their offerings.

As we consider Paul's words, do we realize that when we minister to others we are actually making a sacrifice unto God? The Lord notes when we make offerings to His servants, and just as the Philippians ministering to Paul brought the label of “well-pleasing to God”, the Lord will be pleased with us when we minister to His servants. Perhaps it will help us to realize that when we give gifts unto the Lord's servants, we are actually giving to the Lord Himself, and He sees our sacrifice as “acceptable and well-pleasing”. Paul's commendation of the Philippians and his acknowledgment of the blessedness of their giving becomes a great example for us as we consider those who share the gospel of Jesus Christ in the mission field. May the Lord bring them to our minds, and may we offer sacrifices which are “acceptable and well-pleasing” to both them and the Lord.

Next time Paul tells the Philippians that God will supply all their needs, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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