After a protacted absence, I am back blogging by popular demand. (Popular meaning that one person asked me to do it. I think that is about as popular as I can expect to get).
Let's start today with a trivia question. Why did Paul write the book of the Philippians? Don't know the answer? It is found in our passage today, in verses 10-18. Paul writes there:
"I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen." ESV.
Paul wrote Philippians as a thank you note. By their messenger Epaphroditus, the Philippians had sent Paul a gift to help support him during his time of imprisonment. Roman jails weren't like jails today. Our government meets the costs of a prisoner's survival. In the Roman world, prisoners paid their own bills. If you didn't have the money for your necessities, the Romans would not provide them. The Philippians provided Paul an important service and Paul writes to say thank you.
In the midst of these words of thanksgiving, Paul writes his famous words: "I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need." Those words are interesting to me. I understand needing to learn secrets for facing hunger and need. But it seems odd that Paul would say that he has learned the secret of facing plenty and abundance. Paul's words seem to suggest that living with riches is just as much a challenge as living with less. We understand the challenge of living when you don't have food or shelter or money. But, Paul's words raise this question: what is the challenge of living with plenty? Paul doesn't elaborate. But perhaps experience tells us. Living with plenty presents the challenge of not being selfish. It presents the challenge of being compassionate to those who do have needs. It presents the challenge of living in dependence on God not our bank accounts. In America, even the least among usually have plenty compared to the rest of the world. Maybe we need to pray that we would gain the wisdom of Paul. Maybe we need to ask that God would teach us the secret of living with plenty and abundance so that riches don't become a trap to our souls.
