Philippians 4:18

I have all and abound

Ministry to the saints an acceptable sacrifice

I. The individual receiving the benefit.

1. A Christian. The first duty of Christians is towards each other. Charity does not stay at home, but it begins there. The largest hearted charity towards the ends of the earth will not excuse parsimoniousness towards our fellow believers close at hand.

2. An aged Christian. Paul has borne the burden and heat of the day. Every Christian has a claim upon his brother Christian, but those who have the greatest claim are those who are worn out in the service of their Master.

3. A poor Christian. Although an apostle and richly endowed, Paul never employed his endowments on his own behalf. After having surrendered the brightest prospects he was now dependent on the charities of God’s people. “Blessed is the man who considereth the poor.”

4. A Christian minister, who having expended his spiritual gifts on his people, had a right to their temporal support.

II. The benefit bestowed. “A sacrifice.”

1. In the truest sense there is now no real sacrifice. By one offering Christ hath perfected forever them who are sanctified.

2. But in an inferior sense sacrifices are still offered. There is “the sacrifice of praise” and the sacrifice of charity. To do good and to communicate forget not, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

3. The essence of sacrifice is self-denial. It is that which costs the offerer something.

III. The value of the benefit.

1. In relation to God. It is acceptable and well-pleasing to Him--

(1) From the motive from which it springs.

(2) From the good it does.

2. In relation to the object of the benefit.

(1) It produces satisfaction and gratitude.

(2) It becomes a means of usefulness. “Fruit to your account.” (J. H. Evans, M. A.)

Present blessings

Such is Paul’s confession concerning his temporal condition even in the midst of trials. He did not look on this life with bitterness, or refuse to enjoy it. He was not soured by his trials, but felt that if he had troubles he had blessings also. Gloom is no Christian temper. We must live in sunshine, even when we sorrow. We ought to bless God that we have--

I. The gift of life.

1. And not merely that we live, but for those blessings which are included in the notion of our living. God has made life to imply the existence of certain things which are in themselves a happiness. We cannot live without the means of life, and the means of life are means of pleasure. It might have been ordered that life should be sustained by means neither pleasurable nor painful, or even by means that were painful, and that what are the extraordinary means of preserving life should be the ordinary. Suppose, then, that food were medicine, and that wounds and bruises imparted health and strength! On the contrary, life is sustained by blessings.

2. The gospel guarantees these things. God has not promised what the world understands by good things; things whose good is only in the imagination, large estates, sumptuous furniture, carnal, sensual enjoyments, etc. But He has promised that life shall not be a burden but a blessing.

3. And giving us as much as this He bids us be satisfied with it, to confess that we “have all” when we have so much; that we “abound” when we have enough. He promises food, raiment, lodging, and He bids us, having that, to be content.

II. The gift of sleep. God does not suffer us to be miserable for a long time together, even when He afflicts us, but He breaks our trials into portions; takes us out of this world ever and anon, and gives us holiday time, like children at school. Sleep is equally the comfort and recruiting of rich and poor. We sleep whether we are in sorrow or in joy, in anxiety or hope.

III. The blessings of the Christian brotherhood. As food, raiment, sleep, are necessary conditions of life, so is society. When God removes us from the world He puts us into the Church; and distance, as proved in the case of St. Paul, does not break the communion of saints.

IV. The blessings of present peace in the Church, freedom from persecution.

V. The privileges of free speech and action.

VI. The privileges of daily worship and weekly communion. Let us then enjoy our present blessings and bless the Giver. (Cardinal Newman.)

Gratitude

I. Is associated with contentment--it has enough--desires no more.

II. Acknowledges its obligation--fully--thankfully.

III. Appreciates the spirit of the gift--love--sacrifice--well-pleasing to God. (J. Lyth, D. D.)

Acceptable giving

It is related of Andrew Fuller that, on a begging tour for the cause of missions, he called on a certain wealthy nobleman to whom he was unknown, but who had heard much of Fuller’s talents and piety. After he had stated to him the object of his visit, his lordship observed that he thought he should make him no donation. Dr. Fuller was preparing to return, when the nobleman remarked that there was one man to whom, if he could see him, he thought he would give something for the mission, and that man was Andrew Fuller. Mr. Fuller immediately replied, “My name, sir, is Andrew Fuller.” On this the nobleman, with some hesitation, gave him a guinea. Observing the indifference of the donor, Mr. Fuller looked him in the face with much gravity, and said, “Does this donation, sir, come from your heart? If it does not, I wish not to receive it.” The nobleman was melted and overcome with this honest frankness, and taking from his purse ten guineas more, said, “There, sir, these come from my heart.” Men should give to the cause of missions cheerfully. They should do good with a good motive. “The Lord loveth a cheerful giver.” (J. Whitecross.)