1. Philippians: A Book of Perspective. A humble perspective is one that puts the concerns of Christ above all else.

2. A life well lived is lived for the Lord. A life lived for the Lord has to consider the needs of others.

3. A Humble Perspective Can Bring Unity, Joy, and Peace Now and an Unashamed Life Before Christ

4. I. Prologue (1:1-11) A. Greeting (1:1-2) B. Perspective on their partnership: God will use your partnership and my suffering for good (1:3-11)

5. II. The value of a Humble Perspective (1:12-4:9) A. A humble perspective in the example of Paul’s suffering (1:12-26)

6. 1.He could see the work of God in the spread of the gospel and have joy vv.12-18 2.He could be unconcerned about dying and realize his goal (salvation) to be unashamed when he stood before the Lord vv. 19-26

7. B. A humble perspective will also allow the Philippians to live worthy of the gospel, be unafraid of their adversaries, realize their salvation, and bring joy to Paul 1:27-2:4 C. A humble perspective is seen in the example Christ and the results in His life 2:1-11

8. D. A humble perspective would lead the Philippians to work out their salvation so that both they and Paul would be unashamed in the Day of Christ 2:12-18

9. E. A humble perspective demonstrated by the sending and the example of Timothy 2:19-24 F. A humble perspective demonstrated by the sending and the example of Epaphroditus 2:25-30

10. G. A humble perspective brings joy because it follows Paul’s example of the priority to be conformed to Christ’s life and death 3:1-21

11. H. A humble perspective applied to the Philippians 4:1-9 1. The right perspective is the means to stand in Christ v. 1 2. The right perspective will heal conflict vv. 2-3

12. H. A humble perspective applied to the Philippians 4:1-9 3. The right perspective will bring peace and help guard your mind vv. 4-7 4. The right perspective focuses on the right things v. 8-9

13. III. The Partnership Revisited 4:10-20 A. What the right perspective had taught Paul with regard to his needs vv.10-13 B. What their partnership would bring the Philippians and their needs vv. 14-20 IV. Salutations (4:21-23)

14. Philippians 4:10-11 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

15. What we have is from Him Paul’s contentment seems to be an extension of his lifestyle in being concerned for others and not himself.

16. What we have is from Him If our priority is the glory of Christ and we trust him, why are we concerned?

17. Philippians 4:12-13 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

18. What we have is from Him When our perspective is right, God’s grace is available. …and sufficient.

19. What we have is from Him Both Phil. 4:13 and 1 Cor. 10:13 are interesting for reflection, but only expected if God is God.

20. What we have is from Him The fact that they seem so amazing probably says a lot about the walk most of us have.

21. Philippians 4:14-16 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.

22. What we have is from Him Full-circle to Phil. 1:3-8. They were partners through giving and we can be with others, too.

23. What we have is from Him We should partner with ministries to share in their work… …and their reward!

24. What we have is from Him If our priority is on the glory of Christ, it will be reflected in giving to that end.

25. Philippians 4:17-18 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet- smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

26. What we have is from Him Paul is still thinking of others first.

27. What we have is from Him Notice how God regards their giving! “a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God”

28. Philippians 4:19-20 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

29. What we have is from Him God’s provision seems to be directly tied to their giving.

30. Philippians 4:21-23 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

31. What we have is from Him Once again, Paul reminds us of the importance of relationship; each individual and names! “All the saints greet you…” “Greet the friends by name.” 3 John 14

32. What we have is from Him Great little mention of the work being done by God in Caesar’s household!

33. What we have is from Him As in almost all his letters, Paul is convinced and reminds believers of the need for grace.

34. What we have is from Him Giving is a vital part of our walk with God. Matthew 6:19-21

35. Matt. 6:19-21 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

36. What we have is from Him God will take care of our needs. Phil. 4:19

37. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

38. What we have is from Him We should give “off the top”. Proverbs 3:9-10

39. Prov. 3:9-10 9 Honor the L ORD with your possessions, And with the first fruits of all your increase; 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.

40. What we have is from Him Surprisingly, it doesn't help to withhold giving; in fact, it makes matters worse. Proverbs 11:24-25

41. 24 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.

42. What we have is from Him Neglecting good priorities by overworking is not a good solution. Proverbs 23:4-5

43. 4 Do not overwork to be rich; Because of your own understanding, cease! 5 Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.

44. What we have is from Him Giving should involve cost or sacrifice to us. 2 Samuel 24:18-25

45. 2 Samuel 24:18-23a 22 Now Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up whatever seems good to him. Look, here are oxen for burnt sacrifice, and threshing implements and the yokes of the oxen for wood. 23 All these, O king, Araunah has given to the king….”

46. 2 Samuel 24:24 24 Then the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will surely buy it from you for a price; nor will I offer burnt offerings to the L ORD my God with that which costs me nothing. So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. ”

47. What we have is from Him Generosity is rewarded with generosity. 2 Corinthians 9:6, 8

48. 2 Cor. 9:6 6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

49. 2 Cor. 9:8 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

50. What we have is from Him The amount we give is up to us. 2 Corinthians 9:7

51. 2 Cor. 9:7 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart...

52. What we have is from Him We should not give because we have to, but willingly with a good attitude. 2 Corinthians 9: 7

53. 2 Cor. 9:7 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

54. What we have is from Him Santa may be on to something. The basis of giving is Christmas; God’s gift to us 2 Corinthians 8:9; 9:15

55. 2 Cor. 8:9; 9:15 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

56. 1 Chron. 29:10-11 10 David praised the L ORD in the presence of the whole assembly, saying, “Praise be to you, L ORD, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. 11 Yours, L ORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, L ORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

57. 1 Chron. 29:12-14 12 Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. 13 Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.

58. 1 Chron. 29:15-17 15 We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. 16 L ORD our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 17 I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.

59. David understood… …giving is all about the heart, about willingness, about integrity.

60. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!