Philippians 4:15-17, “You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.”

Paul wrote this letter from prison in Rome to the church he planted during his second missionary journey. Philippi was one of the cities in the region of Macedonia. It was the first place Paul set foot in the region of Macedonia after the Holy Spirit objected to their plan to continue in Asia Minor, speaking in a vision in which a man was beckoning from Macedonia (Acts 16:12-40). Lydia, a wealthy lady was the fist convert and housed the church in Philippi.

The church, having heard of Paul’s imprisonment, decided to send a hefty financial assistance to Paul in prison in Rome. This was sent by brother Epaphroditus. He sent the letter to the Philippians through Epaphroditus as an acknowledgment and thanks for their support. This was not the first gift, but one of the many supports apostle Paul had benefited from Philippians 4:10, “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.“

[To see the full sermon notes click on this PDF file: Heavenly-Account-Sermon-May-8-15-2016]