Local is Lekker (Philippians 4:10–20)

Our church’s recent World Outreach Celebration (WOC) was memorable, because it was Christ-honouring, edifying, and challenging. It was spiritually, to employ an Afrikaans word, lekker. And it was local.

The speakers were South Africans who are ministering in South Africa, either planting and/or revitalising a local church. Their preaching was excellent and the heart for their ministries was clear, compelling, and credible. Our congregational response was indicative of our oneness with them in their ministries. The faith promise commitment, taken at the end of each year’s WOC, which funds our missions endeavours for the coming year, far exceeded any previous years, and exceeded my own prayers by some 16%! The challenge before us now, as a church, is to faithfully keep our commitment.

I trust we will meet this goal and that, as the church grows in the coming year, we will even exceed this amount. As we faithfully and sacrificially give, we will be able to do more, both locally and globally in the cause of the Great Commission.

As we were during our WOC, God’s global decree is that “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14). God’s decree is that he will dwell with his people in every nation. God’s ancient decree prophesies that every nation will be discipled, which means that a church will be planted among every people group. As we were reminded, and encouraged, this is the mission of the local church. When it comes to this mission, we need to remember that, while local is lekker, the goal is global.

In this study, I want to practically look at just what is required of us as a local church when it comes to supporting those we partner with in this mission. What does God require of us locally?

We are blessed to support several who live far away and others who are more near. But whether near or far—whether in South Africa or in Asia—Brackenhurst Baptist Church has the privilege, and the responsibility, to locally hold the ropes. Philippians 4:10–20 helps us in this regard to understand what is required of us. The passage reveals three principles related to meaningfully holding the ropes: (1) providential resource (vv. 10–18); (2) personal relationship (vv. 14–18); and promised resupply (vv. 19–20). May the Holy Spirit teach us these lekker truths.

Providential Resource

We consider, first, what this text teaches about providential resource:

Many have noted that the book of Philippians serves as a missionary thank you letter from the apostle Paul to the church he planted in Philippi (Acts 16). It had been at least ten years since the planting of the church and they continued to hold the ropes of material and relational supply for missionary Paul.

Paul was now imprisoned for the sake of the gospel, most likely in Rome (Acts 21–28). This was probably the first of two imprisonments there (2 Timothy 4). This faithful brother had been forgotten by some, but not by the local church in Philippi. In those days, most of those living in the Roman Empire—particularly Christians—were facing a tough time, yet the local church in Philippi remained faithfully holding the ropes. They had even sent the cream of their crop to minister to Paul while imprisoned (Philippians 2:25–30).

This is always a part of biblical Christianity: expression of gratitude to those who lovingly serve to meet our needs, whether materially, or in numerous other ways.

In those days, as in many countries today, a prisoner had to largely fend for themselves. Unlike most modern countries, Rome did not supply much provision for those imprisoned. Aware of this, the believers in Philippi sacrificially provided out of their personal resources to meet the need of their beloved brother Paul. Hence his letter of appreciation and thanks.

This is always a part of biblical Christianity: expression of gratitude to those who lovingly serve to meet our needs, whether materially, or in numerous other ways. Paul’s letter of thanks teaches us how we can serve those who serve as our gospel partners.

In vv. 14–18, Paul turns to the matter of funding.

Paul mentions that the provision from the Macedonians was not a once-off love gift. Instead, the church had frequently met his needs (vv. 15–16). We have no other information concerning their assistance while he was in Thessalonica, but we can assume that it would have been very welcomed, especially since Paul suffered for Christ in that city (Acts 17:1–9; 1 Thessalonians 2:13–16). Doing the chronology, this church had been providing for Paul over at least a ten-year period, including when Paul was planting the church in Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:8).

Dwelling in a location that is hostile to grace is challenging, but oh how provisional love can often be a means of great encouragement!

Paul was not shy to express that his provisional challenges troubled him (v. 14). The word translated “share” means “pressing together” and implies affliction or tribulation. He had recently mentioned the affliction of hunger (v. 12) and it was these Philippians who were used of God to relieve hunger pangs. Two things make their provisional support so remarkable.

First, they were the only church to do so. When I read this, I find myself asking, why didn’t others help this brother? Why not the church in Corinth? Why not the church in Ephesus, where he had spent so much time? And, of course, what about Antioch and the church in Jerusalem? Now we want to be careful. We don’t know the reasons. There may have been very good logistical reasons. One hopes that this lack of provision was not because of inter- or intra-church political reasons (see 3 John). Hopefully, the ugly and immature mindset of “I am of Apollos, I am of Cephas” was not a part of this.

Though we want to be careful of assigning blame, there is enough said (and not said) that informs us that, when it came to provision for this missionary, churches were not tripping over themselves to help. Was it out of sight, out of mind? I hope not. If anyone was worthy of assistance, it would have been Paul. But just because others did not get involved was no excuse for the Philippians to do nothing (though, as we will see, economically, they had the most plausible excuse not to do so).

There are several faithful South African church planters or revitalisers and pastors who need provision, yet they have limited options when it comes to the ecclesiological source of that provision. This is why for many, Brackenhurst Baptist Church, is a first port of call. BBC is positioned by God to frequently and repeatedly be in partnership with others “in giving and receiving” (v. 15). There are several reasons for this.

One of those is the long track record of doing so. There is a “Great Commission DNA” in this body. This is one reason why HeartCry asked us to be its hub church in South Africa.

Another reason is the poverty of many other churches and our reputation for generosity.

A final reason, at least in recent years, is the ministry of Imprint. Imprint exists to “place its mark on the church in Africa” and it is doing so, remarkably.

For these and other reasons, BBC is increasingly known as a church with a vision for obeying the Great Commission. And as our awareness of the need grows, and as others become aware of our desire for gospel partnerships, so requests for assistance increases. What a blessing!

Brothers and sisters, we should be prepared for more opportunities to provide for other churches. We must not grow weary in such well doing (see Galatians 6:9–10). We should also be vigilant that Satan hates this and will do all he can to disrupt and divide and detour us from what we are doing both locally and globally. What is lekker to us is loathsome to him.

Second, we know from 2 Corinthians 8:1–5 that this church was impoverished. This makes their material provision to Paul that much more remarkable, humbling, encouraging, and challenging.

These believers gave to meet the needs of a missionary (apostle) by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (see v. 19). The gospel informed their giving. The proclamation of the gospel they had responded to affected both their hearts and their wallets.

Having experienced the grace of God, they expressed the grace of God in giving what God had given to them. This indeed was grace giving. The grace of God moved them to consider the needs of another. This is to be the model for our giving. Despite the potholes, despite the political uncertainty, despite the diminishing infrastructure, despite the economy, the grace of God empowers us to give in the face of challenges.

I am hankering to preach the book of Haggai (again), for it speaks to our situation here in South Africa. God’s people were impoverished, politically beleaguered, outnumbered, and in a homeland that was not what it used to be. With civil authorities opposing their assigned work of rebuilding the temple, God’s people had laid down their tools. “What’s the use?” they may have been asking. “Even if we had the resources to build this temple, it would not compare to what was here before. Oh for the good old days when our nation was prosperous and the world looked to us as an example of success. But now—we are a mere shadow of what we were. Therefore, every man and women and household for themselves. When things get better, when circumstances change, then we will obey and rebuild the house of God.”

“Not so fast”, the Lord thundered through his prophets Haggai and Zechariah. The Lord rebuked them for dwelling in “panelled houses” while the house of the Lord laid waste (1:4). They were spending their efforts and income on themselves rather than on the Lord’s work.

Jesus, who was rich, became poor that we might become rich. Let us be willing to become impoverished so that others might be enriched by God’s grace.

Perhaps they argued, that since they could do so little, why not invest the little they had on themselves? And yet the prophets reminded them that the Lord owns all that is needed to do the work (1:7–8; 2:8). Thankfully they heeded God’s word and trusted God’s person, got to work, and, well, read the book of Ezra!

The point I am making is that, just like God’s old covenant people, and just like the poor Christians of Macedonia, we have opportunity to put our faith to work. Having been graced by God with the greatest provision—reconciliation and forgiveness through the gospel—let us also give even out of our “poverty.” Jesus, who was rich, became poor that we might become rich. Let us be willing to become impoverished so that others might be enriched by God’s grace (2 Corinthians 8:9–10).

One of the major themes that stands out in this passage—in the book, in fact—is the relationship between Paul and this local church.

The church at Philippi clearly had great affection for Paul and he for them. Sometimes, affliction grows such affection. Regardless, the mention of Epaphroditus in 2:25–30 and 4:18 indicates that this very special man was sent by this special church to help Paul while he imprisoned. Paul was not merely a missionary dot on a map; he was one with whom they were in close fellowship.

Verses 14–16 highlight the familial fellowship between Paul and the church:

The words “it was kind of you to share my trouble” (v. 14) indicates the close relationship this church shared with missionary Paul. Literally, this reads, “It was kind of you to fellowship or partner with me in my trouble.” This is what family does. This is what we want for those we support. We truly want to partner with them. We want to enter into their joys and in their blessings.

When our church sent one of our own families to the field more than two decades ago, some asked what we would do if there was an emergency on the field. How would we meet the need? I assured them that our church would come to their aid if necessary. That is what family does. It is what our church family has done.

This matter of relationship is why the local church must be the ones sending missionaries. Though, for logistical reasons, the church may use the facilities of a missions agency, the buck must stop with the local church. This provides accountability in the context of relationship. And, as we see here, the relationship was not merely one-sided. We note this in how Paul was greatly burdened to send Epaphroditus back to church, lest they be spiritually, emotionally impoverished by his prolonged absence (2:25–30). It is clear from Paul’s concern that he loved this church. This is the kind of relationship we desire with those whom we support.

When the elders receive requests from local churches and their missionaries, we screen these relationally. Of course, there will be times that we might meet a need without personally knowing the individual, but only because we have a relationship with someone that knows the brother and/or his ministry.

The fellowship Paul and the church enjoy was fruitful: “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” (vv. 17–18).

Paul wanted them to know that he was not writing to give them hints about his needs. He also didn’t want them to think of him as a mercenary. Missionary, yes; mercenary, no.

When we view our giving as a gospel act, it becomes much more than a merely fiduciary matter; it becomes an act of God-centred worship.

Paul reveals that his real joy in receiving their sacrificial gift was that it would be credited to their account: “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your account” (v. 17). What “account” does he mean? I think v. 18 answers the question: Their sacrificial giving resulted in a fragrant offering that pleased the Father. Paul knew that their sacrificial giving was an expression of worship to God; the kind of sacrificial worship reminiscent of the worshipful, loving sacrifice of God’s Son (see Ephesians 5:1–2—the only other usage in the New Testament of this old covenant sacrificial language).

This is a profound statement. Paul is saying that the sacrificial provision they supplied to meet his needs was viewed by God as a Christlike act of worship and service. It was a gospel-characterised action. When we view our giving as a gospel act, it becomes much more than a merely fiduciary matter; it becomes an act of God-centred worship. This puts our giving in a whole different light.

A missionary can (and should) take delight in what he assumes is a God-centred, God-driven sacrifice of the supporting church. He can be encouraged that the church is honouring, worshipping, and serving the Lord.

But I think another matter is included here, namely, the fruit of Paul’s ministry was also put on their account. I can imagine how excited and encouraged the Philippian church would have been as they read the words of 1:12–14: “I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.” And then these closing words: “All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household” (Philippians 4:22).

Our material provision is a means towards the spiritual goal of the knowledge of the glory of the Lord covering the earth as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).

“Wow! Look how the gospel has progressed! What you have done locally is having a global impact!” Paul is saying, “You have a reward in this. Your material provision has been transformed into spiritual profit.” As we provide for our missionaries and for biblical ministries, we are being used to advance the kingdom of God, to the glory of God’s name, as his revealed will is done on earth as it is in heaven. That is, our material provision is a means towards the spiritual goal of the knowledge of the glory of the Lord covering the earth as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).

Remember that each time you put money in the offering. Remember that when you are tempted to not do so. In what do you desire to profit (Matthew 6:19–24)?

Finally, in vv. 19–20, we see Paul promise that God will resupply to meet the needs the church created by its sacrifice: “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.”

Paul’s affection for his brothers and sisters in this “supporting church” at Philippi is seen also in how he acknowledged their sacrificial giving and his encouragement that God would take care of them.

Having acknowledged their sacrificial gift, Paul encouraged the Philippian church that they could be assured that God would meet their needs: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (v. 19). He would meet the needs they had created by their gifts.

We give out of faith that God will meet the needs we created out of gospel-driven generosity.

As mentioned, these believers were not in the top 1% of global wealth but more towards the bottom percentage. Nevertheless, by the grace of God—because they believed in the grace of God—they gave in spite of lack. Their giving increased their lack. But it was lekker lack because they were in a position to experience God’s amazing riches of his grace. Being in Christ Jesus, they were accepted as the Father’s beloved. Would he therefore not be concerned to meet their need? Most certainly.

Brothers and sisters, this is where the “faith” of faith promise giving comes in. We give out of faith that God will meet the needs we created out of gospel-driven generosity. God will be no man’s debtor. As one of our members often says, “It is impossible to outgive God, but it can be fun trying!”

The reason we cannot outgive God is because we cannot exhaust the unsearchable riches of Jesus Christ. Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth, which means he controls all that exists. He can get to us what we need when we need it.

We need to think about this and probably preach and talk about this more often than we do. We must not allow those who pervert the grace of giving into greed to silence us concerning God’s revealed promises.

Many of us older Christians have experienced and learned over the years that God is faithful. Some younger people need to learn the same lesson. Many of us can witness to God’s faithfulness in meeting our needs. He has not changed. Politics and economies are mutable but God is not. And, by the way, with people becoming obsessed with immigration, please remember that the riches of Christ are not greater in another country. His ability to meet needs has nothing to do with borders. For the Christian, local is lekker. Because the Lord is local.

Paul closes this theme by pointing the church clearly to where its focus needs to be: “To our God and Father” to whom belongs the “glory forever and ever” (v. 20). Indeed.

Paul grounds his words about sacrificial giving in the glory of God. He is the one who supplies Paul’s needs. He is the one who will supply their needs. He is the one who does all of this supplying for the glory of his name. And the glory of his name is what they are all about.

When the missionary and the local church are focused on the glory of God, they will guard their relationship and will give their resources. And God through his glorious power and wisdom will use the partnership for his glorious gospel purpose both locally and globally.

We should thank God for our recent reminder that, when it comes to the Great Commission, local is lekker. Yet let us not lose sight of the corresponding truth that the goal is global.

So, let us be faithful in the local while trusting God to use the local for gospel advance in the global.

AMEN