Bible Study - Simplicity (5) - A Slower Pace - Exodus 20:8-11; 31:12-17 - September 29, 2019

Bible Study – Simplicity (5) – A Slower Pace – September 29, 2019


This is lesson five (5) in our series entitled “Simplicity: Finding 
Contentment in a Busy Life.”


Our focus scripture is Exodus 20:8-11; 31:12-17


Rest is a gift from GOD.


Rest and time are both gifts. In Ephesians 5:15-16:

¹⁵ See then that you walk ^[e]circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil.


The Apostle Paul admonishes fellow Christians to walk carefully, watching every step they take and for them to make the most of their time because the days are evil. Plus, life is but a vapor that appears and then vanishes. GOD has given everyone the opportunity to live upon earth for a period of time, therefore make the most of it by living obediently for HIM through faith in JESUS.


Our scripture is taken from the Book of Exodus. It is believed that Moses wrote the Book of Exodus possibly between 1445-1406 BC. In fact, it is believed that Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible, which are referred to as the Pentateuch. They reveal GOD and HIS desire for HIS chosen people, the Israelites, to choose HIM. HIS desire was for them to live obediently for HIM upon earth until they exit this physical life to return to HIM to live with HIM in Heaven forever. GOD gave mankind the Ten Commandments plus other laws to keep them both physically and Spiritually healthy while they live upon earth.


GOD’S desire was for HIS chosen people to be examples and witnesses to other people, tribes and nations that surrounded them or had heard about their relationship with the One True GOD, Yahweh.


The first four commandments relate to humanity’s relationship with GOD. The next six commandments relate to humanity’s relationship with fellow humans. All ten are vital to building the right relationship with GOD and reflecting that relationship to others upon earth.


GOD certainly manifested Himself in many mighty miracles but most especially when HE led Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery. GOD revealed HIS power to the Egyptians and to other nations.


JESUS taught that Christians are the light of the world and are the salt of the earth. The life, death, resurrection, ascension and the return of the Holy Spirit reveals the ultimate power of JESUS over both sin and eternal death.  

GOD made the human body and HE knows that all humans need rest. In fact, GOD gave the example when HE created the earth and all that was needed to be in it. GOD worked for six days and rested on the seventh day. GOD does not slumber or sleep but mankind needs to rest, thus GOD set the example for humans to rest every seven days. Let’s explore!


We must keep in mind that GOD says what HE means and means what HE says. Simply, people of earth take a day of rest. However, over time, the religious leaders in Israel transformed the Sabbath into a legalistic system.

The Sabbath was intended to allow the people to fulfill their essential duties e.g. feed their livestock, prepare meals, etc. They were to take care of their non-essential duties during the six-days.


Travel on the Sabbath was restricted. GOD’S Word stated no travel. Then over the years the religious leaders began expanding the length of travel and methods of how they could extend travel to where they needed to go on the Sabbath without violating the law. The distance went from 2,000-cubit or just over a mile from his home or domicile. However, there were ways around the law. A Jew could establish his domicile at the 2000-cubit limit by placing a garment or food at the end of the restricted distance and then walk another 2000-cubit, place another garment or food to establish domicile until he reached the place he needed to go on the Sabbath. The Jew would return picking up the thing he had left. JESUS came to earth to fulfill the law and to bring grace to all who receive HIM as their Savior.


In Matthew 12:1-8 JESUS was confronted by the Pharisees regarding HIS disciples harvesting and threshing on the Sabbath because they were hungry.

Lord of the Sabbath

12 At that time Jesus passed through the grain fields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick and eat some heads of grain. ² But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!”

³ He said to them, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and those who were with him were hungry— ⁴ how he entered the house of God, and they ate^[a] the sacred bread, which is not lawful for him or for those with him to eat, but only for the priests? ⁵ Or haven’t you read in the Law^[b] that on Sabbath days the priests in the temple violate the Sabbath and are innocent? ⁶ But I tell you that something greater than the temple is here! ⁷ If you had known what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice,^[c] you would not have condemned the innocent. ⁸ For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

In a former church many years ago, I was told of a devout man in the church whose mother had a flat tire on Sunday and he would not change the tire until Monday.

Let’s read Exodus 20:8-11:

Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy: ⁹ You are to labor six days and do all your work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. You must not do any work—you, your son or daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock, or the foreigner who is within your gates. ¹¹ For the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and everything in them in six days; then He rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and declared it holy.


What does “sabbath” mean? It is an English transliteration of the Hebrew word “sabbat,” which means “stopping” or “ceasing.” Simply stopping from the routines of everyday life to remember Who GOD is and what HE has done for us as humans.


So, what has GOD provided for every person upon earth? Do you realize that every human is a miracle? That one sperm out 40 million to over a billion sperm cells fought hard to reach that one egg that resulted in you. Was that by accident or by design?


What does the Apostle Paul reveal to us in Ephesians 1:4?

Ephesians 1:4 - ⁴ For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight.^[b] In love^[c] In His sight in love.


We were not an accident our parents may call some child an accident but we are upon earth by design and have purpose. Why are we where we are in the first place? We are upon earth because GOD chose us.


Then why are there physical and medical issues with humans? It is called sin. We live in an imperfect world because of sin. In a perfect world all would be perfect but earth is not the perfect world GOD intended for humans. Sin changed that. The gift of GOD is both physical and Spiritual life. Physical birth gives the opportunity for eternal Spiritual life though faith in JESUS. JESUS is the ultimate expression of GOD’S love.

What does John 3:16-18 reveal to us?


¹⁶ “For God loved the world in this way:^[j] He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. ¹⁸ Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.


JESUS is the ultimate expression of GOD’S love to mankind.


Every human’s part is to accept that love by accepting JESUS as their Savior and making HIM LORD of their lives by faith. Believing that HE is the sinless SON of GOD, Who willingly gave HIS life in place of every person’s life who will ever live upon earth. If so, why does a person have to accept JESUS as the perfect sacrifice for his or her sin? GOD gives ever person the freedom to choose, otherwise humans would be preprogramed robots. That is GOD’S plan and design as recorded in 2 Corinthians 5:21:


²¹ He (GOD) made the One (JESUS) who did not know sin to be sin^[l] for us (all who place their faith in JESUS), so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.


The instant we ask JESUS to forgive us for our sins and for HIM to come into our hearts the miracle of Spiritual rebirth takes place. We are Spiritually born into GOD’S family, never to be unborn. Now that is Good News and worth shouting about!


Life is tough and that is why GOD mandated us a day of rest from our busy-ness and for us to focus on HIM. GOD declared the Sabbath, Holy. GOD designed the human body and HE knew that we needed to pause, rest, reflect and worship HIM though faith in JESUS. The sabbath is a day of rest physically and day to refresh Spiritually by worshiping GOD/JESUS e.g. talking to GOD/JESUS, reflecting on HIS goodness, praising and thanking HIM.


Let’s read Exodus 31:12-14:

Observing the Sabbath

¹² The Lord said to Moses: ¹³ “Tell the Israelites: You must observe My Sabbaths, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, so that you will know that I am Yahweh who sets you apart. ¹⁴ Observe the Sabbath, for it is holy to you. Whoever profanes it must be put to death. If anyone does work on it, that person must be cut off from his people.

GOD intended the Sabbath to be a special day. It was to be a day of HIS chosen people to worship HIM and to be an example to all other people and nations. The Jews are GOD’S chosen people and Christians are GOD’S chosen people. We are to set the example of worshipping the One True GOD. GOD left HIS home in heaven to come to earth to reveal HIS love for us. HE came and lived upon earth fully human, tempted as humans are tempted, fully capable of sinning, yet without sin. HE willingly gave HIS life on the cross to pay, in full, the penalty for sin, HE died, was buried, was raised for the physically dead to receive eternal life to reveal to all the world that HE had conquered both sin and eternal death, walked upon earth for 40 days which was witnessed by over 500 people, ascended into Heaven and sent the Holy spirit to indwell all who place their faith in HIM through the miracle of Spiritual rebirth. HIS name is JESUS.

Setting aside one out of seven days to worship GOD through faith in JESUS is vital both for a Christian’s physical and Spiritual health. The church is a beacon casting it Spiritual light to all who are experiencing the storms of life and offering hope. Church is not a showcase for Saints but a hospital for the Spiritually sick, the broken hearted and those sinking in despair.

Some people have to work on the Sabbath, which is a Christian’s Saturday. Since the resurrection of JESUS was on the day after the Jewish Sabbath or the first day of the week, Sunday became the day of worship for Christians or the seventh day. The key is to set aside a day of rest, reflection and worship of GOD through faith in JESUS. One day out of seven is GOD’S command.

Let’s read Exodus 31:15-17:

¹⁵ Work may be done for six days, but on the seventh day there must be a Sabbath of complete rest, dedicated to the Lord. Anyone who does work on the Sabbath day must be put to death. ¹⁶ The Israelites must observe the Sabbath, celebrating it throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. ¹⁷ It is a sign forever between Me and the Israelites, for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, but on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.”

Notice that setting aside a day of rest is not an option but a command. Why? It is because taking a Sabbath rest provides Spiritual, physical, mental and emotional benefits. It is a time, set aside to come together as a body of believers for corporate worship of GOD through faith in JESUS, Bible Study, fellowship and praise. It is time family units or individuals to focus on what is vital in building a personal, loving and intimate relationship with the One True GOD manifested through faith in JESUS.

In addition to Sunday, should Christian churches offer an alternate day of worship and the teaching of GOD’S Word for those who have to work on Sunday? Today many churches have social media to share their worship service and teachings with others. Can social media, television, internet and other forms of communication suffice?

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Simplicity (4) Godly Contentment - 1 Timothy 6:6-11, 17-19 - September 22, 2019

Bible Study – Simplicity (4) – Godly Contentment – September 22, 2019


This is lesson four (4) in our series entitled “Simplicity: Finding 

Contentment in a Busy Life.”


Our focus scripture is 1 Timothy 6:6-11, 17-19.


Godliness with contentment is great gain.


This is the Apostle Paul’s first letter to his protégé and adopted son, Timothy. At this writing of Paul, Timothy was serving as the pastor of the congregation in Ephesus. Pastor Timothy had to deal with false teachers in that area. Ephesus was a melting pot of culture and a wealthy city in the Roman Empire.


There were Jewish legalists in the area trying to negatively influence the teachings of JESUS and the truth of Christian living from being revealed through an obedient lifestyle. Pastor Timothy had some wealthy Christians in his congregation and Paul admonished Pastor Timothy to develop in those with material means to be generous and to live in contentment. In other words, how much is enough for ourselves before we share with others and especially in the expansion of the Gospel. Paul knew the value of being equipped with material means when a Christian is called to go and spread the Gospel of JESUS.


In 1 Timothy, Chapter 1, Paul challenged Timothy to maintain a solid faith in the truth JESUS taught. In Chapter 2, Paul addressed prayer and relationships. In Chapter 3, Paul addressed the qualifications for leadership and in Chapter 5, he addressed support for weaker Christians.

Let’s read 1 Timothy 6:3-5: (Lead-in and background)

False Doctrine and Human Greed

Teach and encourage these things. ³ If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, ⁴ he is conceited, understanding nothing, but has a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slander, evil suspicions, ⁵ and constant disagreement among people whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness^[b] is a way to material gain.^[c]

^[b] 1 Timothy 6:5 Referring to religion as a means of financial gain

^[c] 1 Timothy 6:5 Other mss add From such people withdraw yourself

In general, the Jews considered fellow Jews who were wealthy were favored by GOD and were in right relationship with GOD. Christians must not equate their wealth to being in right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. Christianity is not a path to material gain. A Christian can be blessed by GOD with material possessions. The key is how should those with wealth obediently use it?

Paul connected building the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS with contentment. Let’s explore!

Many in our world today think, “If only I could win the lottery, I would have it made and by the way LORD, I could do so much for YOU.” We as humans put the cart before the horse, so-to-speak. Do you recall Matthew 6:33 - ³³ But seek first the kingdom of God^[a] and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

[a] Other mss omit of God

Christians are to focus on building the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS as they do life. What takes place when Christians focus on their relationship and seek to know JESUS and not to just know about JESUS?

Let’s read 1 Timothy 6:6-8:

⁶ But godliness with contentment is a great gain.

⁷ For we brought nothing into the world,
and^[d] we can take nothing out.
⁸ But if we have food and clothing,^[e]
we will be content with these.

(e) 1 Timothy 6:8 Or food and shelter

When Christians seek godliness and discover contentment that is something all the wealth in the world cannot provide. The key is to seek to be in right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS.

Many, Christians included, think that material possession bring contentment. What is contentment? When Paul used the word “contentment,” he considered it to be calm assurance that he was in the best situation regardless of circumstances around him. Remember what Paul taught earlier, “Don’t worry” or be “anxious,” but to think on the things that are recorded in Philippians 4:8 – “whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.”

Paul puts the proper perspective on people having material wealth in verse 7 – “⁷ For we brought nothing into the world,
and^[d] we can take nothing out.” As the saying most of us have heard, “We do not see a trailer full of things being pulled behind the hearse when those who had died are being taken to their burial site.” The key is how do we use, as Christians, what GOD has entrusted to us be it great or small. JESUS taught this when the poor widow gave her few coins when those with much gave from their abundance. (Luke 21:1-4)

Obedience to GOD leads Christians to use what GOD has entrusted to them for HIS plan and purpose. It reflects our hearts toward GOD.

Paul brings his point to, “What do we, as humans, really need as we read verse 8 –  ⁸ But if we have food and clothing,^[e] we will be content with these.

What is vital to life upon earth? What is vital to eternal life?

Where do you, as a person, make a secure, eternal investment?

Paul was not condemning wealth but putting material possessions in proper perspective. Having wealth combined with the proper desire to obediently serve GOD is a good thing. I have been acquainted with some very wealthy people over the years who were solid Christians. Unless you knew them you never knew how they used their wealth to help others. As scripture reveals in Matthew 6:3 - But when you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

Having wealth is not the issue, it is how we use our wealth.

Many of us think, only if I had wealth. Paul addresses this as we read on -----

Let’s read 1 Timothy 6:9-11:

⁹ But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root^[f] of all kinds of evil, and by craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.

(f) 1 Timothy 6:10 Or is the root

Having the desire to be rich in material things does not come without a cost. Having the desire takes our energy and focus off GOD and shifts it to the material world. JESUS had something to say about this in Luke 9:25 - What is a man benefited if he gains the whole world, yet loses or forfeits himself?

Fight the Good Fight

¹¹ But you, man of God, run from these things,
and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,
love, endurance, and gentleness.

So, what does the Apostle Paul tell us along with Pastor Timothy?

You, Pastor Timothy or fellow Christian, don’t walk but run from the desire to pursue the things the world has to offer but instead diligently “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.”  Pursue the things building the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS offers.

Let’s read 1 Timothy 6:17-19:

Instructions to the Rich

¹⁷ Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be arrogant or to set their hope on the uncertainty of wealth, but on God,^[g] who richly provides us with all things to enjoy. ¹⁸ Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share, ¹⁹ storing up for themselves a good reserve^[h] for the age to come, so that they may take hold of life that is real.

(g) 1 Timothy 6:17 Other mss read on the living God

(h) 1 Timothy 6:19 Or foundation

So, what does a Christian do if he or she is already rich? He or she is to put their wealth in proper perspective. Just because he or she is wealthy, does not mean he or she is Spiritually mature. Wealth is not the measure but a person’s relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS.

The wealthy need to honestly examine themselves and their Spiritual attitude in view of their eternal security. What is vital for all to be eternally secure? Is it in our material wealth or in our relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS? All should ask the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts to reveal anything in our lives that is a hindrance to being an obedient servant of GOD in HIS Kingdom upon earth. In whom do we depend upon in times of need? Do we depend upon our wealth or GOD in times of need? How do those with wealth look upon those less fortunate than they are? If they help others, are they giving them a hand-up or a hand-out?

The Apostle Paul gives some sound advice to Pastor Timothy and to all who read his letter. How should Pastor Timothy, Pastors and Christians alike counsel themselves when it comes to being materially rich as they live in this world. Yes, we, as Christians, provide for our loved ones to be taken care of when we transition from earth to heaven but the Apostle Paul put into perspective what having material possessions really means in verse “⁷ For we brought nothing into the world,
and^[d] we can take nothing out.” GOD teaches us to invest wisely.

One big consideration is, do those with wealth want to give a hand-up or a hand-out to those in need of material possessions? Do they give a person a fish or teach those in need how to fish?

“Thank you, Lord, for your mercy and grace.

Motivate us to give in response to the mercy

and grace we have experienced.”

By Robert Mitchell, Worship Leader Morningside Baptist Church, Spartanburg, SC

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Simplicity (3) - The Key to Contentment - Philippians 4:10-20 - September 15, 2019

Bible Study – Simplicity (3) – The Key to Contentment – September 15, 2019


This is lesson three (3) in our series entitled “Simplicity: Finding 

Contentment in a Busy Life.”


Our focus scripture is Philippians 4:10-20.


True contentment comes through CHRIST alone.


What is contentment? Is it giving up and accepting the situation or issue you are experiencing? Or is it abiding in the knowledge that you have done all you can about a situation, through prayer, and now you can rest and trust in the power and leadership of JESUS? GOD works wherever and whenever HE needs to work. There are times when it may take time before we know that GOD is at work on our request to HIM.  HE begins work according to HIS will and purpose the instant we ask but it may take earth time before we know that HE is at work. Let’s consider and read Daniel 10: 10-13:

Angelic Conflict

¹⁰ Suddenly, a hand touched me and raised me to my hands and knees. ¹¹ He said to me, “Daniel, you are a man treasured by God. Understand the words that I’m saying to you. Stand on your feet, for I have now been sent to you.” After he said this to me, I stood trembling.

¹² “Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he said to me, “for from the first day that you purposed to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers. ¹³ But the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed me for 21 days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me after I had been left there with the kings of Persia.

Things go on in the Heavenly realm of which we are not aware. Our part is to trust as we wait. We wait in contentment because we know that our FATHER has heard us and help in on the way.

The Apostle Paul knew this trusting contentment. Let’s explore!

Trusting contentment does not always mean things are going our way but we are trusting that our LORD is acting in our behalf. GOD is working to bring about HIS solution.

The Apostle Paul captures this idea in Romans 8:28:

²⁸ We know that all things work together^[m] for the good^[n] of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.

GOD is in all things to bring about the best result when we seek HIM for HIS help in faith and trust HIM. Often, this is manifested as we grow Spiritually. If we break human or GOD’S laws, we may have to serve the consequence of doing so. When we speed in a traffic control area and get caught, we may have to pay a fine.

What had the Apostle Paul learned over the years of faithful service to our LORD JESUS?

Let’s read Philippians 4:10-14:

Appreciation of Support

¹⁰ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. ¹² I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. ¹³ I am able to do all things through Him^[b] who strengthens me. ¹⁴ Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship.

Paul had invested the Gospel with the Philippians. When an investment proves to have been good, we are grateful. When fellow Christians reached out to Paul in his time of physical need, it revealed their changed lives through faith in JESUS. It reflected their hearts. It is the little things in life that encourage us as we journey through life having faith in JESUS. We look for signs of Spiritual growth in those in whom the Gospel has been invested.

The Christians in Philippi were concerned for Paul but they lacked the opportunity to show it. Why? It could be as simple as they did not know that Paul was under house arrest in Rome. But when they found this out, they responded.

When we, as Christians, see a need but lack the opportunity or resources to meet that need, pray and look for an opportunity to meet that need. Paul knew the heart of his fellow Christians and that was what was important to him. When they responded to meet his need, that was a physical sign that the Spiritual investment he had been led to make in them was still producing healthy Spiritual fruit.

Matt Crosland and his family are missionaries/Bible translators in Papua New Guinea. Matt and his wife Tiffany have seven children. Now their eldest is off to college. Since they have a child going to college and other children soon to follow, Wycliffe Bible Translators determined they needed more financial assistance each month. They are back home in the USA raising funds to support the LORD’S work in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Our LORD led Matt to invest the Gospel in those indigenous/native to PNG, as well as those who have learned the languages in PNG, to translate GOD’S Word, the Bible, into their native language. Since those indigenous to PNG already know their native language, of which there are many in PNG, this has greatly increased the translation of GOD’S Word into their language. If you would like to support Matt and Tiffany and their family and GOD’S work in PNG you may do so by giving through Wycliffe Bible Translators. They need to raise an additional $2520 per month to meet their needs therefore every $ counts toward their support. Nothing is too small to give. So, I urge you to partner with the Croslands.

https://www.wycliffe.org/partner/withtheCroslands

Matt will be speaking at our church, Morningside Baptist, 897 South Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC, October 20 at 10:45 AM in our sanctuary. All are welcome to come hear Matt. This will be during our regular Bible Study time. You are welcome to come to our regular worship service at 9:30 AM and stay to hear Matt.

The Apostle Paul reveals what he had learned over the years during his walk with JESUS. He had learned to trust GOD in all circumstances whether he had much or very little. Paul stated in verses 13 and 14:

¹³ I am able to do all things through Him^[b] who strengthens me. ¹⁴ Still, you did well by sharing with me in my hardship.

Paul knew of GOD’s care for him both physically and Spiritually but he greatly appreciated his fellow Christians coming to his aid. Yes, even though GOD takes care of Paul, “you did well by sharing in my hardship.” As fellow Christians reach out to assist fellow Christians it is a reflection of JESUS’ love for those in need. Christians are the hands and feet of JESUS and pleasing to GOD. Physical sharing is one thing often leads to Spiritual sharing, which is eternal.

Let’s read Philippians 4:15-18:

¹⁵ And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. ¹⁶ For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. ¹⁷ Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit^[c] that is increasing to your account. ¹⁸ But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Paul was reflecting and acknowledging the times that the Philippian Christians had reached out to him with a helping hand of support and encouragement. The willingness of the Philippian Christians to support Paul, over the years, has been pleasing to GOD and emitted a fragrant pleasing odor to others but most especially their support had been pleasing to GOD.

We read in 2 Corinthians 2:15-26a:

¹⁵ For to God we are the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. 16 To some we are an aroma of death leading to death, but to others, an aroma of life leading to life.

How do you Spiritually smell to others? Do you draw others to JESUS or do you repel them?

Let’s read Philippians 4:19-20:

¹⁹ And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

In whom do we trust? Paul had experienced various needs during his life of obedient service to GOD through faith in JESUS. He had found with great confidence that GOD had supplied all of his needs. How had GOD met Paul’s needs? From HIS vast storehouse. How big and well stocked is GOD’S storehouse?

GOD entrusts things both materially and Spiritually into our care to be used for others as we obediently serve our LORD JESUS.

Exude the sweet aroma of salvation as you obediently serve our LORD and Savior JESUS as you are led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Blessings!!!