30 August 2021

THANKS TO OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Speaker: Fred Sigle

SUNDAY LESSON, 8/29/21
 
THANKS TO OUR CHURCH FAMILY
Philippians 4:10-20 (and selected passages from Philippians) 
 
Before resuming our summer sermon series on “THE CHURCH”, I want to use this Sunday as a “closure” of sorts in dealing with the loss of our son Steven.  Of course, there will never be a closure for Brenda and me, but a healing of our hearts as we continue to adjust to the void that Steven’s passing has left in our home and in our hearts.
The Apostle Paul is a prisoner of Rome awaiting possible execution as he writes this letter to the Philippian church.   As he thinks about his brothers and sisters at Philippi, he is filled with gratitude to God for putting them in his life.   And at the close of the letter, Paul thanks them personally for the monetary and emotional support they had given him in his time of need.
My lesson this Sunday serves as a “thank you letter” to you, our church family, for all that you have done for Brenda and me and our entire family during these past several weeks dealing with the greatest difficulty and heartbreak we have ever experienced.  You have made these weeks more bearable as you reached out to us with such loving care and concern.
THANK YOU!
Philippians 4:10-20

10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.