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THANKFUL FOR SPIRITUAL FRUIT
TUESDAY, JUNE 27
Philippians 4:17-19

2 Corinthians 8:1-5

 

“…I desire fruit that may

abound to your account.”

 

THANKFUL FOR SPIRITUAL FRUIT
 
As Paul talked about their physical gift, he shared with them that their generosity was significant for it was evidence of spiritual fruit that they were bearing for the Lord. To Paul, that was far more important – that the Philippian Christians were a generous, ministry-minded church, well-pleasing to God.
 
He was careful to add that he was not writing to ask for more. Instead, he wrote because he was thankful for their spiritual progress. Through this giving, they were contributing to the progress of the Gospel, and so fruit was abounding in their account. We must keep in mind that they were not a rich church. It was, in fact, “in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality” (2 Cor 8:2). They were very poor, yet they saw the need of Paul and the cause of the ministry as more important than their own afflictions. Such was their generosity that they gave even beyond their ability to give (2 Cor 8:3) and had to beg Paul to receive their gifts (2 Cor 8:4).
 
Paul then described the gift as “an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God” (Phil 4:18). This was his way of saying that God was much pleased by the works of the Philippian Christians. While the gift was given to Paul, they were in fact an offering to the Lord, and was like the Levitical offerings of the Old Testament, a “sweet savour unto the LORD” (Lev 1:17). Indeed, there was much about this church that Paul had to be thankful for, as his desire that they would bear fruit for the Lord was very much fulfilled.
 
Likewise, we ask ourselves: Are we thankful for the spiritual fruits borne in the lives of those around us? Or are we more concerned about their physical success? Do we rejoice more when we hear of a brother being promoted in his job or getting good grades, or when they are maturing in Christ, are serving the Lord more, and have overcome sin and temptation?
 
THOUGHT: What brings me more joy: spiritual fruit or physical food?
PRAYER: Father, may I be able to see and understand the spiritual significance in every act of service rendered to Thee.

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