Sermon Notes - Philippians 4:10-23 - Fragrant Aroma - Rising Sun Baptist Church - August 23, 2026

 1.        Please open your Bibles to Philippians 4.

a.        We will be wrapping up Philippians this morning.

2.        We all get the I want it’s from time to time.

a.        A bigger house.

b.       A promotion.

c.        A new truck.

d.       Or a fun toy.

e.        Now please hear me.

f.          I am not saying having this stuff is bad.

g.        When God blesses our careers for example, we do end up with more to enjoy life with.

h.        But at the same time that would mean we have more to be a blessing with.

3.        The trick is to enjoy the blessings we have received, while being content with what we have, as well as being generous to others.

a.        Knowing when we have enough and…

b.       Following God’s leading to help others.

c.        And on top of that, remembering to be thankful regardless of our circumstances.

4.        There is a lot in there.

a.        Paul lays it all out in these final verses.

5.        Philippians 4:10

a.        There have been several times in this letter that Paul has commented on the connection between him and the Philippian church.

b.       Such as Philippians 1:7.

c.        Paul continues to appreciate that connection in these final verses.

d.       They were of one mind.

e.        Partnering in sharing the Gospel.

f.          And here he is rejoicing that they had another opportunity to show their love with the gift that Epaphroditus brought.

6.        Philippians 4:11

a.        Paul was very thankful for the gift he had received.

b.       But at the same time he is saying that his trust was not in the gift.

c.        His trust or his contentment is found in Jesus.

7.        This is something we should think about.

a.        It is not wrong to want nice things.

b.       To go on trips.

c.        To enjoy life.

d.       But at the same time, we are to be content with what God has given us.

e.        All that we have and all that we are comes from our Lord Jesus.

f.          If we chase after anything, we need to chase after Jesus.

g.        And be content with whatever He gives us.

8.        Philippians 4:12

a.        As a follower of Christ our joy, our happiness, our peace, or our contentment is not tied to what is going on in our life.

b.       They are not based on what we have or what we have accomplished.

c.        Our joy, peace, happiness, and contentment come from our Lord.

d.       From the Holy Spirit being at work in us.

e.        Galatians 5:22-25

f.          Peace that is beyond understanding.

g.        Joy that is based on us knowing that we get to spend forever with Jesus.

h.        Faithfulness that comes from the Holy Spirit working in us.

i.          Self-control that is seen in by us being content in this life.

j.          Whether our glass is overflowing or if it looks like it is about empty.

k.        Contentment comes from trusting in Jesus.

l.          And the next verse tells us how.

9.        Philippians 4:13

a.        A very popular verse.

b.       It does not mean we can choose what we want to do and Jesus will help us with it.

c.        I am not going out and climb Mount Everest in the strength of Jesus.

d.       Is it possible that God could do something like that, yes.

e.        He would really have to work on this body to do it.

f.          But that is not what is meant here.

g.        What we need to understand is that regardless of if we are struggling financially or we have an abundance, we can be content through Jesus.

h.        Whether we are eating steak and caviar or living off of ramen noodles, if our faith is in Jesus, He will help us be at peace with where we are at.

i.          Regardless of the circumstances we find ourselves in.

j.          Our contentment.

k.        Our peace.

l.          Our joy.

m.     Are completely dependent on Christ who is the author and perfector of our faith.

n.        With Him at work in us.

o.        We can be content in any and all circumstances.

10.   Even those times when we are really questioning what is going on and wondering how we are going to make it through.

a.        Re-read vs 13.

11.   Philippians 4:14

a.        In these verses we see thank you, thank you, and thank you again.

12.   Philippians 4:15-16

a.        Paul planted this church.

b.       They have a strong connection.

c.        And they have repeatedly supported Paul in his ministry.

13.   They wanted to point people to Jesus and to help Paul do the same.

a.        They were faithfully supporting God’s work.

14.   One sign of contentment is generosity.

a.        If we are content with what we have, it is easier to give some of it away.

b.       As a church we give 14% of what comes in to support ministry elsewhere.

c.        That is just the money that comes in through our tithes.

d.       That does not include the special offerings that we give to people like Joe Wilson when he comes to visit or the baby bottles for Faith Maternity Care.

e.        That does not include the Annie Armstrong, Lottie Moon, and Reuben L. South offerings we give to.

15.   This can also be seen when we are generous with our time.

a.        Helping someone in need.

b.       Doing something around the church.

c.        Being available to talk to someone.

16.   All ways of being generous with what God has given you.

a.        They show that we understand that it is not simply about us and what we want.

b.       It is about caring for those in need.

c.        About sharing the Gospel of Jesus.

d.       And partnering with others to be witnesses to the ends of the earth.

17.   When we give of our time or resources, we are doing all things through Him who strengthens us.

a.        We are trusting God completely in knowing that He has us.

b.       Regardless of whether we have a little or a lot.

18.   Philippians 4:17

a.        Paul is thankful, but he was content with a little or a lot.

b.       What is important is how the church is following God’s leading.

c.        They have shown humility.

d.       They have cared for others.

e.        They are focused on sharing the Gospel.

f.          On serving and loving others.

19.   The fruit of generosity is not something that is seen on this side of eternity.

a.        Matthew 6:19-21

b.       Using Jesus’ words, they are laying up treasures in heaven.

c.        When we are generous as the Holy Spirit leads.

d.       We are doing the will of God.

e.        Living worthy of the Gospel of Christ.

f.          Being content with what we have.

g.        And a day will come when we will stand before our Lord.

h.        And we will see how God has used our generosity.

20.   Philippians 4:18

a.        A fragrant offering that was pleasing to God.

b.       This ties to the Old Testament sacrifices.

c.        Exodus 29:18, 25, 41 (25 & 41 pleasing aroma).

d.       Time and time again we read that the sacrifices are received by God as a pleasing aroma.

e.        Sacrificially giving of our time or resources are a fragrant offering.

f.          When we dig deep and support God’s work, it is a pleasing aroma to our God.

g.        When we meet up with someone instead of heading off on an adventure, it is a please aroma to our God.

h.        When we follow God’s leading and sharing what we have.

i.          Our faithfulness to Him is a pleasing aroma.

21.   Philippians 4:19

a.        Paul believes that as the church gave to cover his needs.

b.       That God would ensure their needs are also met.

c.        Our God is a faithful God.

d.       If He is guiding us to be content with what we have and to give generously, He will provide for us.

e.        He will provide so that we can faithfully follow His leading.

f.          He blesses us so that we can be a blessing to others.

g.        Our God gave His Son so that we could spend eternity with Him.

h.        In comparison, covering the needs of those who give as God guides, is nothing in comparison.

22.   Now we have to be careful, this is not one of those seed money things.

a.        If you give painfully, you will get even more.

b.       This verse might be used to justify that false teaching, but that is not what is being said here.

c.        What we are being told is that if we are faithfully giving as God guides.

d.       He will provide for our needs.

23.   When we think about some of what we have talked about as we have walked through this letter.

a.        When we submit to His leading.

b.       He will help us to live according to the Gospel.

c.        He will complete the good work He has started in us.

d.       He will help us to be humble.

e.        To be filled with joy.

f.          To have a peace that is beyond understanding.

g.        God provides our needs according to His will.

24.   As we follow Jesus He works in our lives.

25.   Philippians 4:20

a.        Paul starts drawing this letter to a close by praising God.

b.       Giving Him the glory for the work God has done in and through Paul and the church.

26.   We are here because our God has brought each of us here.

a.        Rising Sun Baptist Church has been around for 134 years.

b.       To the glory of God.

c.        There is a glorious history in this church, to the glory of God.

d.       We have an amazing future ahead of us, to the glory of God.

e.        All to the Glory of our God!

f.          Amen???

27.   Philippians 4:21-22

a.        These are the usual greetings that are found in Paul’s letters.

b.       But there is a little extra in here.

c.        Those of Caesar’s household.

d.       Paul is in chains and the Gospel message is being spread to those who serve in Ceasar’s house.

e.        God is faithful.

f.          He used Paul in spite of his circumstances.

28.   Imagine what God can do with us as we trust in Him.

a.        There is no limit.

29.   Philippians 4:23

a.        May the grace of Jesus be with you.

30.   As a follower of Christ, we have already received the grace of Jesus.

a.        It is what has given us an eternal life with our Lord and Savior.

b.       A grace that all who surrender to Jesus receive.

31.   May the grace of Jesus be with each of you.

32.   Thoughts for the Road:

a.        Is there an area of your life that you need to learn to be content through God’s strength?

b.       Ask God to help you view generosity as a fragrant offering instead of dollars and cents or hours and minutes.

c.        Rejoicing has been a common message in this letter, how can you rejoice always? Taking time each day to reflect on how good our God is?

33.   Paul wanted those in Philippi to receive the grace of Jesus.

a.        It is my desire that no one walks out of here without receiving that same grace.

b.       Grace that only comes from Jesus being your Lord and Savior.

c.        If you don’t know Jesus, please know that He loves you.

d.       He died to pay for our sins.

e.        He rose again to offer you an everlasting life.

f.          And He is looking forward to spending forever with you.

g.        Are you ready?

h.        Are ready to give your life to Him.

i.          To repent of your sins and follow Jesus.

j.          If so, please do not delay.

k.        We don’t know what tomorrow holds.

l.          If you are ready, I would love to pray with you during our closing song.  

34.   If you are ready to follow Jesus’ in water baptism or join RSBC, please let me know.

35.   If you are feeling called to serve, let’s get together and talk about it.