Philippians 4:14-16

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

(v14, NIV)

Paul knows how to be content with much or very little. Even if they did not give to Paul, he would have been just fine. However, Paul is not trying to be thankless for this gift. He rejoices for the gift he has received from them and their generous giving to him. Even if he would have been fine without their gift, it was still good that they gave to him. Their gifts and help to him is their way of sharing in his sufferings. We all share in the work of advancing the gospel of Christ. We may not do the same things, but we all play a part in this. Their particular role in this particular situation was offering aid to Paul.

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; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.

(v15-16, NIV)

Paul takes an opportunity to further commend them for the help they provide Paul with. Paul has not forgotten that they have given to Paul in the past. Even at a time when no other church helped him, those at the church in Philippi helped him. They were the only ones at that time. It's interesting how Paul describes it as sharing in the matter of giving and receiving. The ESV describes it as entering into partnership. In the help they provide Paul with, they are sharing in his ministry. They partner with him in the work that he is doing.

When you give to those who are advancing the gospel, you are partnering with them in the work they are doing. They are proclaiming the gospel of Christ to those who are lost in this world and you have a part in that. Those you help are thankful and you shouldn't think it as a useless or marginal effort made. Share in this work.

This doesn't mean that it is the only way to help. I can imagine that some people are called by God to work hard to provide for others who are out spreading the gospel to those in places where the gospel has not been so readily proclaimed. This doesn't mean those who help don't proclaim Christ themselves. If God has called you to that, great. Follow God's calling. However, I feel it may be desired selfishly by those who want to aspire to wealth and riches. In this materialistic world, most people want more money and more riches and more wealth. Being called to provide for others so that they can proclaim Christ to others almost seems like trying to have a foot in both worlds. Serve Him and Him alone. Follow hard after him and live up to the gospel to which you have been called. Hear his specific calling for you and do what he asks of you. It's hard, but would you rather the easy path that leads to destruction?

Give and continue to give. Partner with others for the cause of the Kingdom. We are all partakers of grace together. Let us live in a manner worthy of the gospel to which we have been called.