Seeking Fruit
Minister Joaquin
Philippians 4:14-17
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
Growing faith leaves signs
4:17 increases to your account Paul clarifies his previous comments (Phil 4:10–16). By commending the Philippians’ gift, he is not indirectly seeking another. Rather, he is celebrating their generosity as a sign of their growing faith.
- Paul is congratulating them as a teacher commends his student
- He is acknowledging they have gotten the message to be content in all situations and are able to give freely and cheerfully as he would.
Growing is what God is after
- The word “fruit” in a financial sense of account, Paul speaks in the language of an investments manager: he desires continuously increasing profits, daily compounding interest, and accumulating dividends for the Philippians’ account.
- The metaphorical reference of these terms comes into view in Paul’s prayer that the Philippians will be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God (1:11)
- Paul’s primary desire for himself and his readers is to have the same attitude and mind that Jesus Christ had (2:5)
God is taking the long approach
- Growth takes time
- The longer it takes to make something the higher quality it becomes
- God wants the best for us, so he is willing to be patient to work it out for our benefit
- God is acting instantly but taking the long approach, so everything lasts
- We must do our part daily to ensure the plan stays on track
- Stepping in faith daily is our best way to plant the seeds that will one day produce the fruit
Applications:
1. When you are feeling impatient, read the stories of the characters that God used the long approach to remind you to be patient
2. Pray for clarity when you don’t see the big picture, pray for the faith to walk without seeing everything, and discipline to do your best one task at a time
3. Find a verse to start your day with and put on your front door to read and help you commit to doing the work that will produce fruit in the future.
4. List out areas you need to grow and start working on a plan to grow so you can enjoy all the things God has for you in the future.
Questions:
1. What is your favorite dish that takes a long time to cook?
2. Why do we struggle with taking the long approach to growing?
3. Why is it hard to wait on the Lord?
4. What is something you can do now to take more daily action to grow and produce fruit in the future?
Galatians 6:6-10
6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
2 Peter 3:8-10
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
1 Peter 5:6-11
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.