https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=PHil+4%3A15-23&version=NIVUK

Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 

Philippians 4:17

I am in need, but that is not why I am thanking you, Paul asserts again. Paul praises the Philippians for recognising him as part of their own body, which is Christ’s. Paul, in turn, desires that this body of Christ bear the brain’s fruit. He rounds up the letter by showing how every believer recognises the Philippians as their own body, and this is to the glory of God in Christ. God’s glory is when God is shown as God, when his intention is realised, and when his desire is satisfied. Therefore, when we recognise each other in Christ, we glory God our Father, who fills our every need and holds us even tighter together as one body.

Lord, let me recognise even a small part of your body and take care of its needs, not because I have anything brilliant to give or satisfy, but because it is my part and yours. Lord, have mercy and give me the actions and thoughts of your brain. Let us know and live the depth of the true partnership you offer us. Praise and glory to our God, who, with his almightiness, recognises us and converts us as his partners in his good work.

• How would you describe the relationship between Paul and the Philippians? Do you find anything particular about it?
• What is the significance of the material or physical help between believers? How meaningful or unmeaningful is it? In what ways can they be helpful or harmful?
• What have you learned through the letter to the Philippians about Christ’s body?

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