YOU HAVE THE FIRST PIECE

●    gorging vs. generous with gift: showing honour

FOR THE INDIFFERENT: REBUKE AND REFINEMENT

●    contempt by priests and people: blemished offerings, sorcery, adultery, oppression
●    refiner’s fire burns away impurities
●    launderer’s soap whitens / bleaches: fine clean linen
●    oppression at arm’s length: deadly sweatshop fires

FOR THE COMMITTED: ATTACHMENT, ATTUNED

●    church in Philippi repeatedly sent financial support
●    longed-for with the affection of Christ Jesus
●    love overflowing in knowledge, insight, discernment: test for what’s best
●    churches accommodating to culture lose distinctiveness - and members
●    be pure, blameless, sincere: without wax in cracks
●    love not blind but perceptive, distinguishing right/wrong

RIGHTEOUS OFFERINGS AND FRUIT

●    goal: offerings in righteousness / acceptable to the Lord
●    believers holy priesthood offering acceptable spiritual sacrifices
●    sacrifice of praise / lips - and doing good / sharing
●    promise to the generous: God meets needs by His glorious riches in Christ (Php 4:19)
●    kettle-keeper offered kindness and encouragement to hurting woman