A Sweet Smell!

Philippians 4:18
But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.

The passage before us is a continuation of the thought the apostle has been speaking about for some time. The Apostle is stating his gratitude for the exceptional care he received from his supporters.

I understand this because it hits so close to my own door. I also believe this is a painted picture of the generous loving care of our Lord Jesus Christ toward us.

I have all, and abound;
We are to be grateful for the substance we receive from God. God promises to give us all that we need to get his will done in our life. I have heard and have experienced the old saying that when God calls he provides. This is true of every aspect of the Christians life (if we look to see it).

As a called servant of God, I have all I need, and I can also say because my needs are met I abound. Basically I am doing better than average because I am God's and he is mine!

I am full, having received...the things which were sent.
As God's child I get to operate in the realm of faith. I can guarantee you I have never been hungry. This promise is both physical and spiritual.

Physically, I am "fat and sassy". I have never missed a meal and my cabinets are stocked with all kinds of goodies. I daily drive by hundreds of restaurants with drive through. I can say I am full.

Spiritually, I am beyond "fat and sassy" God has blessed us beyond anything imaginable. The shear number of Soldiers I get to tell the wonderful good news of full and free salvation through Jesus Christ is astronomical. The blessings of the harvest is more than most can appreciate. I am spiritually full because you sent the things that were needed. (Thank You)

An odour of a sweet smell,
We all can relate to a pleasant smelling place, perhaps a garden, or freshly mowed grass! the earth that has been plowed and prepared. The smell of a newborn, or the fragrance found at a wedding. I believe that these things trigger memories that help us have fond feelings for the blessings we have already experienced.

When We do what God wants us to do, we exude an odour of a sweet smell. God has a reaction to our obedience, he smells an odour of a sweet smell. Do you smell sweet to God?

A sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
A simple act of obedience to God, a simple act of kindness done in the name of God, is praised by God himself. God calls this a sacrifice! that is accepted! It is wellpleasing to God!

so a simple test to determine the worth of our service to God:

Is it considered a sacrifice (to God)?
Is it acceptable (to God)?
Is it wellpleasing (to God)?