Section 4
things was for the furtherance of the gospel. The gospel includes not only the good news of salva tion, redemption, forgiveness, justification, and eternal life. Especially in a book like Philippians, the gospel signifies the move of God in His econ omy. Therefore, fellowship, even in the sending of a material supply, is for the furtherance of God's move in His economy.
THE APOSTLE'S REMEMBRANCE
OF THE BELIEVERS' SUPPLY
IN THE PAST
In Philippians 4:15 and 16 Paul refers to those times in the past when the believers in Philippi supplied him materially. Then in verse 17 Paul goes on to say, "Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit which increases to your account." Why does Paul refer to their giving in the past? The secret to understanding Paul's purpose in these verses is in the word "account" (vv. 15, 17). The Philippian believers' supply of material things to the apostle opened an account with him.
In the Bible we have a revelation of the heav enly banking system. In Matthew 6 the Lord Jesus speaks of making a deposit in our spiritual bank account. According to His word, we need to make deposits into our account in the heavens.