“Nov 19, 2024 - My God Will Supply Your Need”

Monday, November 18, 2024

My God Will Supply Your Need

Reading:  Philippians 4:14-23
    
    Philippians is Paul’s extended thank-you note to the church for their gift of support.  “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me…it was kind of you to share my trouble”(Phil 4:10, 14).  He is thankful for the gift, but also that it signifies their “concern” and willingness to “share my trouble.”  It speaks to a loving relationship.  Paul also remembers that this is not the first time they have helped him:  “in the beginning of the gospel…no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only”(Phil 4:15).  Paul and the Philippians go way back.  It is always appropriate to acknowledge the kindness of others.

    But Paul is also doing more than saying “thank you.”  “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit”(Phil 4:17).  Their giving blesses them, giving testimony to their love and bringing glory to God.  It is “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God”(Phil 4:18).  Just as Jews would give up their animals to God to please him, so the Philippians have sacrificed their money to Paul so he could further God’s work.  To that Paul gives an assurance that “my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus”(Phil 4:19).  God will repay their sacrifice.  As God has blessed Paul through the Philippians, so he will bless the Philippians through others.  On and on goes the train of giving, blessing, and sustaining. 

    It is counterintuitive to think that when we give our money away, we will have our needs supplied.  When we give our money away, we have less!  Yet this is why our sacrifices (financial, relational, time) are acts of faith and love.  We trust that God will reward us and others will be blessed.  When we have given to the point that we are empty, our God will supply our needs.
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One Thing to Think About: What am I sacrificing to supply the needs of others?

One Thing to Pray For:  God to supply the needs of those who have helped and blessed me
 

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