Philippians 4:10-20
New King James Version (NKJV)
Philippian Generosity
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
My Thoughts:
- Let’s start with (v. 11) we read “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:”
- The secret to Paul’s contentment was thanksgiving. At some point Paul had came to understand that it’s not the needs of this world we need to long for but the needs after that.
- I see that Paul is also telling them that we are always in a state of growth, and even he the apostle still is learning.
- He seems to be saying that he know that all his needs are fulfilled by the blessing of God (Rom. 8:28; 1 Cor. 10:13)
- In (v. 15) we read “Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.”
- Paul is referring to a time when he first started his ministry and it seems that the church in Philippi was the only church willing to support his work, and for that he is truly grateful.
- And let’s finish with (v. 19) “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”
- God is willing to supply all the gifts that were given to Christ (Matt. 7:7); all that is required of you is to ask. When we have the faith of Jacob we too can receive this oneness that each of us long for, but this oneness can only be achieved through faith.
- But this supplying of needs will not stop here, in the last days God will ensure that our needs are met (Isa. 33:16) here are just two examples of God watching over his people; (1 Kings 17:6; Dan. 3:27;).
“God never tires of our asking“
Dad, can I have 10 dollars?” “Dad, can you help me with my math?” “Dad, what’s the capital of Maine?” “Dad, why can’t we get another car?” “Dad, I didn’t make the team.”
The questions and requests and needs of my children seem endless. Whether they are in junior high, in high school, in college, or married, they never stop needing help.
Often I can provide the help they need, but sometimes I am unable to come up with the answer or the solution. As much as I would like to, I don’t have an answer or the resources for everything. But I know who does. I know that God supplies all of our needs (Phil. 4:19). And He knows when our requests are genuine needs, or when He must redirect our thinking instead.
Consider this: When we think we are too tired to go on, Jesus says, “I will give you rest” (Mt. 11:28). When we think no one cares, Jesus says He loves us (Jn. 15:12-13). When we can’t figure things out, God says He will guide us (Ps. 48:14). When we need forgiveness, God says He will forgive us if we confess our sins (1 Jn. 1:9).
God is our heavenly Father, who wants us to come to Him with our requests. He wants us to listen to Him speak through His Word. He has an answer for everything. –J D Branon
For answered prayer we thank You, Lord,
We know You’re always there
To hear us when we call on You;
We’re grateful for Your care. –JDB
Personal Reflection and Discussion
- What do think about (v. 19)?
- Do you support your Pastors, your local Church and the world wide ministry? Do you think we should?
- What other things do you see in the text?
Prayer Activities
- Call your Partner and discuss this devotional.
- Continue to have a prayer list and continue to praying for them.
- Pray with them and ask for the following;
- For God to help find your giving heart.
- For Christ to help you focus on the things that are truly important.
- For the individuals on your pray list.
- Let’s use (Isaiah 2:1-4) for today’s prayer verse, this one really made me stop and think.
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Paul is so graciously thanking the Philippians for their help since it seems that they have been helping from the very start. It also appears that they, at one time were the only ones to help him. Verse 19 Paul is saying that God will supply all their needs. This causes Paul to feel “full”. He is telling the Philippians that they too, will be full because of the gifts God will give them. I try to support the church and the worldwide ministry in prayer,cause it is not always feasible with money. I know there are so many who feel that since they can’t help with financial support they can’t do anything and that is so not true. Prayer is always important. Emotional support is good too. So many times just being there to listen is enough. We live in a world where money is so important. We need to be like Paul and be “full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” How wonderful to know that our God will supply all our needs.
Prayer is the most important part of being a Christian, and I think when the bible talk about the first fruits in (Proverbs 3:9) “Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase:” I do not think he is talking about just money. All God requires of us is to give to Him first, if that means you do not have money and all you can do is first thing in the morning get up and say a prayer thanking Him for one more day to serve, then that is all He ask. The point is, was your first thought about thanking God or was it “I need to do”. Give to God first and thine will increase
I think the key words are; to be content. Do we trust, that after we lift our needs and wants to God, that He is Lord over them?! Sometimes we only rightly priortize things once we nearly lose it. We can not count on this world, and it surely can not premenetly fufill us. Only God can truely satisfy and never fail us. All things work out for the greater good. Need or want, we can trust God’s leading. May we be happy with the valley, as well as the high places of this earth, as long as God is our shepard, what could come our way that He can not overcome. Proverbs 30:8-9 says it best, “give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me, Lest I be full and deny you, and say who is the Lord? or lest I be poor and steal and take the name of my God in vain”.
Only when we give every part of our lives over to Christ will we find true happiness.