Jesus responds to our giving. He will not only supply our needs… he will supply ALL our needs from his GLORIOUS RICHES.
Here’s what the Bible says…
Paul was rejoicing in the Lord because the church in Philippi (the Philippian church) was giving of their finances, once again, to help Paul. He knew they... cared about him all along, but they didn’t have the opportunity.
"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity." - Philippians 4:10
Paul explained to them that he was not ever in need, for he had learned to be content no matter what state he was in.
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." - Philippians 4:11
Paul seems to pause here and go in a very spiritual direction, speaking of his instruction as, "to initiate into the mysteries”. (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
The Lord had taught Paul fully, giving him an “intimate acquaintance” to “every condition and to all the several circumstances of life”. “I have been so disciplined by experience that whatsoever be my lot I can endure.” (Thayer's)
"I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." - Philippians 4:12
Paul knew the source of his ability to survive in every circumstance: his strength came from Jesus.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13
Paul commended the Philippian church on their helping him relieve the pressure when he was in a position of difficulty.
"Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction." - Philippians 4:14
Paul reminded them that no other church but them only blessed him financially when he came from Macedonia to Philippi, bringing them the Gospel.
"Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only." - Philippians 4:15
The Philippians blessed Paul with their giving, even when he was in Thessalonica, sending help to Paul more than once.
"For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity." - Philippians 4:16
Paul was letting the church in Philippi know that the Lord was going to reward their giving. Paul wanted them to know that because they were continually blessing him with his needs as he ministered the gospel, they were laying up treasures in heaven.
"Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." - Philippians 4:17
The offerings that the Philippian church sent to Paul he compared to the offerings to God in the Temple. Paul described them as of a sweet smell, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
"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, wellpleasing to God." - Philippians 4:18
Jesus, as Paul’s God, always supplied Paul’s needs. Paul let the Philippians know that Jesus would also supply all THEIR needs as well. And not only that, but supply ALL their needs from his GLORIOUS RICHES.
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19
As a cheerful, generous giver, God provides and increases our resources so we can give a great harvest of generosity, as he generously provides all we need with plenty left over to share with others. Our giving causes others to give thanks to God, and, as the Psalmist said, our good deeds will be remembered forever. (2Cor.9:6-11, Psalms 112:9)
"Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - Philippians 4:20
Here’s what the Bible says…
Paul was rejoicing in the Lord because the church in Philippi (the Philippian church) was giving of their finances, once again, to help Paul. He knew they... cared about him all along, but they didn’t have the opportunity.
"But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity." - Philippians 4:10
Paul explained to them that he was not ever in need, for he had learned to be content no matter what state he was in.
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." - Philippians 4:11
Paul seems to pause here and go in a very spiritual direction, speaking of his instruction as, "to initiate into the mysteries”. (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)
The Lord had taught Paul fully, giving him an “intimate acquaintance” to “every condition and to all the several circumstances of life”. “I have been so disciplined by experience that whatsoever be my lot I can endure.” (Thayer's)
"I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." - Philippians 4:12
Paul knew the source of his ability to survive in every circumstance: his strength came from Jesus.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13
Paul commended the Philippian church on their helping him relieve the pressure when he was in a position of difficulty.
"Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction." - Philippians 4:14
Paul reminded them that no other church but them only blessed him financially when he came from Macedonia to Philippi, bringing them the Gospel.
"Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only." - Philippians 4:15
The Philippians blessed Paul with their giving, even when he was in Thessalonica, sending help to Paul more than once.
"For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity." - Philippians 4:16
Paul was letting the church in Philippi know that the Lord was going to reward their giving. Paul wanted them to know that because they were continually blessing him with his needs as he ministered the gospel, they were laying up treasures in heaven.
"Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." - Philippians 4:17
The offerings that the Philippian church sent to Paul he compared to the offerings to God in the Temple. Paul described them as of a sweet smell, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.
"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, wellpleasing to God." - Philippians 4:18
Jesus, as Paul’s God, always supplied Paul’s needs. Paul let the Philippians know that Jesus would also supply all THEIR needs as well. And not only that, but supply ALL their needs from his GLORIOUS RICHES.
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19
As a cheerful, generous giver, God provides and increases our resources so we can give a great harvest of generosity, as he generously provides all we need with plenty left over to share with others. Our giving causes others to give thanks to God, and, as the Psalmist said, our good deeds will be remembered forever. (2Cor.9:6-11, Psalms 112:9)
"Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - Philippians 4:20
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