Those that step out in faith in giving have a promise from God’s word: "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19
Paul the Apostle wrote to the church in Philippi letting them know how he was rejoicing in the Lord because once again they were making a sacrifice to give to his ministry. Paul knew they had cared about him all along, but had not the opportunity to help him.
"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
He seemed to be reassuring them that he was not in need during those times, but had learned that in whatever state he was in to be content. He had learned to accept being humbled when he suffered need, as well as to accept abundance when it came to him.
It appears to me that Paul looked at every state he was in as a lesson from God for him for a purpose in his personal growth as well as experience for his ministry to others. Because of this it seems he could accept being full as well as being hungry, abundance as well as suffering need, because he knew that all things in his life were from God and working together for good for him, according to God’s purpose. (See Romans 8:28)
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 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 4:11-12
Knowing that all things he was going through was for God’s purpose, Paul was confident that through Christ he could do all things because He strengthened him. Jesus gives us the strength we need for whatever situation, trial, temptation or test we face.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13
Paul commended the church in Philippi for their giving when he was in need, and for their giving when no other churches helped him as he ministered in the gospel, preaching salvation in Jesus name throughout the world.
"Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 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. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity." - Philippians 4:14-16
Paul knew that by their giving, they would not only be supplying his needs as he ministered in the gospel, but more importantly to Paul, by their giving the people in the church in Philippi would be blessed by God.
"Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account." - Philippians 4:17
He wanted to let the church know he was greatly blessed by their sacrifice. Paul compared their gift to burnt offerings made to God. Sacrifices that were accepted by God and pleasing to Him are said to have a sweet smell. (When Noah offered burnt offerings on the altar, the Bible says, “And the LORD smelled a sweet savour” Genesis 8:20) Thus, Paul was letting the church in Philippi know that their offering to him was an acceptable and well pleasing sacrifice to God. Because they were giving to Paul as he ministered in the gospel, they were actually giving 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
Because the church in Philippi had made a sacrifice to God by supplying the needs of Paul in his ministry of the gospel, Paul let them know that God would supply all their needs. Their needs would be supplied by God’s riches which include not only material needs, but also supplying needs for ministry, “the fullness of all things in store for God’s uses” (Thayer’s). This would include enriching them with the fullness of things of salvation.
Because of the love and mercy of Jesus which the church in Philippi showed to Paul by the sacrifice of their giving, Paul lets them know that Jesus will supply all their need according to the riches of His love and mercy, which is His glory.
"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." - Philippians 4:19-20
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