I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now
that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant
offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all
your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. To our
God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:18-20
Paul uses financial terms to
express spiritual principles. He is
first eager to “credit to their account” (or affirm) their concern for his
needs. He is just as eager to let them
know their gift was far more than a “full payment” for the ways he had poured
himself out for them. Not that Paul was
expecting or demanding to be repaid, he simply wanted the disciples to see the
working of an important spiritual principle:
When we give to meet the needs of others, God will amply supply our own
needs (with interest). In others words, we can never outgive
God. As Jesus put it, lose your life and you find it.
Sometimes we are afraid our needs
won’t be met—our need for love, companionship, time, money, rest,
encouragement, recognition…and on and on.
In our fear and faithlessness, we spend our energy ensuring our own
fulfillment. In this self-focused process,
spiritual joy and energy drain from our lives.
We must remember that God is faithful.
He is totally reliable. He has
“glorious riches” and promises to meet our needs. Once we decide to believe this promise, we are set free to give to others without
concern for ourselves.
Paul was a giver. He
urged the churches to imitate his way of life, including his giving heart. In his giving, he trusted God would provide
for him¾whether through the disciples or centurions sent to guard
him (Acts 27:42-44). God’s resources
encounter no barricades. His riches
cannot be impounded. No matter our
situation, God can connect us with whatever we need. The issue is not his
bounty or resourcefulness. The issue is
our faith.
Thank you Tom! Our God has suplied everything I need.I am 58 now, and expecting "the Hill Country"!
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Curtis
Thank you for this inspiring message. I run a domestic violence orgnaization and finances are looking bleak, I am struggling with health concerns, our upcoming fundraiser to help domestic violence victims, the attendance is not looking great and my husbands construction business has slowed down. This is a stressul time but God knows our needs, please pra, thank you, Terry, Indianapolis.
ReplyDeleteTerry, your health and your success will be in my prayers! Is there a way you could let us know how to contact you if someone can help in some way?
DeleteI am praying for you Terry. And know the work you are doing is much needed when you are in domestic violence. Please let us know if we can help. Annie Jeter ariverajeter@yahoo.com
DeleteVery timely message, Tom.
ReplyDeleteSo often we stop Philippians 4 at verse 13.
I appreciate your insight and sharing.
We will be praying for the need there in Indianapolis. Please post a name and an address where people can send contributions.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I were just discussing this very topic this morning. I can limit God with my lack of faith. Thank you so much for your most timely reminder that we serve the Alpha and Omega!
ReplyDelete