By Pastor J.D. Link

Php 4:19 says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Often times this verse is quoted out of context by Christians, and used as a blanket statement that God is going to give them what they want or what they need. However, if we look at the verse in context (vs. 10-19), Paul is speaking to a specific group of people. Who is this group of people? People who give financially into the work of the ministry - those who have partnered with God to advance His Kingdom. Let’s get into God’s Word.

The Philippian church was a giving church. On several occasions they took up offerings to support Paul in his missionary work. In places like Corinth and Thessalonica, Paul would either not take any offerings (lest they accuse him of just wanting their money), or they simply would not support him. However, because the Philippians’ hearts were right, and they wanted to help Paul preach the Gospel to other places; they would provide for him financially (vs. 10).

Paul rejoiced in their offerings, but he made it known that he was not looking for a gift, for he had learned to be content in whatever state he was in (vs. 11). Contentment must be learned. It is not the carnal man’s nature to be content - but rather to be covetous. Excess and dissatisfaction rules his life. “I’ll be happy or satisfied when…..”. No you won’t. Contentment means freedom from outward circumstances. It is fully an inward state of being, and not dependant on outward conditions.

The Christian’s contentment should be in Jesus (Heb 13:5-6). We should not worry about material things, nor for tomorrow. We should seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, and these other things will be added to us (Mt 6:31-34). Godliness with contentment is great gain (1Tim 6:6-9).

Paul had been rich and poor, hungry and full, to the lowest gutter and the highest heights. He had learned that he could do all things through Christ, and that strengthened him (vs. 12-13). He had learned that with Jesus, he held the “trump card”. Jesus trumps every limitation. Through Christ, you can do every thing He has called you to do - no matter what your circumstances. Jesus is the ultimate advantage in all things (Jn 15:1-8)

Yet, Paul wanted the Philippians to know they had done the right thing in partnering financially with him in the Gospel (vs. 14). The Bible teaches that those who are taught the Word, should support those who teach it (Gal 6:6, 1Cor 9:11, Rom 15:27, 1Tim 5:17-18). It teaches that Christians should be givers, and that God is well pleased with it (1Tim 6:17-18, Heb 13:16). This is God’s Word, not a preacher’s opinion.

It wasn’t that Paul desired the gift (he wasn’t greedily after their money), but he wanted fruit to abound to their account (vs.17). You see, Paul knew that by giving into the work of God, a person partook of that fruit. By supporting a church or missionary or Christian charity, the giver takes part in every good thing that comes from that ministry (People being saved, discipled, fed, clothed, sheltered, etc.). That is treasure stored up in heaven, and will be the only financial thing that lasts for eternity. Only what you give to God’s work will last forever. Everything else will burn one day.

Like the Old Testament sacrifices, our sacrificial giving is a sweet smell to God, and He is well pleased with it (vs.18). It makes God happy! When God has your wallet, He has your heart. Where your treasure is, your heart is there also. If your treasure is in The Lord’s work, it means your heart is in the Lord’s work. If you don’t give to God, your heart is not for God, and you don’t trust or honor God. That is the truth, regardless of one’s excuse for not giving.

Those of us that partner with God in His work on this earth are assured that He will provide for all of our need according to His riches in glory (vs.19). Not out of His riches, but according to His riches. All the gold and silver (Hag 2:8), the cattle on a thousand hills (Ps 50:10), and the whole earth (Ps 24:1) is His. He can and will abundantly provide for those who trust Him and put Him first in their lives. This is the benefit to partnering with God.

This Christmas season, put God’s work first. Give into that which bears eternal rewards. Avoid the excessive spending on junk, the debt, and the stress. Experience the true joy and peace of Christmas that comes from giving back to The One Who gave His all for you - Jesus Christ. Until next time, rejoice in the Lord!