April 8 - Give & Be Given.

Philippians 4:19
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
 
This verse is used often in all sorts of situations. When studying the Scriptures the most essential element is context. Many verses have been taken out of context to fit or adapt false doctrines and misconceptions about the Word of God. This doesn’t make this particular verse any less true, but context is important. God can supply what you need. He is willing and able to do so. But the context of Philippians 4 is giving to the Lord’s work, missions.
 
The church at Philippi understood the concept of missions. They were birthed from Paul’s Macedonian mission in Acts 16. We learn that Lydia, the seller of purple, was fruit of that mission trip as she was saved down by the river.
 
Paul writes his letter to the Philippians, while sitting in a prison cell in Rome years after he had planted the church of Philippi. In chapter four we find him writing of his thankfulness for their sacrificial giving toward the work of the ministry. The people of Philippi were very poor, yet they gave anyway. They were a church on a mission field that was giving so that other churches could be planted. This is the Lord’s pattern for missions.
 
We see in verse 17 that Paul describes why he needed their support.
“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Philippians 4:17
 
Not because he wanted a gift or money, but because he desired fruit. Fruit that would abound to the church’s account. Fruit that would remain.
 
When we support the Lord’s work, God promises that He will supply our need! He even tells us how much so...His riches are inexhaustible. They never run dry. His glory will never diminish. Christ Jesus is the Giver of all our spiritual blessings. He gives us exactly what we need, when we need it!
 
Let us be faithful to give to the work of the Lord so that others may come to know Him! In doing so, we can claim the promise that:
 
“But my God…”
He is a personal God. Refer to Him today as “my God” because He is.
 
“shall supply…”
Give to His work, and He will supply for you.
 
“all your need…”
He knows what you need, even before you ask.
 
“according to His riches…”
This is the measure of the supply available to you…endless resources.
 
“in glory…”
He will supply your need by His riches for His glory! He blesses us in ways that only He can so that He can receive the glory only He deserves.
 
“by Christ Jesus.”
He is the Giver of all our need, and all our blessings. Without Him we would have nothing. When we give to Him we are investing in eternity.
 
Consider what Christ could do through you and for you if you would give.
When we give, we are obeying His Word by supporting His Work.
 
“God’s work done God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” – Hudson Taylor
 
 
Bible Reading:
Joshua 7-8  |  Acts 10  |  Psalm 68
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