INTRODUCTION TO OUR SERIES:
Background to Philippians…
The Apostle Paul wrote the epistle (personal letter) (1:1) to the Philippian church, probably during his imprisonment in Rome. The letter was written from a heart of love and concern for the Philippians. Due to Paul’s imprisonment, he could not personally visit with the church so he sent this letter with Timothy to encourage them and bring back news of their condition to Paul. (2:19).
Some of the main divisions of the book include:
1. Introduction to the book: 1:1-2
2. Paul’s thankfulness for the Philippians: 1:3-11
3. News of Paul’s imprisonment and dedication: 1:12-26
4. Following Christ’s example is our duty: 1:27-2:18
5. Paul’s representatives and the need to treat them kindly: 2:19-30
6. Paul’s example of living a joyous life: 3:1-11
7. The Christian’s heavenly calling: 3:12-21
8. The need for Godly living: 4:1-9
9. The love offerings of the Philippians: 4:10-20
10. Closing to the book of Philippians: 4:21-23
TODAY’S TEXT:
Php 4:19-20 – “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.”
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
But my God shall supply all your need
In the context of their sacrificial giving to Paul, he reminds the church at Philippi that the Lord will fully meet their needs. What a wonderful display of the faithfulness of the Lord. When we give of our time, labors, and worldly possessions for the cause of Christ, He will never be a debtor to us. He will always make sure our acts of faithfulness will not go unrewarded.
Psa 84:11 – “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
The Lord is able to supply any need which we may have, because He literally owns all material things eternally. Nothing can stop His delivery of these needs to us because He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and everywhere present.
Psa 104:24 – “O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.”
God’s supplying of all the needs of His people brings glory (ie brings praise and honor) to Himself. It is through His work, the creation of this world that these riches exist and are available for His use in meeting the needs of His people.
Every time we say that our needs are supplied, we have to give our Lord all the credit for those needs being supplied. He is the One that is to be thanked, appreciated, and served based upon His love and grace towards us.
Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Paul, finally, emphasizes the need to bring eternal glory to our Heavenly Father for the meeting of all of our needs.
Paul ends this section with the word “Amen”, simply emphasizing the truthfulness of this promise from God and the need to glorify Him for meeting our daily needs.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
May we all recognize and appreciate the divine supplies of the Lord that are active in our lives. Based upon this appreciation, may we all seek to serve the Lord in greater ways and share with others in need the wonderful blessings He has given to us.
Questions, Comments, or Suggestions?
Email me at: rob.barkman@settledinheaven.org
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