In a world full of uncertainties, Paul worded his letter, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, with so much assurance. The Bible did not say, “God might supply all your needs.” It says, “God shall supply.” It is not unsure, like the world’s economy. God is saying, there is no question about it.
God promises to satisfy our needs in times of plenty and in times of poverty.91 It would be a mistake to think that our relationship with the Lord is always great in times of plenty. However, sometimes, it is in the prosperous times that we forget the Lord. We were faithful in the little, tithing a hundred dollars to $1,000 increases. Suddenly, God blesses with $100,000, and you forget the Lord. You pretend to ignore God’s commandments on tithes and offering because $12,500 is just too much for you to surrender.
It doesn’t mean to say times of poverty are not tough. They are. A lot of people find themselves in a perpetual season of poverty. They do not realize that the way to break out of the cycle is to be generous in their giving. It’s insanity to do the same things over and over again. It’s insane to withhold the tithes and offerings month after month and expect an increase. Why expect a breakthrough when you are trapped in the same cycle of robbing God? God supplies all the needs of the believers. You do not believe if you do not trust God with your finances. Instead of throwing a pity party, they should step out in faith and test God.
Paul knew the secret to joy. Joy does not rely on your circumstances. It must wholly rest on Jesus Christ. If Jesus is the same, yesterday, today, and forever, then your joy can be constant. The saddest person is the one who waits for everything to be right for them to find happiness. On this side of heaven, it’s never going to happen.
In the passage below, look at how faithful the Philippians were in giving. They knew how to take care of God’s minister. They were faithful and generous in giving. The Philippian believers commended this church for being so faithful. Paul reminded them that God will take care of them as they sacrificed to meet Paul’s need.
15 You Philippians indeed know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone. 16 For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs more than once. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account. 18 I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:15-20)
There is a truth that needs to be pointed out here. The word “and” is a conjunction. It is intended to connect words, phrases and clauses. A conjunction is not used unless there are thoughts connected to it. When Paul says, “And my God will fully satisfy…”, he used a conjunction. What does this mean?
Philippians 4:19, is not a promise everyone can claim. It’s a conditional promise.92 It is attached to a certain action. If it were, Paul should have written, “God shall supply all your needs.” What did the Philippians do? They sent a “fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” Paul is a Jew. He knew what classified as an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord. It means the Philippians sent Paul their best as a church. The church gave their firstfruits and the best portions to the minister of God.
Because of the Philippians’ generosity, Paul said God would satisfy their need according to riches of the glory of Jesus Christ. When we give and walk in obedience to God’s will, we can rest assured that He will meet our needs (Lk. 6:38, Mal. 3:8-10). It would be foolish to claim this promise, yet withhold your tithes and offering, and live a sinful life. If you obey God’s commands, He will take good care of you (Ps. 37:25).
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