Philippians 4:10-23
to read the passage, click here.
In this last section of Philippians, Paul's main focus is the gifts the Philippians have sent to him via Epaphroditus. I find this to be an stimulating portion of Scripture to think through our needs, God's provision, and the role of others (specifically the church) in meeting our needs. Included in this reading is the famous passage:
"11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
which separates our contentment from our needs being met. We are content in Christ (see November 3). But Paul doesn't deny that we have real needs which require the help of others (4:16).
What is interesting to me is the interdependence within the Body of Christ that is founded on dependence on God. When our needs are met by money or food or shelter given to us by others, it is God who is providing (4:19). When someone is giving a gift to help another, those gifts are actually offerings to God (4:18). He is central in the beautiful act of giving and receiving for all things ultimately come from Him.
When we get our focus on God as the Provider, then we can graciously share our lives with others simply as His children. This plays out both in the giving and receiving. The one with money or resources doesn't hold power over those with needs but has been entrusted with resources to steward and the opportunity to share in others' troubles (4:14). Those with needs do not need to be ashamed of their needs but can joyfully anticipate the blessing that those who give will receive (4:17).
I remember when I was raising funds to work in campus ministry and how I came to realize that it is good for people to give (even if it wasn't to my work!) Not only that, it was amazing and humbling to see how the Lord provided.
So, whatever you have (whether it is resources to give or needs to be met), may your eyes be on God and your hands be open to give or receive with praise to Him in your heart and on your lips as it was on Paul's: "To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (4:20).
The book of Philippians ends with some greetings being send back and forth and a finally blessing that I want to pray for all of you who have been following my reading of Philippians:
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen." (4:23)
In this last section of Philippians, Paul's main focus is the gifts the Philippians have sent to him via Epaphroditus. I find this to be an stimulating portion of Scripture to think through our needs, God's provision, and the role of others (specifically the church) in meeting our needs. Included in this reading is the famous passage:
"11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
which separates our contentment from our needs being met. We are content in Christ (see November 3). But Paul doesn't deny that we have real needs which require the help of others (4:16).
What is interesting to me is the interdependence within the Body of Christ that is founded on dependence on God. When our needs are met by money or food or shelter given to us by others, it is God who is providing (4:19). When someone is giving a gift to help another, those gifts are actually offerings to God (4:18). He is central in the beautiful act of giving and receiving for all things ultimately come from Him.
When we get our focus on God as the Provider, then we can graciously share our lives with others simply as His children. This plays out both in the giving and receiving. The one with money or resources doesn't hold power over those with needs but has been entrusted with resources to steward and the opportunity to share in others' troubles (4:14). Those with needs do not need to be ashamed of their needs but can joyfully anticipate the blessing that those who give will receive (4:17).
I remember when I was raising funds to work in campus ministry and how I came to realize that it is good for people to give (even if it wasn't to my work!) Not only that, it was amazing and humbling to see how the Lord provided.
So, whatever you have (whether it is resources to give or needs to be met), may your eyes be on God and your hands be open to give or receive with praise to Him in your heart and on your lips as it was on Paul's: "To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (4:20).
The book of Philippians ends with some greetings being send back and forth and a finally blessing that I want to pray for all of you who have been following my reading of Philippians:
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen." (4:23)
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