October 23, 2010
PASSAGE: Philippians 4:19 God, who takes care of me will supply all our needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
BACKGROUND: The generosity of the Philippians went back a long way. Paul was in a unique position with regard to the Philippians in that they were the only church from which Paul accepted any gifts or help. Paul believed that those who gave made themselves richer, because their own gifts opened them to the gifts of God. Other people were always uppermost in Paul’s mind and he was not looking for their gifts simply to satisfy his own needs and because of their generosity, God would reciprocate to the Philippians. They had met Paul’s needs and now God would meet theirs.
This verse is one of the most practical we will find in the bible because each of us face needs in our life, which are at times beyond our ability to provide. God can fill our needs, our needs for money, health, children, etc. This is one promise that is hard to believe because it says God will meet ALL my needs. But this promise holds regardless of what it takes to satisfy them.
Why is it that every survey ever taken shows that Christians are healthier, happier, live longer, have better jobs and have more money available to them? But still it is by Christ Jesus because it is through him that we have grace to do that which is good, and through him we must expect the reward of it. Not by debt, but by grace, for the more we do for God the more we are indebted to him, because we continue to receive His gifts.
APPLICATION: Do you find yourself ever surrounded with needs and nearly overwhelmed with difficulties, trials and emergencies? These are the times that we should not panic but rather draw from God’s unlimited storehouse to meet our need as only he can. We can trust that God will always meet our needs. Whatever we need on earth, he will always supply even if it is the courage to face death, as Paul did, because filling our needs is God’s way of providing vessels for the Holy Spirit to fill. It is important to remember, however, that there is a big difference between our wants and our needs. One is a desire while the other is a necessity. Most people want (desire) to feel good and avoid discomfort or pain but what they need is contentment which may only be discovered through pain. communication and We may not get all we want from God but He will supply all we need. In addition, there is another truth that is important to understand: the longer and more we rely on God the less needs we need met. By trusting in Christ, our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting everything to accepting his provision and power to live for Him, 2 Cor. 9:8. If God puts us into adversity, because He controls our circumstances, but He will still adequately supply all our needs. When we say, “I believe God shall meet all my needs”, the testing of our faith will begin. Jesus tells us that if we want to be His disciple you must give up your right to yourself. Once that is done, you never have to be concerned again about what the future holds for you because Jesus is totally sufficient to meet all your needs. What is the problem if your needs are not being met? Could it be that you don’t believe God can actually meet them?
