Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory in Jesus Christ.
Oh my Friends, that’s one of the bedrocks of our faith, one of the foundation stones on which Christ built His Church; present sacrifice, then patient waiting for the Father to uplift us. Believe and do it before we see it, sort of thing. Bruh Paul here is thanking the Philippians for sending him gifts, knowing that they were not wealthy, but nonetheless were willing to sacrifice together to help meet his needs in Rome. He is doubly thankful, because earlier on in his ministry through Macedonia, they were the only ones who enquired of his needs and actually sent him money and other gifts in Thessalonica. He says: ‘Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.’ (vs.17) As we talked yesterday, Jesus desires us to bear good fruit. So, more than the joy he got from the actual gifts, Bruh Paul desires that their rewards both on earth and in heaven be built up by their good works. ‘But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, and odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.’ (vs.18) Ah my people, are there folks out there who can say that of us? That they have received all our gifts, and now have plenty, because their needs were met through our generosity, and that God is well pleased with our efforts, our sacrifice on their behalf? If not, then my people we are not doing Jesus’ work, not fulfilling our mandate, which is to help others, not simply through hope of selfish gain, but from a pure and right heart that just enjoys helping others in need. Under those circumstances our God will look down on us with His own grace and mercy. ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Jesus Christ.’ Because God was aware of the sacrifice the Philippians made in sending Bruh Paul gifts, He would look favourably on them, and in return meet all their needs. As Bruh David staunchly declared in his most famous Psalm: ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. (Ps.23:1) Oh my Friends, that’s such a strong testimony and testament to such an eye opening faith, I don’t know if many of us can say it so positively, then live by it with the enormous patience and belief it takes. Note, Bruh David was not hesitant or unsure when he said it. It was a positive declaration, implying no doubt whatsoever. That is what Bruh Paul’s trying to instil into the Philippians then, and into us now. It’s not easy, but if we keep doing what’s right and obeying God, He will in His time and manner meet all our needs. I can personally vouch for that my Friends. Over the last few years I haven’t been struggling per se, but I haven’t been thriving the way I want to or expected either. But by the same token, I’m still here, living fairly comfortably, doing what I can do, with all my needs, not my wants, (smile) being met, allowing me to continue the few good deeds I do. I ‘d sure like to do more, but my current resources don’t allow it. The important thing my brethren is to do what we can, right where we are, with what we have. We don’t need to be retired or millionaires before we volunteer our time to some useful cause and /or donate money to a worthwhile charity. Just where we are at today, do something for somebody else out of the pure goodness of our hearts, not looking for any real rewards, but hoping that the Lord will have mercy and increase us, so that we can further increase our good deeds. Ah my Friends, these are indeed rough times, and all of us, whether rich or poor are being forced to cut back on some things, but please, don’t let it be our good and charitable works. For if our sacrifices were sorely needed in good times, just think how much more they are needed now, when times are tough. And that is where the strength and passion of our faith comes in. We can take comfort through our trust in God. Listen to Isaiah: ‘Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’ (Is.40:10-11) The Lord has promised that, and we know He never reneges on a promise, so we can rest assured that He will look after our needs. Bruh Paul confirms it. ‘And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.’ (2 Cor.9:8) Yes my Friends, fear not, though things might not look so good, remember the darkest hour is the one just before the sun rises. That means we’ve got to stand strong, never give up, raise our level of faith another notch; there’s always another one, even when we don’t think so, and keep on doing the good things we’re doing, for the Lord has promised to fulfill all our needs, and He who promised is faithful to deliver. Much LOVE!….when times get hard….just keep on doing good…
Oh my Friends, that’s one of the bedrocks of our faith, one of the foundation stones on which Christ built His Church; present sacrifice, then patient waiting for the Father to uplift us. Believe and do it before we see it, sort of thing. Bruh Paul here is thanking the Philippians for sending him gifts, knowing that they were not wealthy, but nonetheless were willing to sacrifice together to help meet his needs in Rome. He is doubly thankful, because earlier on in his ministry through Macedonia, they were the only ones who enquired of his needs and actually sent him money and other gifts in Thessalonica. He says: ‘Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.’ (vs.17) As we talked yesterday, Jesus desires us to bear good fruit. So, more than the joy he got from the actual gifts, Bruh Paul desires that their rewards both on earth and in heaven be built up by their good works. ‘But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, and odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.’ (vs.18) Ah my people, are there folks out there who can say that of us? That they have received all our gifts, and now have plenty, because their needs were met through our generosity, and that God is well pleased with our efforts, our sacrifice on their behalf? If not, then my people we are not doing Jesus’ work, not fulfilling our mandate, which is to help others, not simply through hope of selfish gain, but from a pure and right heart that just enjoys helping others in need. Under those circumstances our God will look down on us with His own grace and mercy. ‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Jesus Christ.’ Because God was aware of the sacrifice the Philippians made in sending Bruh Paul gifts, He would look favourably on them, and in return meet all their needs. As Bruh David staunchly declared in his most famous Psalm: ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. (Ps.23:1) Oh my Friends, that’s such a strong testimony and testament to such an eye opening faith, I don’t know if many of us can say it so positively, then live by it with the enormous patience and belief it takes. Note, Bruh David was not hesitant or unsure when he said it. It was a positive declaration, implying no doubt whatsoever. That is what Bruh Paul’s trying to instil into the Philippians then, and into us now. It’s not easy, but if we keep doing what’s right and obeying God, He will in His time and manner meet all our needs. I can personally vouch for that my Friends. Over the last few years I haven’t been struggling per se, but I haven’t been thriving the way I want to or expected either. But by the same token, I’m still here, living fairly comfortably, doing what I can do, with all my needs, not my wants, (smile) being met, allowing me to continue the few good deeds I do. I ‘d sure like to do more, but my current resources don’t allow it. The important thing my brethren is to do what we can, right where we are, with what we have. We don’t need to be retired or millionaires before we volunteer our time to some useful cause and /or donate money to a worthwhile charity. Just where we are at today, do something for somebody else out of the pure goodness of our hearts, not looking for any real rewards, but hoping that the Lord will have mercy and increase us, so that we can further increase our good deeds. Ah my Friends, these are indeed rough times, and all of us, whether rich or poor are being forced to cut back on some things, but please, don’t let it be our good and charitable works. For if our sacrifices were sorely needed in good times, just think how much more they are needed now, when times are tough. And that is where the strength and passion of our faith comes in. We can take comfort through our trust in God. Listen to Isaiah: ‘Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’ (Is.40:10-11) The Lord has promised that, and we know He never reneges on a promise, so we can rest assured that He will look after our needs. Bruh Paul confirms it. ‘And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.’ (2 Cor.9:8) Yes my Friends, fear not, though things might not look so good, remember the darkest hour is the one just before the sun rises. That means we’ve got to stand strong, never give up, raise our level of faith another notch; there’s always another one, even when we don’t think so, and keep on doing the good things we’re doing, for the Lord has promised to fulfill all our needs, and He who promised is faithful to deliver. Much LOVE!….when times get hard….just keep on doing good…
SCRIP-BITS 