TEXT: Philippians 4: 10-23 (CSB) – “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship. And you Philippians 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. For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”
What a book! What a living testimony – from a man who learned how to be content. This is real “Rubber meets the Road” Christianity
How to have Joy and Hope in the midst of adverse circumstances. We have looked at
· Philosophy of Christian living – “To Live Christ”
· Pattern of Christian living – “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus”
· Prize of Christian living – “The prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus”
· Power of Christian living – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer…”
· Peace of Christian living – “Being content in any and every situation”
· Possibility of Christian living – “I Can Through Christ.”
· Provision of Christian living – “My God will meet all your needs”
What a grand way to end this letter of thanksgiving. The Philippians had met Paul’s need out of their poverty – Paul reminds them that God will meet their need out of His riches in Jesus Christ.
We are familiar with the lovely Psalm – Psalm 23. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…” voices the Psalmist contentment. But, he goes on to speak of all the blessings that God is providing for him.
Paul does the same here. Verse 11 –“ For I have learned to be content” – verse 13 –“I Can Through Christ” – verse 19 – “God will meet all your need” The contentment comes from knowing Him – and knowing who He is.
Let’s think about this verse and some GREAT things found in it.
The first thing we will discover is a GREAT NEED.
God is promising to meet all of their need in this verse. Understand though this is not wants, wishes, or whims. The need he is speaking about is the same things that Jesus spoke about in the Sermon the Mount. And we can notice in this realm – God does say ALL. Dictionary says ALL means the whole, the entirety, everything.
Human beings have needs. Every one of us has needs – physical, mental, social, and economic. We all also have eternal and spiritual needs. There isn’t a part of us that isn’t at some time in need of something.
Oh, we may put up a front. But, when our heads hit the pillow in our darkened rooms – the needs flow forth.
God Realizes That men have needs – in fact – he made us that way. When we come to Him with a need, He’s not surprised. He designed for us to have needs so that we will come to Him.
So, the first thing we notice in this passage is A Great Need.
Have you stopped to consider your need? (Not your wants). Today, muse over the greatest need that you have and consider if God is able to meet that need.
Tomorrow we will consider a GREAT HELPER.
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