Saturday, July 18, 2020

THE GOSPEL OF JOY IN ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES - PHILIPPIANS - A GREAT HELPER

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 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.

 

Let’s think about this verse and some GREAT things found in it.

 

The first thing we discovered was a GREAT NEED. Paul then makes us aware of a GREAT HELPER.

 

Paul knows his means are limited. In fact, every one of us is limited in our ability to help others.

 

Often I ache – not being able to help more. I am compassionate about those around me in need, but, my supplies are limited. I can only do so much.

 

Paul reminds us that he knows a great helper. He says, “MY God will meet all your need.”

 

Doesn’t say might do it

 

Doesn’t say the He can do it

 

He says that He WILL do it

 

Paul has faith and trust in his God!

 

Contentment grows when we know – when we know like Paul – that God will meet our need.

 

So, how about it? As you ponder today over this part of the passage – do you know that God will meet your need? I mean really know. I mean really, really, really know. Are you living as if you know? Remember that God is the GREAT HELPER, who will be able to supply our need.

 

The third GREAT will be found tomorrow – a GREAT SUPPLIER.

 

 

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