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God will supply

Philippians 4:15-20 (JDV)

Philippians 4:15 And you Philippians know that when we first¹ started sharing the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no congregation partnered with me in the word about giving and receiving except you alone.

Philippians 4:16 You see, even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times.

Philippians 4:17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing when people share the word through you.

Philippians 4:18 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.

Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:20 Now to our God and Father be glory for ages² and ages. Amen.

God will supply

Verse 19 of today’s text is another one that is often abused and misrepresented. It is one of those “promises from God” that people regularly quote (even in their prayers) as if saying the words themselves will make them come true.

The truth is, this assurance from Paul is given to the Philippian church, and the reason Paul can confidently say what he said about them is that they supported his missionary work financially, even when many other churches did not. They took care of the needs of the team God sent with his gospel message. Of course God would supply all of their needs.

Is it wrong to claim this verse as a promise from God? Check your check stubs.

Lord, make us a people who consistently support your missions work.

Other posts on this text:

Philippians 4:18

https://www.afterlife.co.nz/2016/01/off-target/

Philippians 4:20

https://www.afterlife.co.nz/2018/11/a-conditionalist-looks-at-%ce%b1%e1%bc%b0%e1%bd%bd%ce%bd/

https://www.afterlife.co.nz/2017/06/modify-conditional-immortality/