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Monday, October 12, 2015

Misused Bible Verses That Should Concern You – Philippians 4:19

Would not be extremely encouraged by reading, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, ESV). We are encouraged because :

      ·         It is so definite: "my God will".  
      ·         It is so all-encompassing: "every need". 
      ·         It is so personal: "of yours". 
      ·         It is also so infinite: "according to his riches in glory"  -- preposition kata ("according to") conveys appropriate to or corresponding.

Imagine finding ourselves in an anxious moment as we leave the doctor's office but we can say, "My God will supply every need . . .."  Or perhaps we might suddenly get hit with financial pressure but we can say, "My God will supply every need . . .."  We might see the bill increase but the number of hours of paid work decrease, but we can say, "My God will supply every need . . .."  OR CAN WE?

One Pastor said in a sermon: “In view of life’s difficult circumstances many of us must wonder from time to time whether or not God really cares for us or not. All of us have had perplexing situations that we have had to deal with. All of us have had needs which we have earnestly prayed over.  I want you to know this morning that GOD WILL PROVIDE!”[1]

Question!  Is that what Paul is saying in this verse.  Let's look a little closer.

We note that Philippians 4:19 starts with a little 3-letter word in English: "and".  ‘And’ is a conjunction.  It’s a little word used in connecting two clauses or sentences. Every single  English  translation starts this verse with ‘and’.  So what thought is Paul connecting? 

The Church of Philippi was started by Paul.  He was the church planter.  But in this context he is writing from house arrest in Rome.  One reason he was writing them was to give thanks for the gift they had sent to him via Epaphroditus (himself a member of the Philippian congregation). (see Philippians 1:3–5)
Paul had a need.  We don’t know what kind of need.  But he had a need. The Philippian Church had wanted to help him but for some reason did not have the opportunity.  In spite of that Paul tells them he is content.(cf: Philippians 4:14)

They now had been able to send him some gift.  This was a generous church. Paul felt like they were his partners (v1:5). At times only they supported him.  Even while in Thessalonica they supported him.  Paul could not repay the Philippians, but he knows his God would.  They gave out of their earthly wealth. God will meet their out of His riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19)

The point that Paul is making is "Those who are generous toward God will find that he is generous toward them and will supply their every need … in Christ."  Paul says specifically to the Philippian congregation that God will meet their needs because they have met the needs of others, namely him on his missionary journeys.   

"This assurance of the divine supply of the Philippians' needs implies that they had given so liberally that they actually left themselves in some real "need" (χρεία). Yet it is true that those who share generously with others, especially to advance the work of the Lord, are promised a divine supply of anything they might lack because of their generosity."[2] 

Note also these proverbial promises:

  & Proverbs 11:25 (ESV), 25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.
  & Proverbs 19:17 (ESV) , 17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.

Now we certainly know that our Heavenly Father will always care for us.  Matthew 6 makes that clear. But this verse is far more pointed than that.  Paul's point (and ultimate the point of the Holy Spirit) is that where true generosity leaves a need in my life and yours, God will look after us.  It is irresponsible to somehow claim this verse in any other context.





[1] http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/god-will-provide-thomas-dibble-sermon-on-gods-provision-58721.asp
[2] Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Philippians/Exposition of Philippians/VI. The Philippians' Gifts to Paul (4:10-20)/B. The Previous Gifts (4:15-20), Book Version: 4.0.2

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