The Unlimited Supply Of God

Now you Philippians know also

that in the beginning of the gospel,

when I departed from Macedonia,

no church shared with me concerning

giving and receiving but you only.

for even in Thessalonica you sent

aid once and again for my necessities.

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek

the fruit that abounds to your account.

Indeed I have all and abound. I am full,

having received from Epaphroditus the 

things sent from you, a sweet-smelling

aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, 

well pleasing to God.

And my God shall supply all your need

according to His riches in glory

by Christ Jesus. Now to our God

and Father be glory forever and ever.

 Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. 

The brethren who are with me greet

you. All the saints greet you,

but especially those who are of

Ceasar's household. The grace 

of our Lord Jesus Christ by with

you all. Amen.

Philippians 4:15-23

     I end this study of the letter by Paul to the Philippian Church with this most wonderful promise by Paul regarding that God will supply our needs. If Paul believed that God would do this for him, it is also true of us: God will supply our need; not wants, not desires, our need! Paul was in prison in Rome and yet we find Paul never wavering in his faith towards God, Jesus Christ, and as stated: "...for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content" (Philippians 4:11b). Can you have that same attitude? Yes! It is all about relationship, a relationship with Jesus Christ. One lesson that is to be learned from this ending of the letter is that we have a responsibility to provide for those who are in need for God supplies our need through the efforts of others. God is not dropping manna miraculously from heaven as He did for the Hebrews in the desert, we must be the manna for others, we are His arms and legs, His mouth, the providers for our brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. 

     When Peter while fishing saw Jesus Christ he immediately jumped into the water to get to Him. This act has many implications, but one I want to focus on is that Peter did not think twice about what he should do when he saw Jesus: He jumped into the water! Water can be seen as good, or bad depending on its use or the circumstance. For instance you may be going through rough and wavy water at the moment and your focus is on the water: change your focus to be upon Jesus Christ, He will supply your need. He will aid you to get through those rough waters. God supplied the Hebrews with manna but did not take them out of the desert, so why should we think that God will take us out of our desert? If our relationship with Jesus Christ is poor, then why should we expect Him to supply our needs? God, Jesus Christ, is not a vending machine to provide what we can do for ourselves. God gave us a brain, the ability to think, and others to help us. We have what we need, and it is our relationship to Jesus, our faith in Him, all the promises of God, all are ours, and those promises apply to those who have a firm and solid relationship with Jesus Christ by Whom God sees you and saves you, and supplies you. The apostle John wrote: "Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him" (1John 5:14-15).

     Are there people in your Church that need your help? Are you even looking to see if there are those in need? Are you willing to supply their need, as much as you can? John writes under inspiration: "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth" (1John 3:15). As Authentic Christians holding fast to Authentic Christian Faith we have a responsibility to care for our families, both at home and in the Church. There is joy in being with like-minded believers, that is, those who are following Jesus Christ, not a man, or man's teaching, rather those who have developed a relationship with Jesus Christ manifested in their love for others. We are the family of God, and we are the family that will live eternally with each other. Our present home is to serve God, our eternal home is to serve God, therefore we are servants of God. Be what you are and God will bless in ways that you cannot account. 

As for God, His way is perfect; 

     the word of the LORD is proven;

He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

                       Psalm 18:30

Be a supplier of good

Richard L. Crumb