10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4)
Two of people's favorite pithy verses are found in this passage, yet we often do not link them together - verses 13 and 19. In the first, Paul is talking about himself; in the second he is referring to his readers; in both he is crediting what Christ can and does do on behalf of the Father. Needy. We do not like to admit that we are needy. Often we call our wants needs, and God does not promise to provide those, only our true needs. Often God does so through others, as he did for Paul here, but when he had "less," Paul had learned to be content. We need to do the same. For us to fully appreciate and apply both verses 13 & 19 to our own lives, we must be willing to fully trust God to determine what it is that we really need; we must get more satisfaction in allowing Him to use us to provide what others need than in "getting" for ourselves; we must learn to be content in Christ. Then we will be able to join with Paul in proclaiming: "To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen!"
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