By Darrin Koehler
In times of hardship, pain, stress, anxiety, uncertainty, or depression, there is a peace and a joy that comes from Christ that is very real. The joy that we have in Christ is not like a vapor in the wind, but it is concrete and steady.
The letter of Philippians is almost like a very long thank-you note. Not only is Paul thanking the Philippians for their generous contribution, but he is also imploring that they would not be discouraged by the current economic crisis. He emphasizes that he seeks “the fruit that increases to [the Philippian’s] credit,” and that their gifts were indeed “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:17-18) It is within this context that Paul makes the well known promise, “my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
How This Applies to Us
Consider the man who praises the Lord in prosperity yet is filled with fear and worry during financial crisis. Is not his trust in his money? His joy is not from Christ, but from his possessions. Jesus speaks about this in the book of Matthew:
Matthew 6:25-33 ESV»Paul and Jesus have the same thing in mind, and it is for our benefit and our joy in the glory of God. It goes further still. Paul exclaims in Ephesians, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing.” God has given us so much more than the promise of our material needs met – He has given us a new life in Christ, a home in heaven that will not pass away, and eternal communion with Himself.
Therefore, regardless of the current economic standing, be faithful in generosity, steadfast in love, and always looking forward in the hope of Christ. Then, “God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Other verses to consider:
Matthew 6:19-24» John 6:27-29»
_________________
CrossWay Church is a modern expression of the biblical community of faith, hope and love serving the cities of Debary, Orange City, Deltona, Deland, Sanford and the surrounding central Florida area. Our passion is for the glory and fame of Jesus Christ. Our vision is to effectively engage our contemporary culture with his timeless gospel. Our mission is to help people find and follow hard after him. Visit us on the web at crosswayflorida.com
<< Back to The Wire.
Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.Powered by Hackadelic Sliding Notes 1.6.5
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also… No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.Powered by Hackadelic Sliding Notes 1.6.5
“Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”Powered by Hackadelic Sliding Notes 1.6.5
Follow us on Twitter
Join us on Facebook
