How To Get Everything You'll Ever Need

We are finishing the book of Philippians tonight. We’re going to look at one of the most famous verses in the Bible, also one of the most misunderstood!

Paul has been talking about joy through this whole letter and we find out tonight how he gets it! So if you want joy though the pandemic, or whatever happens in life, then that’s in here for you tonight!

I’m also going to tell you how you should spend your money.

LET’S GO!

That’s how a chef I follow on TikTok starts his videos. I’m just trying it out.

We can be faithful givers knowing that God has provided all we need in every way!

Jesus Is Enough

No matter what we have, where we are, or what’s going on, we can be content because Jesus gives us strength.

When Parker was a few months old, Kristen and I would see other parents giving their young children iPads and we would talk about how bad it was to give young kids screens…

All three of our boys have iPads now. They are used daily. We understand the error of our former way of thinking.

Those iPads are magic. If we’re going somewhere, doesn’t matter where, if we have the iPads then they are good to go! “We’re going to your grandparents.” “That’s a long drive!” “We’ll take your iPads.” “YAAAAYYY!!”

“We’re going to the doctor.” “No I don’t want to get a shot!” “You can take you iPad.” “YAAAAAYY!!”

As long as we have the iPads, we’ve got all we need to have happy kids… for a little while at least.

Philippians 4:10–13 ESV

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. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

The verse Paul wrote and Tim Tebow made famous!

Paul is talking to the Philippians about their giving to the mission of the Gospel, and trying to make sure they understand that he’s not just trying to get them to give him money.

Remember where Paul is writing from.

go to notes in JNTI

The way he is able to be content, to have joy in whatever situation he’s going through, to have the strength to be ok no matter what, is because his faith is in Jesus, not in himself.

When our faith is in Him and not ourselves, when we are looking to Him for direction and our goal is not to honor ourselves but to honor Him, He will always provide us the strength we need to honor him and to have joy in whatever we go through...

He is saying that when your focus is right and your faith is right, you’ll have the strength to make it through any situation.

The focus...

Psalm 63:3–8 ESV

Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

The strength...

Isaiah 40:28–31 ESV

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Test God in this. Trust Him in whatever situation you’re going through… You’ll find Him faithful!

The first thing we all have to trust Him for is salvation...

put the number on the screen

Funny video

pair of Eternal Wisdom videos

Message, pt 2

Giving for Gospel Fruit

Christians should give to see the Gospel advanced, churches should support missions.

Gyms have to have some cash flow to hire trainers and have the equipment to train people.

A salon has to have cash flow to have hair dressers and manicurists and all their little tools they use.

A ministry has to have cash flow to organize Gospel driven, disciple making ministry! And we are the ones called to give the Christian ministries cash flow! The Philippian church collected an offering and sent it to Paul to help him be able to continue doing ministry.

Philippians 4:14–20 ESV

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 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. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 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. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

It’s always a little awkward when the pastor talks about giving…

People see it kind of like a mechanic telling you something is wrong with your car… tell Dane Cook stand up bit on unicorn in the engine

But Paul makes it clear that’s not what he is doing here.

I’m not doing that either…

Look to notes in JNTI

2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

All Christians are called to give.

Giving is a show of…

Our desire to see and participate in the mission of the church.

Our faith in God to be faithful to provide.

If you don’t want to give, then you are lacking in at least one of these areas.

They should bring us joy as Christ followers!

If being a joyful giver is hard for you…

Ask God to give you more faith.

Think about how you have benefitted from what others have given.

Think about how others may benefit from what you could give.

But remember that God has provided all that we need and that frees us to be faithful givers! If you have questions, please reach out to me!

put the number on the screen

Close with verses 21-23 and importance of others

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