God Will Provide

JANUARY 19, 2022 STUDY NOTES PHILIPPIANS 4:19-23 BIBLE TEACHER: CLIFTON JONES INTRODUCTION (GOD WILL PROVIDE) Philippians 4:19 is a popular verse for the health and wealth gospel preachers But their interpretation is like that found in the “Lightfoot” translation, And I am confident that God on my behalf will recompense you and supply all your wants with the wealth which he only can command, in the kingdom of his glory, in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 is not a promise of wealth to provide for your selfish “wants” It is often interpreted with the thought of a blank check from God, just “name it and claim it” All the Christian has-to do is claim this verse and turn in their list of “wants” to God Also, this verse does not teach another statement you have often heard, or stated yourself “God helps those who help themselves,” which is not the point of this passage Scripture reveals that "God’s help to us is because we cannot help ourselves" Philippians 4:19 is a verse often quoted alone and taken out of context Within its context it is a conditional promise, a promise given to the Philippian church A promise to the Philippian church who had sacrificially given to Paul’s ministry, Php 4:10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Php 4:14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Php 4:15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. Php 4:16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Php 4:17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. Php 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. That which is acceptable and well pleasing to God is our faith and our commitment to Christ The condition of the promise is to trust God with all your heart, Pro 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (You must understand God’s Word) Keep God first in all-of your decisions, Pro 3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: (Read Matthew 6:25-34) Believe God, obey God, don’t worry, don’t hold back, serve God, and He will supply your needs, Pro 3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. Which is the meaning of, Php 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. The beginning of the verse makes a very strong point, a strong emphasis, “But my God” Which is a testimony of trust, faith, and commitment to the one and only “True God” He is the God of all creation, Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. When Paul says, “My God,” he means more than his relationship with God through creation God is the Father of all creation, 1Co 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Paul knew that God is the Father of the Nation Israel, Isa 63:16 Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting. Paul knew that God is the Father of Jesus, 1Jn 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. When Paul says, “my God,” he speaks of his personal relationship with God through Jesus, Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them Page 1 of 6 that believe on his name: Paul’s “My God” is a result of the soul’s salvation and not the creation of the physical body Paul knew that God was his Father, Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: A common mistake is to stop reading at verse 16, we must consider the next verse, Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. We learn the meaning of scripture by comparing scripture with scripture As Christians, we must understand Christian suffering, pay attention to Romans 8:17 Which puts two things together that don’t sound like they belong together, suffering and glory The suffering is with Christ, Php 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; Paul tells us how we can hurt and say hallelujah at the same time, suffering “for His sake” Paul called suffering for Christ “fellowship,” Php 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; The path of suffering for Christ is the path of glory with Christ, glorified together with Christ, Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Through personal experience Paul learned the truth of God’s promises in His Word Paul made a promise to the Philippians based upon his personal experience with Christ Paul experienced the living power of Christ through all circumstances of life, Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. What Paul promised was based upon what Jesus had said, Mat 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. God had cared for the needs of Paul through the Philippians, Paul could not repay the Philippians But Paul knew that His God could and would “supply all your need” Paul had personally experienced what he was promising the Philippians, Php 4:18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. “I am full” is the same original word as “shall supply” in verse 19 Paul knew that God would do the same for the Philippians that He had done for Paul Note that Paul did not say “He can,” the emphasis is, He “shall supply” The promise is, God will fully furnish “all your need” Give attention to “all,” what a promise, give attention to what “all” is identified with “Your need,” it is difficult for our materialistic society to distinguish between wants and needs The word translated “need” refers to the necessities of life, present and eternal needs It is the same word translated “necessity” in verse 16 God had supplied Paul’s needs through the giving of the church at Philippi Many want to interpret need as, God shall supply all your “greed,” whims, wants, and wishes For many, “need” means a better job, more money, new car, bigger house, more earthly things In our present society, people spend money they don’t have, to buy things they don’t need In an-attempt to impress other people, but they are not thinking about a Christian witness Christians often make promises to God concerning their wants, God, “if” you will, “I” will Assuring God that His giving of their wants will be used to His glory Such as, God let me win the lottery and I will give you more than 10%, I promise The promises of God related to prosperity are not that of material riches but spirituality God does promise us spiritual prosperity, Eph 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Page 2 of 6 Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: The world we live in has a false theory of the purpose of the “blessings” of God Their mind is on physical blessings which have to do with our physical body and health Their mind is on financial blessings which have to do with money and material goods The “health and wealth” gospel of today is an emphasis upon the material and physical life But Paul is speaking of “spiritual blessings” which have to do with our spiritual life What does it mean to be “blessed?” What is a “blessing?” We are “blessed” when we receive something of which we benefit from, it can be physical Something that has worked out for our advantage and is of present and eternal value to us But who does Paul have in mind when he says, “us” and why are they “blessed?” “US” refers to those who are saved and have received a new spiritual nature It refers to those who are now in a new spiritual position because of their new nature And in our new spiritual position we are blessed “with all spiritual blessings” Which Peter explains, 2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: “Divine power” is power that can only come from God, the creative power of God This is the same “divine power” that upholds the universe, Heb 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; We can trust the One who upholds the universe to put together and hold together our life That He has given us “all things” does not mean everything we want for a worldly life People of the world talk about “living it up,” their living is fulfilling sinful lust and evil desires Peter says, “living it up” is a life of “godliness,” which is a life of obedience to God God has given us everything we need for life and godliness, it comes through “knowledge” Life is all about knowing Jesus, loving Him, obeying Him, living for Jesus is really “living” God has given us everything we need to live a Godly Christian life, in this present world God will provide the earthly needs and spiritual needs of our life, “according to His riches” We will never have an earthly or spiritual need greater than “His riches” can supply Paul is saying, God, according to His riches can supply all-of your needs Paul speaks of the value and the abundance of God’s riches, an inexhaustible supply Christians must learn the truth of God’s riches, we will then understand the truth of our needs We are to learn the truths of God through His Word, but Jesus has a warning for us, Mat 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. Luk 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. Paul identifies worldly wealth as “uncertain riches,” 1Ti 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; Ultimately worldly wealth will be worthless, Jas 5:2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Paul is telling us of riches that are certain, Php 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (The riches we need are ours in Christ) 1Co 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; 1Co 1:5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Col 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; Col 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Rom 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing Page 3 of 6 that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Rom 11:33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. Eph 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; Based upon all that Paul had told the Philippians, when it is all said and done, the result is, Php 4:20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. It was time for Paul to put it all together, a praise and worship time unto our God and Father Paul wants the Philippians to rejoice with him and for the same reasons he does And we can rejoice today for the same reasons that Paul and the Philippians did Paul previously said, “my God,” now he is saying “our” God and Father Which identifies our being united-together “In-Christ,” Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Let us agree with the Psalmist, Psa 72:19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen. “Glory” unto God is found many times in scripture, and with good reason Because of the glorious works of God in us through Christ, God is to be praised, Eph 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. The glory of God represents two great truths: (1) God is present and (2) God is doing something Paul told us that God was present in the beginning of all things and that He was doing something What God did for His people even before the beginning of creation was according to “His Grace” God is to be glorified at-all times, through all things, glory to God for His grace, Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Glory to God for allowing us to trust in Christ, Eph 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Glory to God for our eternal salvation, Eph 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. And all God’s people can say “AMEN,” because it is all true, and we agree, let it be Php 4:21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. “Salute” has the meaning of to “greet,” to welcome one another, embrace one another Greet is an important subject according to scripture, the original word is found 60 times in the NT It is found 21 times in Romans 16:3-23, count them, it is an important subject for our church A Godly greeting is a good witness for Christ, Mat 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? In church, don’t walk by a visitor without greeting them, it happens in too many churches today You can learn to greet the visitors by greeting the church members, salute every saint Greet visitors even if they are not a saint, or they probably won’t come back Greet church members whether they are living like saints or not Page 4 of 6 “Every” means all of them, without exception, not just close personal friends Which is another problem in most churches today, even in small church congregations Even in small churches people don’t really know every saint by name Take a personal test, next Sunday count the number of people that you cannot call by name When prayer requests are made for our church family, we should know who they are by name We need to know names in-order to pray as we should for all-of our church family We need to know our church family as well as we possibly can, know more than their name We have a great opportunity to do that at Prairie Grove Baptist, we eat together every Sunday But we are not taking advantage of the opportunity, people sit with the ones they know the best Take another test, next Sunday at lunch, look around, find someone you don’t know that well Then sit with them and talk to them, learn something about them, know the “brethren” How important is it to greet one another? Read and obey the following verses: Romans 16:16; 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess, 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14 Peter called it a “kiss of love,” Paul called it “a holy kiss” A kiss on the cheek was an established way of greeting in the early church The men would kiss the men and women the women, on the cheek (a holy kiss) It was an outward sign of unity and love for one another, a standard form of greeting or farewell The custom gradually dwindled, by the end of the 13th century it had almost disappeared But it is still a custom in many parts of the world today Our custom today is a handshake or a hug, a “holy hug,” just be sure you welcome “everyone” Welcome everyone “in Christ Jesus,” which is the unique relationship that unites us We are “saints” because we are “in Christ Jesus,” we are holy ones set apart unto God Our unique relationship is also identified by the title “brethren,” bonded together in Christ The brethren which are with me greet you. Php 4:22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household. Verse 22 is in obedience to the previous verse, all the saints are to greet all the saints “Chiefly” makes a point, a special point, maybe something not expected Greeting was coming from those “that are of Caesar’s household” The point is probably regardless of their status, slaves, servants, soldiers, of every class of people Exactly what scripture encourages us to do, greet all-of the saints We are all a child of God by the grace of God (Romans 10:12) Php 4:23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. This letter begins with the grace of God, Php 1:2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Our Christian life begins with the grace of God, Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Grace is God bestowing upon us that which we do not deserve, Eph 1:6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; The gift of God’s grace came through Jesus, Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. Through Jesus we experience “grace upon grace,” Joh 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. (There is no end to the grace of God) In Romans 5:20, Paul had to use a special word to express God’s “superabundant grace,” Rom 5:20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: (God’s grace comes in super-abundance) Added to superabundant grace is grace in superabundance Page 5 of 6 It does not matter how much grace we have received today, there is more grace for us tomorrow There will be grace for the difficulties of today and for the trials of tomorrow We can experience the grace of God every day for every need, Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen Page 6 of 6