CHRIST, OUR STRENGTH AND PROVISION
Notes
Transcript
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Introduction
The apostle Paul's life was marked by trials, suffering …
8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9 Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, 11 as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
21 To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!
Whatever anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. 23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
[and even a "thorn in the flesh". ]
We also experience sadness, hurt and disappointment…
Paul won because of four things.
I. Presence of God Philippians 4:4–5
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
A. Near us now, to help and strengthen.
B. Focus on God, not our problems.
C. Peace and joy will come.
II. The peace of God (Philippians 4:6-9
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
A. Peace with God through faith in Christ (Romans 5:1 “1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”
B. The peace of God will "guard your hearts and minds."
III. The power of God (Philippians 4:12-13
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
A. Circumstances never defeated Paul.
B. Paul rejoiced even in prison (Acts 16).
IV. God’s Provision (Philippians 4:13–23 “13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
A. Paul knew that God was in control.
B. When we are in God's will, he can use—even bless—life's dark moments (Romans 8:28 “28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”