God's Provision

Jacob Bishop

Joy in Jesus • Sermon • Submitted 5 years ago

Philippians 4:10–20

Contentment

Providence

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God's providence and the Christians response of contentment

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Introduction and Overview

The text for today is . The theme of this passage is really twofold, it’s about Paul’s (and by way of application, us) contentment and God’s provision or providence. Those terms might be somewhat unfamiliar and we will define them.

Read the Text

Philippians 4:10–20 ESV

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.

Just a quick reminder that Paul is imprisoned in Rome. That will help us get a better idea of Paul’s contentment. He is literally in chains as he writes this.

Again Paul rejoices and again he expresses his love and affection for the Philippians. What at first might seem like a rebuke for their lack of concern previously he qualifies that they had no opportunity. Getting a gift from Philippi to Rome wasn’t as simple as sending money is for us today. We have Venmo and many other means to transfer funds instantly. In the 1st century sending a financial gift required someone to personally deliver it. The distance from Philippi to Rome is just under 800 miles. Think of walking that distance particularly with the terrain and also the Adriatic Sea. Understanding what the trip would require you’d think no wonder Epaphroditus got so sick. My estimate is probably a 2 to 2.5 month trip depending on the time of year. So this was a big commitment, not only the financial commitment, but the time commitment.

Quick reminder:

The Philippians weren’t a wealthy congregation. Their giving here was truly sacrificial.

2 Corinthians 8:1–5 ESV

1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

That’s a very tender and special portrait of the church at Philippi.

What is Paul talking about? What was their revived concern? And what does he mean they had no opportunity?

—Quick Sidenote--

The word used here for concern is a verb has to do with thinking and the mind. Paul thus far has focused greatly on the mind.

Concern to Paul begins in the mind but doesn’t end in the mind, it grows legs. It’s the working out what God is working in (2:12-13). It’s the net effect of Christ-like thinking. Their concern is shown or expressed through financial gifts (Verse 18). And we will see later how this sacrificial giving is ultimately an act of worship.

Paul then moves in 4:11-13 to express his contentment. These verses are really parenthetical to his main point. He speaks here of his contentment which really serves to emphasize the graciousness of the Philippians gift. We will come back and focus more on the Christians contentment and how that relates to God’s providence. What is the “secret” of Paul’s contentment (V.12).

Verse 14 kind of echoes what Paul stated in 1:4-5

Philippians 1:5 ESV

5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

Philippians 1:4–5 ESV

4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.

Their partnership in the gospel and the ministry both in Philippi and Rome included their generosity and financial contributions.

Paul implies in verse 10 (at last) that he was expecting their gift yet not for his personal gain or selfish benefit but as the fruit of their faith (17).

Paul communicates his needs are met and again expresses his contentment, thus encouraging the Philippians (18). He also reminds them that this act of worship is pleasing to the Lord.

He reminds them

We could really do a whole study on worship as serving the Lord. Serving God is our act of worship. This goes well beyond our 11 o'clock service.

Romans 12:1 ESV

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Lastly, Paul provides them with a benediction, or a good saying, which is the blessing of God on them.

Philippians 4:19–20 ESV

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.

Providence and Our God

a. Definitions

prov·i·dence noun: providence the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power. Similar: divine intervention

Google disappoints us here and we want to have more biblical definition.

**Caution**

The word providence isn’t in the Bible. Neither is trinity, or sovereignty. All words that are used quite frequently in Christian speech.

So we don’t have a specific text that defines a word that comes to us from outside the Bible, but what’s important it does the Bible support the definition we have for a word that we are using to describe God. Is the idea a biblical one.

Definition

God’s providence is God’s wisdom, purpose, power, and authority acted out and fulfilled.

God’s providence manifests itself in many ways. If we were to say “its providential that we met here today” we would be acknowledging not only God’s power to bring this event together but it would include God’s good purpose and wisdom in bringing it to pass. The opposite would be to set “hey we met by chance” or “good luck”. Luck is an imaginary concept that suggests there is not a personal God governing all things.

A recognition of God’s providence includes seeing all things as from God, or at least an understanding that God is ultimately the Lord of everything.

noun noun: providence the protective care of God or of nature as a spiritual power. "they found their trust in divine providence to be a source of comfort" h Similar: fate destiny nemesis kismet God's will divine intervention

In the word providence we can easily see “provide”. The latin word whereby we get the word provide can mean to “see to”. Like your parent’s might say “see to it that your room is clean”.

Pro: Means before Vide: before (from Videre).

From the Heidelberg Catetchism

📷

Question: What do you understand by the providence of God?

late Middle English (also in the sense ‘prepare to do, get ready’): from Latin providere ‘foresee, attend to’, from pro- ‘before’ + videre ‘to see’.

Answer: The almighty, everywhere present power of God, whereby, as it were, by his hand, he still upholds heaven and earth with all creatures and so governs them that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, indeed, all things come not by chance, but by his fatherly hand.

Now do we see this in the Bible?

Romans 8:28 ESV

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

That verse is really amazing to think about. I think for the most part we are thrilled by the fact that all things are working together for our good. It’s the good that we are excited about but think a little deeper about that verse. It includes God’s working (or God’s providence) for every single second of our lives. God managing, governing, ruling, providing everything. God is orchestrating, again by His wisdom and supreme purpose, everything in your life. Oh, how we fail to recognize God’s goodness and providence as we should.

And it’s important to note that we don’t always know how God is using our current circumstances to accomplish His will and purpose.

Job 42:2 ESV

2 “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

Psalm 135:6–8 ESV

6 Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps. 7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth, who makes lightnings for the rain and brings forth the wind from his storehouses. 8 He it was who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and of beast;

Psalm 135:6–7 ESV

Do we see God’s providence in the rain? Think of how the whole of creation is blessed by God’s provision of water. God’s providence is interwoven into everything. There is absolutely nothing that happens that is meaningless. We may not understand and see the immediate meaning and purpose but we can sure God’s providence and goodness is in play.

Acts 4:27–28 ESV

27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.

Again, understand God’s providence in the death of Christ.

b. Sovereignty vs. Providence

Sovereignty is focused primarily on God’s authority and power. His might and right to govern. But it doesn’t necessarily emphasize God’s purpose and wisdom. Certainly providence includes God’s sovereignty but it’s bigger and encompasses God’s purpose and character.

c. God’s Character

How do we see God’s character in light of His providence?

Give and get examples

Contentment - The Christians Response

a. Definitions of contentment

Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words Content (To Be), Contentment

A. Verb.

1. arkeō (ἀρκέω, 174) primarily signifies “to be sufficient, to be possessed of sufficient strength, to be strong, to be enough for a thing”; hence, “to defend, ward off”; in the middle voice, “to be satisfied, contented with,” Luke 3:14, with wages; 1 Tim. 6:8, with food and raiment; Heb. 13:5, with “such things as ye have”; negatively of Diotrephes, in 3 John 10, “not content therewith.” See ENOUGH, SUFFICE, SUFFICIENT.

Paul’s contentment or “self-sufficiency” was grounded in both God’s provision and Christ’s riches (V.19)

The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) Chapter 4

I can do all things. Relying on Christ’s power (1:19; 2:12, 13) and following His example (2:5; 3:10), Paul is able to face all circumstances with contentment. He wants to impress the same lesson upon his readers (vv. 6, 7, 19).

1 Timothy 6:6–8 ESV

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Hebrews 13:5 ESV

5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Ecclesiastes 5:18 ESV

18 Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot.

ecclesiastes

God is the ultimate source of contentment or satisfaction for the Christian. Christ is the only thing or only One who can satisfy us. Everything else fails and leaves us continually wanting.

b. A virtue and a command

Being content acknowledges God’s goodness and provision and trusts. Dis-contentedness says that we know better than God, it is a failure to trust God.

God is the ultimate source of contentment or satisfaction for the Christian. Chhe only th ing or only One who can satisfy us. Everything else fails and leaves us continually wanting.

c. Examples and Application

Sacrificial Giving

a. An act of worship and obedience