Sermon 122296

Phi. 4:10-23                          The Christian’s Need & God’s Supply                              12/22/96

(Series 22.33)                                                                                                                      ABCC

I.   Introduction and Review                                                                                    551

We now come to the close of this little from Paul who is in prison to the church at Philippi.  They had proven to be true friends & brethren who genuinely cared for Paul, their brother in Christ!

II.  The Christian’s Need & God’s Provision

     A. People have basic needs - creation & the fall (Gen. 1:29; 3:21; 9:3; 1Tim. 6:8)

     B. Humanity should work to meet basic needs (Gen. 2:15; 1Th. 3:10-12)

When it comes to needs among saints & specifically the work of spreading the gospel, God gives clear principles by which we are to live!

     C. God’s purposes in the saint’s needs

          1. For the needy saint - to learn

·        Godly contentment (v. 11)

·        Frugality in times of little (v. 12)

·        Wise management in times of abundance (v. 12)

·        To trust God in every circumstance of life (v. 13)

n       My sovereign God designs my life & circumstances with varying/unpredictable

                                 times of abundance & lack.  I must learn to live my life rejoicing in Christ

                                 regardless of my present level of provisions! (Ps. 37:25; 16:5;Heb. 13:5-6)

The Christian’s Need & God’s Supply, pg. 2

          2. For saints able to meet other’s needs - to learn

·        To share provisions (v. 14)

·        To participate in the spread of the gospel (v. 15-16)

·        To store up treasure in heaven (v. 17)

·        To trust God for provisions (v. 19)

          3. For all saints - to learn

·        Build stronger relationships between saints (v. 21-22)

·        To praise & thank God (v. 20, 23)

     D. How does this come about

          1. God creates genuine concern for another saint in need (v. 10a)

          2. God reveals opportunity to meet the needs of another saint (v. 10b)

          3. God may use any resource to meet needs of a saint (Hag. 2:8; Pr. 21:1)

Of course our greatest need is not is not physical or temporary.  Our greatest need was the deadness in our souls, isolation from the Lord of Life, unreconciled to the King of Glory - Our God abundantly met our need.  He has given Christ (Rom. 8:31-32)!  Our God IS NEVER lacking in resources - He is El Shaddai (all-sufficient) & Jehovah (self-existent).  He is the Good Shepherd, full of wisdom, power, authority, riches, glory and blessing.  Jesus Christ cannot fail, cannot loose, cannot be defeated, cannot lie - His promises are true & He’s coming again soon.