You Can't Out Give God

Introduction

This morning we come to the end of our study in the book of Philippians. In our passage today are several verses that are often pulled out of their context and made to say things they may not have been meant to say.

As Paul beings to conclude his letter, he wants to thank the church at Philippi for their longtime support of his ministry.

Thanks for Giving AGAIN

Philippians 4:10 NIV84

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

Paul begins by thanking this church for once again sharing in his ministry.

They had renewed their concern for Paul.

He was thankful that they now had an opportunity to help him with his needs.

Being Content

Philippians 4:11 NIV84

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Paul didn’t say these things because he was fishing for some more help.

No he says he has learned to be content no matter what kind of situation he is in or whatever his circumstances may be.

To make sure we get this point, Paul elaborates on this idea in verse 12.

Philippians 4:12 NIV84

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.

The circumstance does not matter:

Need or plenty he’d learned the secrete of being content.

Well fed or hungry he could be content.

Living with plenty or living in want Paul had learned to be content.

It is in this context that he says one of the most misused verses in all of Scripture.

Philippians 4:13 NIV84

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

This verse has nothing to do with football, powerlifting, volleyball, or so many other things that people tie it to.

Paul is actually saying: “I am strong, able to accomplish all that the Lord has given me through the strength He gave me.” In other words, Paul says thanks for the gift, but God has already equipped him with everything that he needed.

Nevertheless, it is still good for the Philippians to share with Paul in his troubles.

Philippians 4:14 NIV84

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

A Walk In The Past

Philippians 4:15–16 NIV84

Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid again and again when I was in need.

Paul praises the church for their long term commitment to him and to his ministry! They gave to him, when nobody else was giving to him.

This walk down memory lane was not an attempt to get more help, because Paul’s needs have been fulfilled. Look at verse 17.

Philippians 4:17–19 NIV84

Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

In this passage is another misunderstood and misrepresented verse. Many people think that God will supply all their needs no matter what they are doing or how they are living.

Yet in the context—God’s supply of the Philippians’ needs was directly tied to the gift they gave to support Paul’s ministry. God’s generosity is tied to our generosity!

So What?

We need to learn to be content in whatever situation we find ourselves—whether with plenty or in need.

We can endure every situation that comes our way through the strength that God gives us!

Matthew 19:26 NIV84

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

We need to learn to be thankful when we see God provide for our needs through other people. (We need to lay aside our pride and let them give).

Hebrews 13:16 NIV84

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

The more we give out of love for others, the more God will give to us out of His love for us.

Proverbs 11:25 NIV84

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.