Topic:
PHILIPPIANS 4:19 WAS
EARNED
Memorised: Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your
account. Philippians 4:17
Bible Text: Philippians 4:14-19, Bible in one year: 2nd Chronicles 9:29-12:16,
Luke 22:39-62
If you are enjoying God’s love, you must be ready to give something in
return to him as a demonstration of your love for Him. This was demonstrated by
the church at Philippi in today’s Bible reading. Paul reported that they were the
only ones who stood with him during the period of his trial and need. After he
left Macedonia, some churches used that as an excuse not to support him
anymore, but not the brethren at Philippi. Even after he travelled to
Thessalonica, they repeatedly sent provisions to meet his need there. Today,
some people still hide under the cover of distance to shy away from showing
love through giving. They would say “You are so far away and that is why it is
so difficult to send assistance to you.” If it is difficult to send assistance
now, it was much more difficult to do so then. As challenging as it was then,
the brethren in Philippi found a way around the difficulties and supported
Paul. They knew what they were doing. They become a major financial backbone of
the ministry of Paul. Paul declared that by virtue of their being so
sacrificial in giving, he was full, having all his needs met. It was based on
this that he prayed that God would supply all their needs in Philippians 4:19.
Just as you have needs, so does God have needs. If you can meet Gods
needs, He will surely meet yours. The project of expending God’s kingdom on
earth has needs. There is therefore a need to support anymore or any cause that
is dedicated to meeting these needs. Why did Paul not pray the same prayer for
the other churches? It is because a person has the responsibility to provoke
the blessings that come to him or her as an individual, family or church.
Before you expect so much from God, ask yourself what you have done to provoke
what you are expecting. As revealed in Philippians 4:17, know that everyone has
an account with God:
“Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit
that may abound to your account.”
Everything you give to God grows that account. It is when your account
is full that your harvest will come. The church at Philippi got their harvest.
What about you? What have you given to God in demonstration of your love for
Him? What contributions have you made to grow your local parish and meet their
needs? How have you met the needs of your pastor and his family?
Key Point: Can your pastor say like Paul that he is fall and has no needs as a
result of your care?
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