Living on God's Supply

Philippians 4:14-19

Finances can be one of the most stressful parts of our life. I am quite certain that many people could share of a time when financial matters caused great stress. For this reason it is important that we have a plan for our personal finances. I have good news, God has something to say about personal financial planning. In Philippians 4, we can read a testimony regarding how the Philippian church used money. From this passage there are four important principles that can serve us well as we seek to use money according to God’s plan.

God desires that we invest in gospel ministry.

In Acts 16, Paul ministered the gospel to a woman named Lydia and she was saved. Lydia became the first member of what became the church at Philippi. Later Paul moved on from Philippi to continue his gospel ministry. Even though he departed the believers at Philippi, they continued to financially support him. The church released money from their hands to help Paul regardless of the return they personally could have experienced. Do you have a line item in your personal budget for giving to gospel ministry?

God will reward those who faithfully give.

This letter is not an attempt by Paul to raise money. Rather, he desired to instruct the church in the matter of giving and receiving so that they could experience the fruit that would increase to their account for doing so. Jesus taught us about the importance of storing up treasure in heaven. In Matthew 6:19, we read that we are not to be focused on amassing treasures here on earth. Rather, we are to lay up heavenly treasures. I believe when we engage in gospel generosity we lay up heavenly treasures.

God is pleased when we give as an act of worship.

Perhaps, you have not thought about giving financially as an act of worship. However, this is exactly how Paul describes it in Philippians 4. God is aware of our giving. He is also aware of the attitude and the reason for our giving. The gift Paul received from the church was defined as a “a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” I encourage you to make your financial giving an act of worship. Thank God for what you have and give freely with an attitude of gratitude.

God will supply all our needs.

Giving can be hard when we think about all the needs we have and how little we have to meet those needs. But, God wants you to know that every need you have He is able to meet. In order for God to say that He will meet all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus, then He has to be aware of those needs. God certainly is aware of the needs you have. He is able to supply those needs as well. The Psalmist explained in Psalm 37:45, “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.”