Series: Action [#202]
HOW TO ENJOY LIFE- ALL MY NEEDS MET
Philippians 4:14-23
Introduction:
On this Father’s Day, (as we finish Philippians) I want us to notice a promise from God- How to have your needs met. As a father, this is what I want for my children and grandchildren- I want their every need met. I know that my dad feels the same way.
We all like to hear about the promises that God makes to us; but like most of the promises in the Bible, we have to do our part before God will do His. I call this the “If and Then of the Bible”.
Philippians 4:19
God says, "I will meet all your needs." So why do so many Christians have so many needs that are unmet? Because they have not met the conditions of the promise.
Philippians 4:14-16
1. My part.
In order to experience this promise of all your needs being taken care of, you must be generous to others.
Paul gives us 3 reasons for being generous:
My giving is an…
* Encouragement to others.
The Philippian Church was not wealthy. In fact, this Church was extremely poor; and yet they were the only Church that helped Paul. They were generous in their giving; and it was an encouragement to Paul. Giving is an encouragement to the giver and the receiver.
Giving gives you a wider ministry than you would normally have. They were partners in Ministry with Paul. That is why we have Missionaries. They can go to places that we could never go; but through our giving and prayers, we can partner with them.
Giving makes you like Christ. The most Christlike thing you can do is give. Jesus was a giver- He gave us His life as a sacrifice.
Philippians 4:17
My giving is an…
* Investment in the future.
Paul says I want you to receive the reward for your giving. You have an account in Heaven. You are to lay up your treasures in Heaven. Store up treasure in Heaven by giving, by investing in Heaven.
Philippians 4:18
My giving is a…
* Sacrifice to God.
The most pleasing thing you can do for God is give sacrificially. It is done in faith and without faith it is impossible to please God. You are most like Christ when you are sacrificial in your giving; and it pleases God.
It says it's a "fragrant offering". This refers back to Leviticus 7 which talks about a thank offering. In the Old Testament they would lay an offering on the altar, pour it out and it would create steam that the whole community could smell. A sacrificial giver is a beautiful person, you love to be around them. Giving is an act of worship. That's why Paul said it's so important to become a giver. There are only 2 kinds of people in the world: Givers and takers. Philippians is about joy and giving- The 2 main themes go together.
Philippians 4:19
2. God’s part.
If you do your part then God will fulfill His promise to supply all your needs.
Let’s breakdown this promise.
* The Source: "And my God will..."
The word “my” is extremely important here. God is a personal God who cares about our personal needs. God is the source of all of your needs being taken care of.
* The Scope: "...will meet all your needs..."
This includes everything. It doesn't say that God might meet your needs, but will meet your needs. It's a guarantee.
There are many people who misuse this verse. There are 2 categories this does not include. This does not include the consequences of laziness. This is not an invitation to goof off. God expects you to work. This is not an invitation to set around with folded hands and say, "I'm just trusting the Lord to provide." That isn't contentment, it's complacency. There's a big difference. He has not promised to meet your needs if you set around and do nothing.
This does not include all your wants. There are 2 false ideas about money: God wants everybody to be a millionaire- God wants everybody to be poor.
* The Supply: "according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."
God's bank will never go bankrupt. He has unlimited resources.
Conclusion:
Philippians 4:20-23
I pray that as we leave this study in Philippians that we have seen where our joy in life comes from. That we will realize that apart from God there is no hope; but with God there is nothing stopping us.
