December 06, 2021: SOAP #4386:  Philippians 1-4

SCRIPTURE:  Philippians (NIV) 4:12 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. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

OBSERVATION: Paul had learned to trust the Lord through times of trouble and lack, but it was good that the believers in Philippi sent finances to help. 

It was good for Paul because it met his need.  It was good for those in Philippi because God would reward them. 

Paul was not begging them to send him money; he was thanking them for what they had previously sent!  They had met Paul’s need from their limited resources; now God would meet their need according to His unlimited resources! (Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.)

APPLICATION:  To be true to the content and intent of this passage, I should not use this verse to convince others to send money to my need.  I should apply this verse to me!  If I meet the needs of others from my resources, God will meet my needs from His resources, from “His glorious riches in Christ Jesus!!!”

When I have a need, I should pray for an opportunity to use the little I have to bless someone else.  Then I can look to God for Him to meet my need. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, you are an amazing giver!  You give again and again.  You gave your Son to pay for my sins!  It pleases you when I become a giver too.  Sometimes you direct your giving through me.  It is a special blessing to be a part of your giving.  You take the little I give and make a blessing to those in need AND a blessing to me!  Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!