All your need

Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4v18-19

This is a neat little illustration here. It is one of those passages often preached in missions conferences with the idea that; ‘If you give to missions you don’t have to worry because God will meet all your needs according to His own riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’

For a change, one of the tired old preaching clichés is not far off. Although I am not so sure that God acts in response to our giving and using it as a motivation for giving, the truth is still there. We can give with confidence that we are not going to lack, because God is always going to meet our needs.

Paul was full up as a result of their wonderful gift. It really wasn’t the money, because Paul knew that God would always meet his needs as well. Their willingness to give was in and off itself a sweet smelling aroma, a sacrifice that pleased God. What made it even more precious is the fact that God would keep on meeting their needs.

The whole chapter is about contentment, giving, and trusting God. They all go together. When we are content we can give of ourselves and our resources. Whatever we give is a precious sacrifice, and we can rest assured that God is not going to let us down.