RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-06-04	My God Shall Supply (Ph.4:19)
		Php 4:17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Php 4:18 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. Php 4:19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Php 4:20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. How easy it is to worry about “things”. Jesus encouraged us not to worry about the things of this world (Mt.6:19-34). The Philippians seemed to learn how to not worry over material things of this life. They sent a financial gift to Paul that was “sweet-smelling aroma” sacrifice. They did not have much in the first place, but they gave out of their poverty. When Christians give in this fashion, it affects the receivers of the gift and God Himself responds. This is the principle of sowing and reaping. They gave, so God will bless as a result (Ga.6:7-8). Gal 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Gal 6:8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. The Philippians gave sacrificially so this promise was very special to them. Paul understood that God was in control of events, and that He does meet every need (Rm.8:28). Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. When the child of God is in the will of God it seems the universe works for him. When the child of God is out of the will of God, it seems everything works against him. God will supply “all your need”. He does not say all our wants. This promise does not include luxury items. But God does supply luxury items at times. This is God's surplus. He does this out of His loving kindness. The promise is broad and yet restricted: 1. It is a promise to meet all their needs 2. It is not a promise to go beyond their needs. This verse is not a soft pillow for Christians who spend all their money on themselves, with a rare thought for the work of God. God will give “according to His riches” God supplies the needs of His people, not OUT OF His riches, but ACCORDING TO His riches. Remember Elisha and the widow (2Ki.4:1-7). He told her to gather empty vessels and to set them out. She was told to pour oil from one small vessel into the empty vessels. She filled and filled until every vessel was full of oil. That is what we call a miracle! And that is an illustration of how God works in our lives as well. We cannot explain it, but we know He does it. This is a specific promise that those who are faithful in their giving to Christ will never suffer lack. If a millionaire gave a dime to a child, he would be giving out of his riches. But if he gave a hundred thousand dollars to a worthy cause, he would be giving according to his riches. All this is “by Christ Jesus”. Without Christ we have nothing. He makes it all possible. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

An Evangelical Free Church of America

23304 E Wellesley Ave. Otis Orchards, WA 99027 Church Office: 509.926.9552 Church Cell: 509.342.9145 Pastor Cell: 509.828.8843 tomelseroad@gmail.com