Responding to the Lord’s Provision
18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4:18-20)
Continuing from yesterday’s passage, Paul writes another way to acknowledge his thankfulness for the gifts that the church at Philippi provided while making it clear that he is not asking for gifts in the first place, “But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance.” Epaphroditus gave everything that was allocated to him to distribute to Paul, so there is no debt or missing funds. Not only that, but Paul notes that he is “fully supplied,” meaning that he is at max capacity and is in no need for any more financial support. And these gifts not only served to provide for Paul’s earthly needs, but they served a dual purpose of being an act of worship on the behalf of the believers to God, “an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” As Max Anders writes, “Giving to God’s servant for God’s work is a gift to God.” We can see this in Hebrews 13:16, “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
In verse 19, we see that Paul prays for a blessing to be upon the believers due to their wonderful act of sacrifice and service, “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” It is through Christ Jesus that followers can have access to an infinite supply to their needs if they pray and seek out His will.
Finally, in verse 20, Paul closes the body of the letter with a doxology, praising the Lord, “Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” The beautiful promise that the Lord provides for His children whenever they are in need should lead them to worship and to praise Him. He is our wonderful Father who loves us and deserves all the glory forever and ever.
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
