Scripture:
Philippians 4:14-20 NKJV
[14] Nevertheless, you have done well that you shared in my distress. [15] Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. [16] For even in Thessalonica, you sent aid once and again for my necessities. [17] Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. [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. [19] And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. [20] Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Observation:
Paul had been on a long missionary journey that had started after his trip to Damascus, where he had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. He had been all over and shared the gospel to all he came into contact with. Traveling thousands of miles to fulfill the call that GOD had placed on his life. Feeling a burden on his heart to tell the Gentiles about Jesus. His trip was somewhat road mapped in these few verses. He had gone to Macedonia, and Thessalonica were just a few of the stops that were made along the way. His need for financial assistance along these trips was probably greater than we could ever imagine, and the Philippine church was one of his ministry partners. They came beside him with the assistance that he needed to continue what he knew GOD had called him to do. In the first 2 verses chosen this morning, Paul brings to the church in Phillipi that at one point, they were the only church willing to help support his calling and how grateful he was for the help. In verse 16, Paul highlights that generosity by explaining that even when he was in Thessalonica, they had given to his missionary journey. As we move to verse 17, I love the way Paul explains the underlying spiritual truth in what’s being done when they help support his calling to share the gospel with the Gentiles and explains that it’s not the gift he is after. It’s the ability to continue to do what GOD had called him to do. His point is that there was fruit being produced and that fruit was being credited to not only his account but also the account of the Philippine church as well. It wasn’t the money that Paul sought. He wanted to be able to give what he had freely been given. But it took provision to do so. The Philippines understood that, and Paul was very grateful that they did. They had sent him the things he needed to continue. Telling them their generous hearts were a sweet smelling aroma to the nostrils of GOD the FATHER and him as well. Now that being said, verse 19 is a verse we can all stand on when we have that same kind of heart the Philippine church exhibited by supplying the needs of Paul. It’s a verse I stand on regularly. Because I have to. It’s one of the fruits the Paul explains in verse 17. Let’s look at what it says. “And my GOD shall supply all your needs according to HIS riches and glory in Christ Jesus.” Paul finishes his statement with giving glory to the only one who deserves it. GOD, the FATHER.
Application:
These verses shape my faith. It’s what motivates me to press on. Step out and continue. No matter what it looks like , because at just the right time, GOD is going to come through with exactly what is needed to continue. When GOD started the company, Christ-like carpentry. I knew right away it wasn’t about me. HE had a purpose for it. To bring glory to HIS name. Over the more than 10 years that it has been in existence, it’s had some ups and downs, but GOD has always come through. At times, it was right down to the very second, but HE has always provided the work needed to continue. Now, in the past 3 or 4 years, we have had more success in the ministry aspect of what I believe I have been called to do. We have seen men regain their lives braking the boundage of the enemy and becoming selfless individuals. That has always been the goal. I love what GOD has called me to do, and I know that as we move forward to become exactly what HE has called us to be, HE will continue to provide the work we need so that the discipleship can continue. It’s not about the money. That’s only the tool that allows me to step into the calling GOD has placed on me. My goal is to do quality work, building stronger men. Men who will help their brothers with their burdens. Men that will bear the weight of not only praying for their brothers but exhibit the kind of brotherly love the church in phillipi did by supporting what the company does. Listen, our lives are bigger than us. Once you have given your life to Christ. You become HIS workmanship. HIS vessel. Bearing fruit for HIS kingdom. I want to be used by GOD. That’s my hearts cry. I pray it daily. GOD, just use me. Show me what you want me to do, and every morning, HE puts me in front of a group of men who want to know more about HIM. Christ-like carpentry is not a company it’s a ministry. The work that comes in produces the fruit of stronger men who will lead their families to the foot of the cross. To me, that is bigger than any job I could ever finish and look back on. GOD is a generational GOD. The chains that are broken in the lives of the men through the power of Jesus will go on for many years to come. So again, just like every morning, my prayer will not change.
Prayer:
Father, use me. Use us. We know that you are our provider, our healer, our everything. You know our needs. So we bring them to you. Laying them at the foot of the cross. This life is not about us. We just want to be used by you. We ask that you forgive us where we have failed you and help us to continue in the calling you have given us. As we do our very best to line our lives up with what your word says. Come beside us and do what only you can do. We want to be a vessel of who you are. Show us where to go and how to get there. Light our path so that our lives can bring you glory. It’s all about the fruit that you produce. In and through us. It’s in the mighty na.e of Jesus we pray amen.