DIVINE SUPPLY
We come to the end of Philippians, where our grateful missionary, prisoner, and Apostle, Paul, thanks the church for their gifts and shares the secret to adapting to difficult situations and being content in seasons of little or much. If times are hard or going well for you, there's a message in here for both. Our final message today holds two popular verses that have long encouraged believers.
MAIN SCRIPTURE: Philippians 4:10-23
We’re surrounded by a generous and powerful God. I see three places where God supplies from His glorious storehouse of strength, provision, and grace. First, there is divine supply from…
From Christ, Inside V. 10-13
V. 10
“Concern” - the word here is referring to being aware of someone’s need, but going a step further and meeting the need. Paul isn’t just rejoicing for his need being met, but that they are doing well in having concern for others. The same concern and act they are expressing toward him is what he wanted them to show to one another in Philippians 2:1-4. Paul is like a parent who is happy to see their child exercise generosity without being asked!
“Many Christians today have the opportunities, but lack the concern.” -Wiersbe
V. 11-13
“Not that I was ever in need…I have learned to be content with whatever I have.”
Paul didn’t feel he was ever in need because he learned to be content in Christ.
Circumstances were the arena of spiritual growth, and through them, Paul developed adaptability (and contentment-emphasis mine). Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 154). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
We have learned to
“I have learned the secret of being content…”
Stoic philosophers used the word “contentment” to denote the desirable character of a person that enabled one to live in a self-sufficient manner. This individual would train the mind to be removed from the influence of external circumstances and pressures, able to deny oneself and not be moved to concern by outside influences. The problem with this is that stoicism can also make one feel no concern for the world or the needs of others around them. This is not what Paul is advocating here. Paul is advocating an awareness of needs and dependency, not on self, but on God.
The secret to living content was depending on the strength and power of Christ… “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Paul’s ability to cope with adversity did not come from self-sufficiency but through Christ-sufficiency.
The expression “through him who gives me strength” clearly refers to the indwelling Christ, and Paul could accomplish all that God wanted through the strength he provided. Some people abuse this verse by taking it out of context. They assume Paul was making a comprehensive statement about the spiritual abilities of a Christian. Some even act as if there were nothing they could not do. Paul did not mean that. Two factors in the text reveal why. First, the passage discussed material and physical needs. In the day-to-day economic fluctuations, Paul knew a stability that enabled him to rise above them. The rule of context means that this must be applied to economic matters. Second, Paul expressed his dependence on the power of the Lord. In this, he knew that where the Lord led him, he had power. The will of God limited the application of the strength he knew. Many who misapply this verse step out of God’s will for their lives. They hope to cover their actions with a blanket promise of power, but power comes in the will of God. Thus, Paul expressed a crucial paradox. He was strong when he was weak! (When he humbly depended on Christ for help [Emphasis mine]). Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, pp. 154–155). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
How do we learn to be content and rely on the strength of Christ in us?
We need to consider the condition of our hearts and the vanity of materialism.
"All a man’s labor is for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied" (Ecc. 6:7). “Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content (Ecc. 1:8). “...He has planted eternity in the human heart” (Ecc. 3:11).
Material things and man-made things of this world can not and will not satisfy. The discontent may eventually look to God, but only after learning that what the world offers doesn’t satisfy. No one is content and then goes to God; we go to God and then learn contentment. Let us not learn from this path but go directly to God!
The Bible refers to hearts like broken cisterns. Cisterns were short man made wells to hold water for dry seasons. But cisterns would crack and break down, losing precious resources. Jesus is a well of eternal, living water, a source of supply that does not run dry. Only Jesus can fill the eternal hole in our hearts. Rest and contentment versus worrying and wanting are found in a relationship with God.
We need to learn that MORE doesn’t mean BETTER and LESS doesn’t mean BAD.
It was in the moments of needs not met that he learned to depend and certainly experienced God’s supply. It was in the moment of having plenty where he learned, not by might, nor by physical resources, but by God’s Spirit. Having Jesus is still better and more useful than all the resources at his fingertips. You can have plenty but not know how or what to do with it. You can have plenty and still not be happy or content. Paul learned that the eternal value of knowing Jesus is greater than riches, knowledge, power, and position.
We learn through experience and become wiser with little and with much, with materials and with the spiritual. We discover that peace and provision are present in all circumstances because He is present.
We must have a daily dependence on Christ
When we are weak, we are strong. This is a journey of putting our trust and faith in Christ daily and for the long term. I think there is a “you tank” and then there is a “grace tank” in all of us. We should always look to the strength and supply of the “grace tank,” and we keep that filled up by abiding in, depending, and obeying Him.
Generosity on our side V. 14-18
V.14
“You shared in my troubles” or “present difficulty.” They participated in… The basic translation, “fellowship,” means a deep partnership of two going the same direction. Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 155). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Notice that they did not leave Philippi or experience what He experienced to be included in this.
Paul feels how we pastors and missionaries feel…your partnership in the work of the gospel is personal and heartfelt to us. We are together in this work when we pray for the work, serve in the work, give to the work, and share the work of the gospel. We don’t have to do all the work alone; we get to do it together. Many conversations, kind expressions, invitations, and prayers have been given before I came in contact with you. Pastors don’t dare take the credit (we don’t in the first place) but recognize those who are partners with us, and together we share in the joy of seeing the lost saved, baptized, and developing disciple makers!
V. 15-16
In verses 15-16, Paul joyfully recounts the Philippians’ support extended towards him.
In the very beginning of their Christian experience (Acts 16), when Paul left Macedonia, they alone shared with him in the matter of giving and receiving. And again, when Paul was in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1) and experienced definite need, the Philippians sent him aid twice. Lightner, R. P. (1985). Philippians. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 665). Victor Books.
V.18
The financial gift is more than a supply for Paul’s mission, but an act of worship that is pleasing to the Lord. The financial gift was an investment in the gospel mission-the work of reaching, saving, and developing disciple makers. This is why I don’t hesitate to give to God’s work in and through the local church, because I know our mission is to make disciples here and around the world!
We are God’s supply
This is one way God met Paul’s need. How God meets the church’s needs, how he meets our individual needs. Through the church (and other various means). There is mutual interdependence among the body of Christ (Together series). As we depend on God, we also become vessels of concern, support, and supply for God to one another. It’s a powerful force that has changed societies around the world.
Grace from on High V. 19-23
The final place we see divine supply is from the glorious and divine storehouse of God.
V. 19
Just as God had met Paul’s needs in the work of the gospel, so God would meet their needs. Paul spoke to those who actively supported the work of the Lord. God meets the needs of those who give to him. Melick, R. R. (1991). Philippians, Colossians, Philemon (Vol. 32, p. 158). Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Paul believes and knows that as God has taken care of him, He will take care of their needs from the storehouse of His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
In Christ Jesus… is referring to the standing we all have through salvation in Christ. We are adopted by God, children of God, and co-heirs with Christ. Just as God cared for the Israelites in the desert, and cared for His own Son, God cares for us. If He cares for the lilies of the field, certainly He will care and supply all our needs as His children. God gives good gifts to His children as we ask.
It’s important to remember, though, that this verse does not say “and He will supply all my greeds…”
This verse also can imply there is a supply from God that can be or may not be experienced, depending on whether we obey God and give to His work. Give and watch what God supplies for others and for you.
V. 20-23
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Close
The fruit of contentment is better stewardship. Contentment saves you money and helps you waste less.
The fruit of contentment is generosity. Content hearts are more likely to give.
The fruit of contentment is being able to go without. The content knows how to live with less.
The fruit of contentment is being joyful in all circumstances
The fruit of contentment is being grateful in all circumstances
The fruit of contentment is confidence in all circumstances
Poem:
The Joy of Contentment
Not fretting with less, not stingy, nor hoard,
Not fearful of need, not looking for more.
Not tired of chasing, not wandering the world,
Fulfilled in Christ, content with our Lord.
Discussion
What is one thing from the message that resonated with you?
What experiences have taught you contentment? (either in need or in abundance)
Where do you notice the temptation to rely on yourself rather than Christ?
What does daily dependence on Christ look like in your routines, decisions, or anxieties?
What does it look like today to participate in someone else’s ministry or burden?
Who has partnered with you in your faith journey, and how has it impacted you?
What prevents believers from being available as God’s supply to others?
What additional notes did you make during the sermon?
What can we pray for regarding the sermon? Do you have any prayer needs?
The most important decision you will ever make!
If you’re ready to trust in Jesus for salvation and eternal life, we encourage you to process this decision with a strong believer and when you’re ready, say a simple prayer like this from your heart: Dear God, I acknowledge and admit I have sinned. I see my need for Jesus Christ. I believe in Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I believe I am forgiven and cleansed of my sin by His death. I also believe I have eternal life because of His resurrection from the dead. I repent, I turn away from my old ways and I choose to live my life to worship you and follow Jesus, Amen!
We would love to know if you decided to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Let us know here.
Pray Together
We hope you found this AFTER THE SERMON discussion helpful for your walk with Jesus. We pray you can find ways to apply it this week!