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RUSSELL SANDERS
1-31-2024
PHILIPPIANS 4:19 IN CONTEXT
People often take a single bible verse and use it out of context. Their application may contain truth, but when it is taken in context with the scriptures before and after it, you might come to see a very different meaning.
One such very popular verse that is often taken out of context is Philippians 4:19 which says, “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
Yes, through Jesus, God supplies our every need. But let us examine the context in which this is written. Paul had founded the church in Philippi and had nurtured them. As he continued his missionary journeys through Asia, Macedonia, and Greece, he often found himself in times of need. He often suffered lack, yet other times he had an ample supply.
However, there was only one church that sent him money or supplies to support him numerous times. Other churches might have done this once or twice, but only Philippi was consistent in this. He speaks of this in Philippians 4:15 and 17.
Verse 15 says, “Now ye Philippians know also that….no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only.” The Greek word for communicated is koinoneo (Strongs 284) which means to share with others, to distribute, to be a partaker. The Philippians were supporting Paul’s ministry with finances and goods regularly.
In verse 17, Paul says, “Not because I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Paul was letting them know that he was not asking for support, but because they did support him, they became partakers of the fruit of his ministry.
Then, in verse 19 Paul assures them that because they gave to fulfill his need that God would in turn supply all their need. The seeds they planted into his ministry would bring fruit back to them so that nothing would be lacking for them. God would reward their giving by meeting their needs.
We are to distribute (communicate) from our resources to those in ministry. In return, God will bless us back by supplying what we need so that we have no lack.
The people who do not give, or who say they cannot “afford” to give, do not possess the promise of Philippians 4:19. They only think about their own needs. Scripture tells us that we are to give to others through our tithes and voluntary offerings (alms). When we are obedient to the scriptures, and to God, then the promises of God are ours.
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