OUR FATHER WHO SUPPLIED ALL OUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES AND GLORY

In finalizing his letter to the Philippians in chapter 4 verses 10 - 23, the Apostle Paul speaks of how much he celebrated the Philippians for resuming their support for his ministry.

He mentioned that there was a gap in their provisioning cause by the lack of opportunity to convey help to him but he assured them that he had learned how to content with little or with a lot.

In the warp and woof of a life that veered from lack to plenty and back again, Paul tells his readers that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him even to being able to survive both feasts and famines.

10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Paul is especially pleased with Philippians because even when others were not helping him, they went out of their way to send send him the provisions he needed and Paul called these efforts a sweet smelling aroma and an acceptable sacrifice before God for which a credit would abound to their account.

Paul then concludes his letter by honoring God by attributing eternal glory to Him and he also passes greeting from those who were with him to the Philippians. He then blesses them with the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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 need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.

23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Amen.

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