Philippians 4:10-20 (NIV)
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
The Philippians had been financial supporters of Paul since the start of his relationship with them. After he was forced to leave Philippi and went to Thessalonica (Acts 16: 40-17:1), they had sent him aid several times.
Paul, as a rabbi, had a trade through which he could support himself. He was a tentmaker, a leatherworker (Acts 18:2-3), but at times there was no opportunity for him to work. In the Roman empire, in order to do trade work, you often had to belong to a trade guild, whose members were required to devote themselves to one of the Greek or Roman gods, something that Paul would not do. So, often he was unable to provide his own support, and was very thankful for the support he received from the churches that he had started along the way.
A key part of this passage is verses 11-13. Paul was never a whiner or a complainer. He never got down when he ended up for a time without adequate provision, because of two things. First, he understood that God had promised all his people that He would provide for their needs if they simply asked (Matthew 6:25-33). And second, he was always busy in the work of God’s Kingdom and was continually looking for the next opportunity to share the gospel. So, he rarely took the time to focus on his own needs. Paul knew that God always keeps his promises, and that the needed provisions would be coming soon, whatever their source. And he also looked to God for the grace and strength that he needed in the meantime. He knew that with God in his corner, and with God’s Spirit-charged strength and power coursing through him at every moment, he truly could do all that he needed to do each day.
Father, I have often heard people take verse 13 out of its context, as if Your promise is that we can simply do anything we choose to do because You will empower us. But the context clearly shows that Your promise is that You will empower us to do what You have called us to do, whether the times and circumstances are easy or difficult. That is a wonderful promise, Lord, and extremely valuable to all your people right now with so many going through difficult times. Help us to hold onto this promise of provision and strength, and to allow it to move us forward into powerful productivity for You and for Your Kingdom. Amen.