Philippians 4:15-20

“And as you Philippians know, at the beginning of my gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in this matter of giving and receiving except you alone. For even in Thessalonica on more than one occasion you sent something for my need. I do not say this because I am seeking a gift. Rather, I seek the credit that abounds to your account. For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent – a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God. And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. May glory be given to God our Father forever and ever. Amen.”

— ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬-‭20‬‬ 

Paul absolutely loves the Philippians. Go back and read the opening verses of the book. It’s very clear.

These verses confirm: No one shared in my ministry except you?!?! They have been mutual partners for at least 5 years at this point. Paul is under house arrest in Rome, and he left Macedonia on his second/third missionary journey. So it’s been a significant amount of time. They have helped fund him for a while.

Even now in Rome, they sent Epaphroditus to visit him (probably delivered the letter), and gave him a few things. Not sure what money would do for him, but whatever Paul needed, they gave. Very generous church. Paul is grateful and seeks credit for their account. Probably important that this paragraph comes after the “I am content and do not need anything passage (4:11-13).”

THEN he gets to my God will supply all your needs. Yes, God will provide for His children. This is clear across Scripture (see Matt 6). I would hesitate using any passage like this to guilt or burden people to give more and more, as if God will bless more and more. That’s clearly not the point. Paul is speaking with close friends, saying you have sacrificed abundantly. And I have confidence that God will fill up anywhere you are lacking. (See my previous paragraph where I have no lack because of my own contentment).

But we have a God full of generosity, full of glory, full of riches. He is all sufficient, and He loves to bless. No, He doesn’t play favorites. I wouldn’t say He necessarily reacts to how we give or don’t give. It’s not a bribery game with God. We read too much into these texts sometimes.

If we see people in need, especially in ministry (from this passage, not really talking generally)—probably a good idea to help them. Try not to worry about the money or time or energy or sacrifice. God is abundant in all things. He will provide and sustain.