Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Philippians 4:10-23 (ESV)
God’s Provision
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
What do you learn from Paul in this passage about both contentment and giving and receiving help from others?
Holy God, You have been faithful and have always provided my basic necessities of life. I have gotten used to abundance and sometimes cling to the comfort and security that the excess provides. Help me to get my comfort and security from You. My wealth and material possessions can vanish in a brief moment, but Your love and mercy will be with me forever. My health can falter and although the immediate future is unknown, You will still be with me for comfort, strengthen, and healing. Help me to remember that all things that I have are a gift from You. I don’t deserve any of them and none are permanent. Help me to not put my faith in things that are fleeting. Instead, help me to use what You have given me to help those who have not been given as much so that they have what they need as well. As I share what I have been given, help me to be content with what is left. Your provision will always be enough. When the season comes when I am struggling on my own, I am not well enough to care for myself or am in need of assistance, allow me to swallow my pride and to graciously accept the time and gifts of others who want to share what they have for me. Help me to be content with the fact that I will not get all that I want but trust that You will supply every need according to Your will. No matter how much or how little I have, how strong or how weak I have become, help me to be content with what You have given me and to remember that I can do all things through You, who strengthens me. Amen