Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 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. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 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. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
(Philippians 4:14-20 ESV)
As a minister, I totally relate to Paul’s words here. Let’s be honest… I’ve done ministry with no money, with my money and with the money of generous gospel supporters. Let me tell you… the money that faithful people sow into ministry will always accomplish the most.
In this passage Paul is speaking to the first group of people to partner with him financially and he’s telling them that they have supplied him well. The phrase I am well supplied is actually one single Greek word – pleroo – which means filled to the top so to be wanting nothing. Now that’s the kind of supply that can get some stuff done!
Another interesting phrase is towards the end… Notice that Paul doesn’t say and because you gave to me God will supply. No, Paul is separating the phrase in a way as to say “Don’t give so you will receive… you have received so much that you can give without hesitation.” The phrase according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus tells me that my needs have already been met as the product of Christ’s finished work (not of my giving). When I was brought into the family as a joint-heir with Christ… the family fortune was opened up to me… and it’s been opened to you. So now we are free to give very generously… and so we should.
That concludes the blog… but let me share this.
My blog is – for the most part – geared around scripture text. I will go through a book of the Bible and pull out some passages that I want to blog on. This is why you will usually see several blogs from one area of the Bible for a few days.
That being said… I did not write on this passage because I have added a donate button to my page… but have added it never-the-less.
If you’re wondering what those donations will go to, the answer is simple enough for me to give it right here and right now.
1. Technological Enhancements.
I would like to upgrade jasonmayfield.com this year. Those enhancements will cost about $100 dollars. However, once those changes are complete… there are many things on the wish list to help make more resources available.
2. Theological Reference Materials.
My desire is to become a person of the Word. I want to be so filled with the word of God that it never stops flowing out. This is also where I invest time and personal finances. (most of my birthday wish-list consist of things like this.) Right now I am saving to buy a $600 reference program called Logos.
If you would like to help me with these financial projects your gift will be very appreciated… however, it will not be tax-deductible.