| “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). |
| The believers in Philippi were not wealthy like the Corinthians. They were relatively poor, and in writing to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul refers to “their deep poverty.” Yet they had apparently collected a large amount of money and sent it to Paul, who was in prison in Rome at this time. Paul appreciated this very much, as he was in need of help, but he knew that they had really given more than they could afford to give. It was not the first time they had sent money to Paul, for he reminds them that when he was in Thessalonica, they had sent help to him twice (Philippians 4:16). It had been a real sacrifice for them, but Paul assures them that the Lord would supply all their need “according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” |
| There is a difference in someone’s supplying our need out of his riches, and supplying our need according to his riches. If a wealthy man helped us “out of” his riches, he might give us enough to meet our need. But if he helped us “according to” his riches, he would give much more than we needed. I remember a young couple who received many wedding gifts, some from average people, and some from rich people. In particular, two rich people each gave them a gift. One gave a very small gift, smaller even than most of the average people gave; he gave “out of” his riches. But the other gave a large gift, larger than almost anybody else. He gave “according to” his riches. |
| God does not promise to give us everything we want, for it might not be good for us. But He loves to give, and when we use our money for the Lord, He often gives back “according to” His riches. The Apostle Paul was sure that the Lord would do this for the Philippians who had been so generous with him when he was in prison. |
| This verse has been a wonderful encouragement to many people who were in need and did not know what to do. But the Lord knows our need and has promised to supply it. He keeps His promise! |
