Friday, May 21, 2010

Common misinterpretation of Philippians 4:10

Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

I have always been hearing this verse being repeatedly used in Christian circles, until I started to wonder and ask myself why. When I decided to read the whole chapter,  it came to my understanding why Paul wrote to the Philippians and prayed this prayer for them.

When does God supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus according to Paul's epistle?
  • The brethren Paul was referring to had ministered to Paul by sending him supplies during his missions. We need to support the work of God and the servants of God as they preach the Gospel. The book of Matthew says that he that receives a prophet in the name of prophet shall receive a prophet's reward. So as you do that, you will surely receive a reward.
  • My God Shall Supply All My NeedWhen we give towards the work of God, we are actually making a deposit into our heavenly account. Of course we know that you cannot go to the bank to withdraw money that you had not initially deposited into your account. As Christians use this verse, they should ask themselves, "have I made a deposit into my heavenly account? Paul told the brethren that it is not that he desired a gift from them , but he desired fruit that was to multiply in the account when they gave to the ministry. Any time you give to the ministry, you provoke the blessings  of God, your account deposits increases and produces.
  • Paul clearly explains about the gifts Epaphroditus had sent to him in Phil 4:18 as pleasing to God. When we give to God's work willingly and sacrificially (even when in want), the gifts goes up to God as an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. When our giving is acceptable to God, He is pleased and so it would be in order for us to  expect abundant blessings from Him. 
  • In Philippians 10:14, Paul was commending the brethren for having done well by communicating with his afflictions. They are blessed those who communicate with the afflictions of the work of God and the servants of God. When we mind the business of God, which is preaching the Word, God will always mind our business. Are we good stewards of what God has blessed us with? Here I am not talking about tithing because tithe is paid and not given, but I am talking about supporting the work of God and being kind to the God’s ministers.
Any time a Christian proclaims Philippians 4:10 to you or you proclaim it to somebody else, ask yourself, do you deserve to draw from the heavenly deposits? Have your really done according to those who partake of such blessings?

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