| Phil. 4:18-19 |
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Lesson # Phil. 4:18-19 Study Material - Phil. 4:18-19 You must be in fellowship prior to your Bible study, so that the spiritual information you receive can become a source, of blessing to your soul and produce spiritual growth. Phil. 4:18-19 18 But [de] I have [apecho] all [pas], and [kai] abound [perisseuo]: I am full [pleroo], having received [dechomai] of [para] Epaphroditus [Epaphroditos] the things which were sent from [para] you [humon], an odour [osme] of a sweet smell [euodia], a sacrifice [thusia] acceptable [dektos], wellpleasing [euarestos] to God [theos]. 19 But [de] my [mou] God [theos] shall supply [pleroo] all [pas] your [humon] need [chreia] according to [kata] his [autos] riches [ploutos] in [en] glory [doxa] by [en] Christ [Christos] Jesus [Iesous]. KJV-Interlinear 18 But I have received everything in full, and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. NASB Whether giving to the church or some form of Bible study forum, or whether you are giving to charity for the more earthly needs of those who are in need, is of no consequence to God. And understand this from the perspective of your assistance. God is able to do anything with or without our help. Our having the opportunity to help is grace and a gift from God. The Philippians helped Paul, but the gift of help they provided were not for his total needs. An individual brought him probably some food, clothes, and money, but these were token. Whether they had given to Paul or not made no different to Gods plan for Paul. God would have provided for Paul even if they had not given from their resources. The opportunity of giving is for the believers benefit for spiritual growth, and is also a form of test. What is more important to you? What you have, or what you can do for others? Opportunities are always before us, so the test is whether we will be selfish or generous. Why? Because the next verse is the answer. God shall provide for all your needs. In this life we have the unique opportunity to prepare ourselves for eternity. We have the opportunity to understand that our life is not for this world nor for the advancement of this world thinking that this world will continue forever and our doing things will advance mankind in some fashion to make man better. This will simply never happen. God has a plan for each one of us and He has a plan for human history. With all certainty we will see an end to our life. History will see an end as well, and eternity will replace all that we know with something far better. So now we get back to charity. Do we really understand Bible doctrine? Do we really understand reality? Do we struggle to get what we can out of life in order to keep it for ourselves? Or do we begin to understand that it is not our own efforts that provided these things we have, but Gods grace and His efforts that provided us with what we have. So as unbelievers, God provided for us a world and a life to live. As believers, even as negative believers, God provides through His policy of grace even if a little discipline is mixed in. So as mature believers, how much more will God provide? A lot more. Then where is the fear of loss? Where is the fear of giving away some of the things that we have? God never asks us to give away all we have, but only out of the excesses that He provided. We just have to be honest with ourselves and recognize that we all have excesses. That we have an opportunity to bring help to others in need, and that when we take advantage of that opportunity, we will not only help others but we will be building up credits in our 'rewards' account. God maintains this account for your benefit, and one day you'll cash it in. Quantity is not the issue in giving. Attitude is the issue. A giver of gifts, when done from the position of fellowship with God, is the same as burning incense which is a sweet savor, a fragrant aroma, that is well pleasing to God. This is a divine work which you do in accordance with Gods will. This is a bonafide application of Bible doctrine to your life. Understanding that whatever you have, you never really did for yourself anyway. You may think that you did all the work, but God placed you in this world at this time in history. God placed everyone else in this world at the same time as you. God knew who you would come in contact with. He knew what your environment would be. He made an education available for you. He made your social surroundings for you. He provided you with employment opportunities. Not to mention the air you have to breath or the gravity to keep you on the ground. And the list goes on almost forever with respect to what God has done, and what you and I have not done. Charity is a test. Will you meet that test understanding that whatever you give up, you are really not giving anything up, because God will replace it. Will your focus be on the things you have, your reluctance to share with others? Or will you finally get that light to come on inside your little head and realize that this is an opportunity not a burden. Memorize verse 19. God will supply all our needs, according to His riches (God has unlimited resources) in glory (highest honor, achievement, riches, beauty, perfection) in Christ Jesus (our savior, Lord, King, and God).
End Of Lesson Study to show thyself approved (mature) unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (studying/discerning), the Word of truth. 
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