DAY 18 – How God Supplies Your Need | Firm Foundation Devotional
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 14 Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 18 Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 Chronicles 29:14, But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!
“God’s economy” is based on receiving, giving, and receiving.
The Apostle Paul explained the principles of how God supplies our needs. First, he made it clear that his strength and ability were in Christ, not within himself. Paul was supported by the churches he served, but did not view the churches as his source. They were a resource, along with his business of making tents. It is important to understand how God helps us live and get things done.
Resource: A supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively.
Source: A point of origin or procurement; any thing or place from which something comes, arises, or is obtained.
1. WE RECEIVE everything from God, including seed to sow. We don't create anything. We receive everything. "What do you have that you did not receive?" (1 Corinthians 4:7)
2. WE GIVE ourselves to God’s purposes, including giving monetary seed designed for sowing. Money is not just for spending and saving. It is also design by God for giving. Think about this: Seed can be eaten. However, seed is not a very good meal. If seed is not planted, it is wasted and someone else becomes responsible for doing what we should have done. This is especially true in areas such as support of God's church and important work such as missions. We should not only look to others to resource God's work...we should also participate.
3. WE RECEIVE increase for God’s kingdom and we also increase.
We live a world where the predominant view is “Get all you can, can all you get, and sit on the can” or “My name is Jimmy, I’ll take all you can gimme.” Feelings of need and greed drive this worldview.
“God’s economy” is based on receiving, giving, and receiving.
The Apostle Paul explained the principles of how God supplies our needs. First, he made it clear that his strength and ability were in Christ, not within himself. Paul was supported by the churches he served, but did not view the churches as his source. They were a resource, along with his business of making tents. It is important to understand how God helps us live and get things done.
Resource: A supply of money, materials, staff, and other assets that can be drawn on by a person or organization in order to function effectively.
Source: A point of origin or procurement; any thing or place from which something comes, arises, or is obtained.
1. WE RECEIVE everything from God, including seed to sow. We don't create anything. We receive everything. "What do you have that you did not receive?" (1 Corinthians 4:7)
2. WE GIVE ourselves to God’s purposes, including giving monetary seed designed for sowing. Money is not just for spending and saving. It is also design by God for giving. Think about this: Seed can be eaten. However, seed is not a very good meal. If seed is not planted, it is wasted and someone else becomes responsible for doing what we should have done. This is especially true in areas such as support of God's church and important work such as missions. We should not only look to others to resource God's work...we should also participate.
3. WE RECEIVE increase for God’s kingdom and we also increase.
We live a world where the predominant view is “Get all you can, can all you get, and sit on the can” or “My name is Jimmy, I’ll take all you can gimme.” Feelings of need and greed drive this worldview.
This can be called a "consumption mentality." We have a supply mentality––we live to give!
Reflection Question: It what ways are you a resource to God's church and His work?
My Action Item(s) Based on Understanding:
Reflection Question: It what ways are you a resource to God's church and His work?
My Action Item(s) Based on Understanding:
_______________________
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