Morning Moments

Philippians Devotional Outline (cont)

IV. A New Strength - The Strength of Christ 4:1-20
A. Keeps us from Weakening 4:1-5
B. Keeps us from Worrying 4:6-9
C. Keeps us from Wearying 4:10-14
D. Keeps us from Wordering 4:15-18
E. Keeps us from Wanting 4:19-20

Our tendency is to worry, weaken, wonder and sometimes wander when we are weary and wanting or lacking. That is why we are admonished not to grow weary in well doing and to cast all our worries upon Him, etc. This text gives us some pretty amazing insights into why we need to draw our strength from Jesus and learn that "when we are weak, the are we strong" because we are not finding this strength in and of ourselves.

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

As I look at this verse in the context of His strength through me, I discover:

1. A Personal Relationship - "My God"

He is "my" God, just as my biological dad was "my" father. He has given me spiritual birth through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ which has made me a son of God. Hence He is "My" Father and "My" God. This is where the LIFE began, the PEACE began, the GOAL began, and it is where the STRENGTH began.

I realize that because of a lack of healthy human parental relationships some have a problem with trusting God as Father, but He can be trusted COMPLETELY. He is all-wise, all-powerful, all-knowing, always present, so He won't leave you, fail you, forget you, or forsake you in any way whatsoever. It is important to realize that any thought of Him doing any of those things comes from our enemy, the devil, whom we must resist steadfastly in the faith.

2. A Pledged Responsibility - "shall supply"

This is the expression of a determination of a pledged responsibility. It is not an "ify" proposition. I am a branch connected to the vine which is planted securely and draws all the nutrients it needs from a supply that never will "run dry" or cease. It is a limitless and enduring supply. All that you and I know physically and materially has limits, dries up, gives out, but the truth for us is beyond us and He who has promised, WILL DO IT! He shall supply.

3. A Provided Recovey - "all your need"

What is the most important "need" in your life and mine? Is it not the need for THE LIFE and THE PEACE and THE PURPOSE for which we were designed? We are not mere bodies which can think and feel and decide. Within each of us is a "compartment", a "place", an inner sanctum if you will that is empty without God for it was made for Him and man is empty without Him. When He comes to reside there by the Holy Spirit, through personal faith in and submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, we can then begin to fulfill the purpose for which we exist, which is, in Spurgeon's words, "to know God and enjoy Him forever."

Once that need is met, He meets the others as we "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." We may argue about "need" or "needs", but God has promised to meet ALL.

4. A Plentiful Reserve - "according to...riches"

If Paul had used "out of" rather than "according to" someone might have wondered about the reserve. I may give to someone or some project out of or according to my riches, but one thing is for sure - there is a limit! Needs are measurable and supplies are measurable when it comes to man's ability to meet them, but with God there is no limit to His glorious riches, which are far more than material.

We are mortal, but more! We are mortal beings with a built in capacity for God and until that hole is plugged, no amount of material wealth or health, companionship or community can fix us. We are as toys with the battery missing, all our parts may work, but we don't function as we were designed to function because that which enables us to function as we were designed to function is not in us.

The supply for the true believer is "according to" which shall never cease.

5. A Perfect Relief - "by Christ Jesus"

What if the verse said, "by one another" or "by other Christians" or "according to the preacher, psychologist, therapist, etc"? We know that as reliable and knowledgable and experienced and educated and wise and wealthy humans may be, they cannot bring the "perfect and permanent relief". It only comes "by Christ Jesus". He is the source and supply!

When I was young and without Christ I tried all sorts of things to fill the emptiness deep inside me. I thought maybe I needed someone who loved me or something to "make" me happy, but in truth, I just needed Jesus and all He had to bring to me. He is all you need if He is all you desire. When He is all you desire you will find He is all you need. Until then we fill the emptiness of our lives with "stuff" that doesn't last or satisfy.

4:20. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

6. A Praise Released - "unto God be glory"

It's no wonder praise is released from the heart of the true believer who is drawing from God all he/she needs. As I discover daily, "every need he is suppling" and that "no good thing shall He withhold from them who walk uprightly" and that "Christ IN me is the hope of Glory", then and only then does my life move from "prison to praise". It is His Life, His Peace, His Goal, and His Strength, so what more do we need?

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - I SHALL NOT WANT!

BLESSINGS!