OUR DEVOTIONAL
We know this verse. We love this verse. Many of us have memorized this verse. We encourage others, even ourselves, with this verse! And of course, we believe this verse…right?

Let’s look at what comes before and after today’s verse. Read Philippians 4 to get the context. Verse 19 is Paul’s declaration that God would supply the needs of the Philippian believers. How was he so confident of this? Paul understood that God meets the needs of others through giving. And he believed, that in God’s economy, both giver and receiver are blessed!

Additional Scriptures: Ephesians 4, Romans 12, Acts 2:40-46

In Philippians 4:10-18, we learn the Philippian believers desired to give to Paul in support of his ministry as they had before, but this time their giving was delayed from reaching him. Finally, their gifts were delivered (v. 18), and in response, Paul declared his confidence that God would meet their needs (v. 19). Certainly, these believers who gave sacrificially would not now suffer because they gave? Of course not! Paul knew the Lord, and he knew the provision of the Lord. There was no doubt in his mind. Even when Paul experienced physical lack for a time, God still met his needs according to His riches in glory.

Still, I know for myself, I sometimes hesitate to give, whether it’s my time, my skills, or my finances, because I’m not quite sure I’ll have enough if I do. That hesitation, even if just a moment, reveals a lack of trust in God to provide. Have you ever done that? It’s in these moments I recall the verse, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24). After all, God says He will give! He gave us Jesus and He keeps on giving! This is our God. He will meet our needs, and not because we give, but because He is our Father. If Jesus is your Savior, you are a son/daughter of the Most High God, and He will take care of His children. See Matthew 6.

May we have the confidence of Paul to declare to one another: And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. This is Kingdom living. This is the Church. This is Loving God. Loving People. Together. “Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever” (Phil 4:20).

FAMILY MOMENT
Read and discuss Philippians 4:1-20. What do you suppose the Philippian believers gave to Paul? Were they generous gifts? Were they sacrificial gifts? For an example read Luke 21:1-4. Remember what Jesus said about the widow who gave everything she had? That was a sacrificial gift. Remember what Jesus said about those who gave ahead of her? Those gifts may have been generous, but they weren’t sacrificial. The action of giving reflected the heart and attitude of the giver.

Discuss the difference between a generous gift and a sacrificial gift. Here’s a clue: one will be more challenging. Ask each family member to come up with one generous gift and one sacrificial gift they can give, and who they will give them to. It can be time, or talent or treasure. Help each another come up with ideas. Then do it. Get together later and share what happened

PRAYER & REFLECTION

1. Is my giving generous or sacrificial, or is it neither? Do I know the difference? What is the difference? Good topic for study!
2. Do I believe that God will supply all that I need when I give? If I don’t give? Then ask the Lord to show you and grow you in one or more of these areas of giving: time, talent, treasure.