Giving That Glorifies God

Giving That Glorifies God in Philippians 4:15–20

This is Philippians chapter 4 verses 15 through 20. Now we pick up in the close of Paul's letter so in the context. Really of a challenge for the Philippians to press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Jesus Christ.

So we can read this last chapter and it's in in that light even starting back in chapter 3 verse 20 Paul is giving this challenge to them to live their lives in such a way that they would attain an eternal reward in light of Christ's return and future glory.

He says press on and so in in chapter 3 verse 20. Read along with me. He says for this reason for our citizenship is in heaven. From which also we eagerly wait for a Savior the Lord Jesus Christ who will transform the body of Our humble state into conformity into the body of his glory.

By his working through which he is able to even subject all things to himself. He says therefore my brothers loved and longed for my joy and crown in this way. Stand firm in the Lord my beloved. I Urge you odia and I urge Syntyche to think the same way in the Lord.

Indeed I ask you also genuine companion help these women who have contended together Alongside of me in the gospel with also Clement and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the book of life.

Rejoice in the Lord always again. I will say rejoice. Let your considerate spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing. But in everything by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving.

Let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all. Comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally brothers Whatever is true. Whatever is dignified whatever is right?

Whatever is pure. Whatever is lovely. Whatever is commendable if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise. Consider these things the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me.

Practice these things and the God of peace will be with you. But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived thinking about me. Indeed you were thinking about me before but you'd lacked opportunity.

Not that I speak from want for I learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means and I also know how to live in abundance in Any and all things. I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry.

Both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well to fellowship with me in my affliction verse 15 and You yourselves also know Philippians that at the first preaching of the gospel After I left Macedonia no church fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone.

For even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek the fruit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance.

I have been filled having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent a fragrant aroma and acceptable sacrifice pleasing to God and My God will fulfill all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every Saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you all the Saints greet you and especially those of Caesars household.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. These verses before us this morning verses 15 through 20 are both practical from a human point of view and Divine from an eternal point of view.

It's really amazing if you think about it. In this short section Paul's describing the history between the Philippian congregation and himself. He's obviously extremely grateful for their support. Having just brought this up and discussed what a benefit their gift was for him in verses 10 through 14 Paul really just starts to qualify what it means and He brings up the history between the two of them between the two parties.

Paul in the church, of course. It's practical in that he mentions a paphroditus. He mentioned some of their history and how he had been in Macedonia and Thessalonica. He acknowledged their continued support, but there's a few things that just kind of like pop out of the text.

He says they were in fellowship together. He acknowledged they've been with him from the beginning and he's grateful for that. He's grateful for the support. Just think about it when you start something new in life whether it's some new start in education or continuing education or Starting a new job and you can think about the people that support you.

Whereas there's hardships along the way. There's difficulties in the journey. But when you look back Over your time in school or over a career there there were the Relationships that you've had that that got you through the difficult times or challenging times.

There's always a deep bond of affection for those people that supported you. You look back with love and affection and that's what Paul's doing here in this part of the letter. It's really astonishing how he concludes this section with an eternal perspective.

Letting the church know that what they've done has not only benefited him, but it meant a lot. But it was also counted for them on their account. It was a credit for them. It's a pleasing offering. It's a sacrifice.

It's an offering that Pleases God and it brings glory to God and even more amazing he's saying in response to their gift that God is going to supply all of their needs and This isn't prosperity gospel nonsense.

He says God's going to supply all of their needs according to the riches and glory in Christ Jesus. But there's an aspect of the physical and spiritual as the heavenly father supplies his children. The passage teaches us something that I think is really important for our own lives.

To acknowledge the people in our lives that have helped us along the way. That's the practical side the divine side is to acknowledge that those people and the physical supplies are all from God and The spiritual enablement and strength that got us through are all from God the special people in your life.

The special people in your life that you can think of when you reflect back on times of difficulty. Right, it may be the death of a loved one. It might be a strained marriage daily adversity fighting the temptation to sin.

Climbing the ladder of life and getting that degree getting that certification getting that job. Going from point A to point B and you look back and there was support along the way financial earthly necessities things you needed and didn't have and Exactly at the right time God Provided those things.

God provided the means and in God's common grace whether you're a believer or not He provided he provided. Ultimately for the believer God will supply all of our needs according to his riches and glory in Jesus Christ.

Our supply to the local church should be based on God's supply of grace in the gospel. Our giving should be done as an act of worship in response to God's gift of salvation. In Today's passage the Apostle Paul highlights three important aspects of giving so that you can support the church and gospel ministry and bring glory to God.

Faithful Fellowship in the Gospel Means Faithful Giving

Number one faithful fellowship in the gospel means faithful giving. Number two freely giving is a pleasing offering to God and number three Fulfilling his children's physical and spiritual needs brings glory to God.

Now up to this point in the letter Paul had discussed his circumstances in getting arrested. He spent the first part of the letter exhorting the Philippians to stand firm in their biblical convictions amid persecution.

Paul also gave them a strong admonishment to be united in humility by remembering and following Christ's example of humility. He encouraged them to be lights in a dark world. He gave an update on the circumstances of Timothy and Epaphroditus and more importantly commended the men as examples to follow.

In the theological meat of Paul's letter he warned the congregation against legalism and against lawlessness. In Chapter 4 verses 1 through 9 Paul closed his letter with a final exhortation to the Philippians to live in unity.

To be joyful in their circumstances and to continue in prayer in all things. In verses 10 through 20 Paul stated that he was thankful and grateful for the Philippians generosity in their support for the spiritual and physical needs of Paul in his gospel ministry.

As Paul highlights these areas of the generosity he gives us an extremely helpful window into the theological foundation for giving and their consequences in the provision from God and glory due to God.

Three important aspects of giving so that you can support the church and gospel ministry and Bring glory to God. Number one. Faithful fellowship in the gospel means faithful giving. Faithful fellowship in the gospel means faithful giving.

This is verses 15 and 16. Paul says and you yourselves also know Philippians that at the first preaching of the gospel after I left Macedonia. No church fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone.

Following Paul's mention of fellowshipping or sharing with him in affliction Paul now describes that fellowship. The idea of sharing or fellowshipping with him is more than just the physical Provision that was provided.

The fellowshipping Paul describes in verse 15 is the idea of joining in a partnership with someone. And this takes us back to the beginning of the letter and demonstrates Paul's loving attitude. Toward the believers there his brothers and sisters in Christ.

Go back to chapter 1. Read read with me chapter 1 verse 7. So his comments here take us back to the beginning Philippians 1 7. For it is only right for me to think this way about you all because I have you in my heart.

Since both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. You all are fellow partakers with me in this grace. The term translated fellow partakers is one word in the Greek. It is the noun form of the verb to fellowship from verse 14.

Chapter 4. So turn back to chapter 4. Look at verse 14. Nevertheless, you have done well to fellowship with me in my affliction. Sometimes translated sharing as in you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

The Philippians are sharers with Paul in his ministry and his affliction the persecution. Verse 15 makes Paul's thinking crystal clear. This is an emphatic use of the second person plural pronoun you the verb to know already has that in it.

The verb to know already has the second person plural pronoun included but Paul attaches the pronoun on top of it. You know you yourselves know Philippians see the emphatic use there, you know, you yourselves know.

This is significant because Paul is saying I don't need to call in other witnesses. No one else needs to come and tell me about this for you yourselves know that what I'm saying is true. They were present in the first preaching of the gospel in Philippi.

The historical account from the Acts of the Apostles is helpful for Paul's reference of the events. So he's talking about this first preaching of the gospel. Turn with me over to Acts chapter 16. So if you want to hear a little bit about the a good place to look in your Bible for the Church of Philippi.

And Paul's early missionary activities. Acts 16 is the place to go for the church in Philippi. So put one finger in in Philippians. We'll say we'll look at Acts 16 for just a second here. Acts 16 even starting in verse 11 It says so setting sail from Troas.

We ran a straight course to Samothrace and on the day following to Neapolis and from there to Philippi which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia a Roman colony and we were staying in this city for some days and on the Sabbath day We went outside the gate to a riverside where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer.

And sitting down we began speaking to the women who had assembled and a woman named Lydia from the city of Thyatira a Seller of purple fabrics a worshiper of God was listening whose heart the Lord opened.

To pay attention to the things spoken by Paul. And When she and her household had been baptized. She urged us saying if you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord come into my house and stay. And she prevailed upon.

Us.

The first Preaching of the gospel in Philippi, but then Paul says after he left no church supported him. Referring to the time he first left Philippi approximately ten years earlier again acts is helpful here.

So you're still in chapter 16 go down to verse 40 acts 16. Starting in verse 40 we pick back up and they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia. And when they saw the brothers they encouraged them and left.

Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica. Where there was a synagogue of the Jews and according to Paul's custom He went to them and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the scriptures explaining and setting before them that Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead and Saying this Jesus who I am proclaiming to you.

Is that Christ? Including Philippi. Paul also ministered to two other towns in Macedonia Berea and Thessalonica as mentioned in verse 16 of chapter 4. So look with me go back to chapter 4 of Philippians.

Paul continues chapter 4 verse 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs the gift was acknowledged and There was an extreme gratitude and this is an important acknowledgement and a practical example for us to follow as Christians.

Giving credit where credit is due. Sometimes in life we take things for granted. You know, I think if we're often honest we could probably even use the word often, you know. Often we do take things for granted.

We may often take things for granted. Or we may take for granted the people that God has placed in our lives That have supported us and helped us through difficult circumstances. Looking at Paul's example of acknowledging and giving credit where credit is due gives us a good example of how we can apply these verses.

Today when you get home from church think about who God has placed in your life that has helped you. Thank God first you give credit where credit is due but then sit down and call that person or those people.

Make a phone call let the person know that you are grateful to God for having them in your life. Right write a letter and for the younger kids. That's that's something where you write instead of an email you write something down on a piece of paper.

Right you would you would normally write down your thoughts on a piece of paper put it in an envelope and then put a stamp On it and mail it. Now it's called snail mail because the because emails. Instant make a phone call write a letter.

Send an email or do all of the above if possible always go in person. I Recommend reaching out personally and then sending something in writing as a follow-up let the person know that you are grateful to God for having them in your life and Do it today.

Don't don't wait do it today. This gratitude must be genuine because it starts with God. Think about the theological implication from verse 15. No church fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone.

The word translated matter conveys a computation or reckoning as in the settlement of an account literally of giving and receiving of debit and credit. One commentator noted here Paul used three business terms.

Matter of could be translated account giving and receiving refer to expenditures and receipts. Paul was a faithful steward of God's resources and kept careful records of what he received and spent. Only the Philippians sent Paul provisions to meet his needs.

That's helpful because it points out faithful stewardship in the gift. Also, it clarifies Paul's communication and gratitude but highlights the Philippians motive in giving. Faithful fellowship in the gospel means faithful giving.

Faithful sharing in the gospel means faithful giving in the local church to support the gospel ministry. It's a wonderful way to use the monetary provision that comes from God in a way that glorifies God.

The Christian should give as an act of worship to God in a practical way. To support the local ministry of the gospel in the setting of the local church. God then takes it to another level and how the local congregation supports missionaries in the universal church all for the glory of God.

This eternal viewpoint on giving can help us to think more biblically about finances about money. Money is only a means to an end. Money is not the end all. But in our humanity in the fall and living in a fallen world parting with money can be difficult.

What makes money so alluring and giving it away so stressful? Well, sometimes there's a comfort in money. It could be a source of strength and trust. Money can be a measure. If you will of our energy, I would say to some extent that money can often represent our day-to-day security.

Think about it. Giving away our money is like giving away our security. Giving away money Puts our work and futures at risk. That's one way to think about it. I would say that is the wrong way to think about it.

Our security does not come from the earthly provision of the money. Our lives are tailored and secured by the living and powerful God of creation. Trusting in God brings glory to God and we can sometimes have a wrong level of security in money.

Especially if we take the resources for granted or forget that not one penny in our bank account does not come from God. Every cent you've ever earned or accrued comes from God and belongs to God. But I think discernment also glorifies God and not being flippant in our giving and I mean discernment and thinking about who we're supporting.

Paul knew the Philippians and they knew Paul. There was a relationship and I'm not saying Not to give but I'm saying know who you're giving to. Not every charity deserves your attention. I Believe based on the passage before us and Paul's intimate relationship with the local congregation.

It is wise to scrutinize missionary appeals as well. Think about it like this determine that a gospel ministry or missionary project honors the Lord first. Pray and don't hold back. Give generously and joyfully to the local church to support those who labor in the gospel and qualify biblically sound missionaries through their affiliation with the local church or other known faithful churches that support missions like the Philippians you'll be establishing an eternal partnership that glorifies God because faithful fellowship in the gospel means Faithful giving and that is a significant aspect of giving so that you can support the church in gospel ministry and bring glory to God.

Faithful fellowship in the gospel means faithful giving. But our level of giving is always going to depend on how we see our possessions or the money that we have. Do they belong to us or do they belong to God?

I? Read a helpful illustration on giving. So this is an illustration on giving and this is one one idea or heart motive here. The story is that a little girl was given two dollars by her father. So this little kid little girl.

She's given two dollars by her father. He told her that she could do anything. She wanted with one dollar and the other Was to be given to God on Sunday at church. So the girl nodded in agreement and asked if she could go to the candy store because one dollars God's one dollars mine.

Let's go to the candy store. So with visions of all that she could buy with her dollar she happily skipped toward the store holding tightly to the two dollars in her hand and As she was skipping along she tripped and fell and the wind blew.

One of the dollars into a storm drain at the curb. Picking herself up the little girl looked at the dollar still in her hand and then down at the storm drain and said well Lord, there goes your dollar.

It's a funny illustration, but sadly many of us as Christians have that same attitude towards giving. First me then God first me then God. And Paul says it's all from God. It is all from God. God is the one who has given us everything we have and That is important in thinking about what we have and what we are going to do with what we have.

Freely Giving Is a Pleasing Offering to God

Three important aspects of giving number two. Freely giving is a pleasing offering to God. Freely giving is a pleasing offering to God. Verse 17. Not that I seek the gift itself Paul says but I seek the fruit which increases to your account.

Paul makes it clear in verse 17 that he is not in ministry to receive the gift and this Demonstrates Paul's heart motive. His motive is not gain. Not just with the Philippians but in ministry to any church.

He's not in it for the gain. He wrote about this earlier in his ministry career in his correspondence to the church in Corinth. He said something similar in 1st Corinthians 9 11 when he wrote if we sowed spiritual things in you.

Is it too much to if we reap material things from you? The fruit which increases to the account of the Philippians is their spiritual growth. That is Paul's motive. Paul started the letter saying as much so just go back to the beginning of the letter in chapter 1.

Put one finger in chapter 4. Yeah, look at chapter 1 starting in verse 21. He says for to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me and I do not know what I will choose.

But I am hard-pressed between the two. Having the desire to depart and be with Christ for that is very much better yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake and Convinced of this I know that I will remain and continue with you all for your progress in joy in the faith.

So that your reason for boasting may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my coming to you again the whole point of Paul's life at this point is Glorifying God in Christ through the spiritual growth of the churches that he planted the gift is a consequence He is extremely grateful for but not the reason for the ministry or the work.

The reason is his earnest desire for their spiritual progress and joy in the gospel. So let's go back to chapter 4. The word Paul uses in chapter 4 verse 17. Translated seek is also the Greek word for wish.

Wish to be seriously interested or have a strong desire for to wish to wish for something. He's making it very clear that he has no interest nor desire for the good gift They have provided. He says I'm here for you.

The fruit is more than the product or outcome of their faith. It is the gain or profit that is increasing more and more as to be in abundance to their account. This is a positive credit on their spiritual account.

This is the storing up of treasure in heaven that Christ preached about in his Sermon on the Mount. The physical gifts the Philippians gave to Paul were Accumulating spiritual earnings in their eternal account in heaven.

One of the Puritan commentators paraphrased the verse like this. It is not that I seek after the gift, but I do seek after the fruit that aboundeth to your account. Paul here says what I do seek is your spiritual good in the abounding of fruits of your faith.

Which shall be put down on your account against the day of reward. And this is a reference to Hebrews 6 10. For God is not unrighteous. So as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward his name in having ministered and continuing to minister to the Saints.

Now in verse 18 Paul says their gift was a pleasing sacrifice to God. When we give to those serving in ministry, it not only benefits the receiver. But it benefits us as well and this applies to all areas in giving to those in need.

We see this from the Acts of the Apostles when Paul gave his emotional farewell to the elders at the church in Ephesus Paul said I have coveted no one's silver or gold or clothes. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to those who were with me and Everything I showed you that my laboring in this manner.

You must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that he himself said it is more blessed to give than to receive. That's Acts chapter 20. Paul was grateful for the gift and he was joyous that the Philippians were storing up treasure for themselves.

It was not the Philippians gift, but their spirit of love and devotion that Paul appreciated most and He wanted them to know that their giving was an act of worship to God. Look at what he says in verse 18, but I have received everything in full and have an abundance.

I have been filled having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent a fragrant aroma an acceptable sacrifice pleasing to God. Paul says he received in full the complete totality of what is due. He is satisfied and lacking nothing.

Abundance denotes the amount of something but also the plentifulness of the good things sent. The literal translation here is I have received from Epaphroditus the things from you. This verse goes back to the purpose of the letter the Philippian congregation Supported Paul.

They sent Paul a gift and fellow believer Epaphroditus to minister to Paul when hearing of his imprisonment he wrote to express his thanks for the Philippians gift and to inform the Philippians why he sent back a Epaphroditus due to illness.

So now Paul wants to explain the theological implications of their giving. He uses very specific language of the gift that it is pleasing to God. This is an act of worship. This is a pleasing sacrifice to God.

Now there is a biblical principle that it is right for the church to support those in ministry. About three years after writing the letter to the Philippians Which was about 62 Paul wrote to the young pastor and his dear friend Timothy in 65 AD.

This is the first letter. It was before Paul was killed. He told Timothy this he said the elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor. Especially those who labor at preaching the word and teaching for the scripture says You shall not muzzle the ox while it is threshing and the laborer is worthy of his wages.

That's first Timothy 5. Donald Guthrie of the London Bible College noted this on Paul's teaching in first Timothy Guthrie said the double honor is somewhat perplexing. It would seem that some kind of payment is in mind and the double could stand for generous provision on the other hand.

The use of the word honor may suggest that more than payment is in mind and that respect as well as salary is included. But the quotations one from Deuteronomy 25 and the other paralleled in Luke 10 are Intended to support the idea of reward for work done a principle Which has not always been followed in the history of the Christian Church.

This linking of an Old Testament quotation with a saying of Jesus is Significant since it reflects the high regard in which the teaching of Jesus was held. Yet Paul recognizes that more than financial support is needed.

An Adequate moral standard must also be maintained. This is an important biblical principle that it is right for the church to support those in ministry but there is a great theological implication here having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent a Fragrant aroma an acceptable sacrifice pleasing to God.

Paul is highlighting that their act of giving is an act of worship in his language of a soothing aroma. Paul is indirectly referencing the Old Testament Genesis 8 then Noah built an altar to Yahweh and took every clean animal and every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar and Yahweh smelled the soothing aroma.

How about Exodus 29? You shall offer up and smoke the whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to Yahweh. It is a soothing aroma and offering by fire to Yahweh. Leviticus chapter 1 its entrails however its legs he shall wash with water and the priest shall offer up and smoke all of it on the altar for a burnt offering and Offering by fire of a soothing aroma to Yahweh.

So Paul's point is that in the Old Testament? It was a sacrifice that was offered with a correct heart attitude that was pleasing to God and he says that applies here to the Philippians giving and The Old Testament reference is extremely helpful.

But on the other side of the cross, this is even more profound. Let's think for a moment about the letter of Paul to the Ephesians. As he concludes or in the middle of the letter Ephesians 5. Therefore be imitators of God as beloved children and walk in love just as Christ also loved us and gave himself up for us and Offering and sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

He's using very specific language and he's that's what he's saying. This applies to you. Your giving is a is a soothing aroma a fragrant offering our life as Christians is to model the life of Christ and one way we can live our lives as an act of worship is the act of giving as Christ freely gave himself for sinners.

We can now respond by freely giving to the ministry of the gospel as an act of worship. Our giving is a response to the gospel and Paul is making this claim on the theological Foundation that freely giving is a pleasing offering to God.

Giving so that you can support the church the gospel ministry and bring glory to God. When I think of freely giving I can't help but think about the widow with the two coins. The widow with just two coins.

These verses and Philippians made me remember the account from the gospel of Mark. It's in Mark chapter 12 it says. And he sat down opposite the Treasury and he began observing how the crowd was putting money into the Treasury and Many rich people were putting in large sums and a poor widow came and put in two lepta which amount to a quadrants and Calling his disciples to him.

He said to them Truly I say to you this poor widow put in more than all those putting money into the Treasury. For they all put in out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty put in all she owned all she had to live on.

There is an aspect that giving to the Lord should cost us something We see this biblical principle in the Old Testament from from King David first Chronicles 21. However, King David said to Ornan.

No.

But I will surely buy it for the full price for I will not lift up what is yours to Yahweh or offer a burnt Offering which costs me nothing. I would say the widow understood that Old Testament principle.

But I would also argue that her giving was an expression of faith. It was an act of worship. It was an expression of faith and it brought glory to God. Do you think she thought for even one second that God was not going to provide for all her needs?

Of course she did she just gave the Lord everything she owned. He says everything she had to live on. It was an act of worship. It was an expression of faith. She had faith and trusted God to provide because of her faith she could give freely and Jesus pointed out that her offering although it was two leptos two coins was counted more than the wealthy who gave it no cost.

Fulfilling His Children's Physical and Spiritual Needs Brings Glory to God

Freely giving is a pleasing offering to God. Three important aspects of giving number three. Fulfilling his children's physical and spiritual needs brings glory to God. Fulfilling his children's physical and spiritual needs brings glory to God.

Verses 19 and 20 in Verse 19 Paul continues. He says and my God will fulfill all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Notice the first person singular pronoun. My he says my. Paul's relationship with God is both personal and intimate.

Paul is recognizing that he is God's possession. Paul is his slave his servant. He mentions God as his my God. The significance is that Paul is saying it is not in his means to repay. But it is God who will reward their endowment to him.

Their recompense for their gift to Paul will come from God because Paul is the Lord's slave. The question we can ask of this verse is what is Paul referring to when he says my God will fulfill all your needs.

Is it spiritual needs physical needs or both? Well, the Greek word Paul uses here for needs means that which is lacking or needed hence need. This is a lack a want a difficulty. This is specific of livelihood.

So it clearly refers to more than the spiritual. The lexical meaning of the word conveys a physical aspect. Paul used a very similar wording in his second letter to the church in Corinth when he wrote this and God is able to make all grace abound to you so that always having all Sufficiency in everything you may have an abundance for every good deed.

That's 2nd Corinthians 9. This kind of wording is comprehensive and it seems to be inclusive of more than spiritual things. Another clue is Paul's use of the adjective all pertaining to the totality of Everything together.

It's a focus of the individual components in the big picture each need every need any need. But what about the spiritual aspect? Well, how does Paul say God will make them full? To fill up the Philippians or make them full of things God will do it according to the riches in the glory in Jesus.

Riches can mean an abundance of many earthly goods but Paul is using the word here is a plentiful supply of something a plentiful supply of something and that is the glory in Christ a supply from Jesus as in humans involved in transcendent circumstances Paul is literally saying every need of yours will be supplied by God the riches in Christ.

One commentator noted this. According to his riches the measure of his supply to you will be the immeasurable riches of his grace thinking of Ephesians 1 7 in him. We have redemption through his blood the forgiveness of our transgressions according to the riches of his grace.

Glory is the element in which his grace operates and it will be the element in Which he will supply fully all your need by virtue of your being in not by in Christ Jesus the giver and mediator of all spiritual blessings.

So this cannot be just physical but there is a physical element. So that means that this verse communicates a physical and spiritual blessing. The spiritual blessing is salvation and repentance as a result of the gospel at Hearing the gospel this gift from God the spiritual blessing.

Paul explained it like this in his letter to the Romans. Or do you think lightly of the riches of his kindness and tolerance and patience? Not knowing that the kindness of God's leads you to repentance.

God's kindness the riches in God's kindness leads us to repentance. The physical provision means nothing without the spiritual provision in Christ. Paul is giving God the glory for the riches we possess in Christ.

Look at how he finishes in verse 20. Now to our God and father be the glory. Now to our God and father be the glory forever and ever. Let it be. So amen God gets the glory because he supplies the riches in glory in Christ Jesus Who gave himself for our sins so that he might rescue us from this present evil age.