“And my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
“according to his riches in glory”
God would supply their need according to the standard of His own wealth. The words “according to” mean according to the norm or standard. The standard is the limitless wealth of God in eternity. God gives out of the capital of His grace in eternity.
God would supply their need not “out of” His riches but “according to” His riches. God will supply riches in ratio to His personal wealth. If I have two million dollars and you asked me for two hundred dollars, and I gave you the two hundred, I would give out of my two million, not according to my two million. I would not give in ratio to my two million.
God does not operate on human standards. We cannot bribe God. Some people want fame, wealth, or a beautiful girl. They feel that if they give, God will give them what they want. They treat God like a genie. God, however, does not operate on a barter system. The Philippians did not approach God like that. They gave out of love for the Lord and Paul.
God guarantees to supply all needs of those who faithfully give to the cause of Christ. God will dispense (“supply”) riches in abundance.
Note the contrasts in this passage: “You met Paul’s need; I will bless you according to My riches. You supplied one of My needs; I will supply all of your needs. You supply out of poverty; I will dispense out of My riches in glory. You supplied by the hand of Epaphroditus; I will supply by Christ.”
“by Christ Jesus”
God administers His supply to the giver through Jesus Christ.
Principle:
What God gives corresponds with His capacity.
Application:
God meets the believer’s financial status, not “out of” His wealth, but “according to” His wealth.
Do you believe that God’s reimbursement to you will be commensurate with His eternal riches? Do you believe that God will reward you according to that which befits His wealth? This passage is a promise that God will reimburse you on a scale worthy of His wealth.
I am totally shutting down. I use to understand the Word of God but of late I hear televangelist say God is not in control, bummer! But they turn around and say "He owns the cattle on a thousand hills". (Just that verse there suggest He is in control).
I hear, don't get in debt, yet they encourage you to call and pledge it on the Credit Card; another bummer!
And on giving, everybody has something to give because God provides for the just and the unjust. (Of course I may be out of context) I do love correction, that is how I grow in God's word.
In the Old Testament, God even instructed the "poor" to give as a sacrifice which was an insigificant bird but I discovered it is not what you put in the plate but the attitude of the heart that will get blessed – just ask Esau.
I am going through a medical issue with my husband (not looking good either) and I never went through this. The financial aspect of it is overwhelming in itself. At times, I am totally overwhelmed and others I have to recall what God did in the past: GOD was faithful then through His promises and He will be the same TODAY as He was YESTERDAY, faithful to His promises – He will provide every need.
Even when I am not faithful to God, He is faithful He knows that I am human and a very slow learner.
Norma, there are some good Bible teachers on TV but my counsel is not to get your Bible teaching from televangelists especially. They are normally wrong, use horrible interpretation methods (hermeneutics), are self-serving among other things. For example, to say that God is not sovereign is contrary to all evangelical Bible teaching.
It is true that the Old Testament encourages the poor to give but they are to give proportionally to their income.
If you want a more thorough understanding of biblical giving go to my study on this subject: http://versebyversecommentary.com/articles/biblical-giving/
Great introduction to “God wants intimacy with us”. Your article states, “’The fundamental motivating fact in giving is love for God. Obviously, giving from pressure is not giving out of love. That is why giving cannot be by “commandment.” It is not a matter of obedience but of relationship with God. Free will is vital to a relationship. A person cannot be forced into love. Thus, also, a person cannot be forced to give.’”
It would be nice to have great health and loads of wealth. But when you stay in church for 10, 20, etc. years you will see the faithful go through bad health and reversed wealth. God should intervene but he doesn’t. When you find that you love God more today in spite of the reversals of health and wealth, then your praises and service has not been in vain and you truly are reaching what God so desires of us, intimacy.
I like that article so much and I will be reading other articles from you as well.