From Sacrifice To Supply!

Our sacrifices for Christ’s sake make us eligible for God’s supply. Not everyone can claim Philippians 4:19 as a promise from God. Read carefully, what Paul actually wrote and what God truly promised.

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20, Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (Phil. 4:18-20)

We all make sacrifices at times to advance the Lord’s work in some way or another. This is a spiritually healthy exercise for us, the recipients, the Lord’s church, the missionaries, and the overall cause of Christ. Note, that our sacrifices are a “sweet smell,” “acceptable,” and “wellpleasing” to our Lord. It helps us to give more freely of ourselves when we ascribe value to the fact that God is absolutely enthused with our sacrifices. We communicate real love to Him by sharing ourselves with Him.

In fact, He calls upon us to sustain the lifestyle of a “living sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1-2). Sometimes a sacrifice is defined by ignoring our own desires, wants, and necessities to address a pressing and substantial need in God’s work. Nevertheless, still give yourself to Him and for Him generously. In doing so, we are acknowledging in practical ways that we are already His (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

His promise to such givers is that He will supply every single need we have. When our giving according to God’s leadership leaves us with a deficit, God graciously obligates Himself to supply and alleviate that deficit. As a result, we experience God’s supernatural provisions for those essentials. This is not a special way to get rich or something extra from God! He supplies our need, and not our greed! However, the promise is assurance that as we give to participate in His plans, He will resource us according to the necessities we sustain.