Jesus Defeats the Devil: The Battle of the Flesh

 

 MATTHEW 4:1-4

THEME: Jesus indisputably triumphs over Satan to show us how to live for spiritual priorities instead of succumbing to the temptations to live for physical satisfactions first and foremost.

RELEVANCE: Jesus is tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth, or under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the great Conqueror. This temptation is necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. The devil will encourage us to adopt a value system that places an unhealthy emphasis on physical and material needs, but Jesus un-mistakenly points out our real priorities. In addition, He exposes Satan and his schemes, while crushing him most convincingly. Because of His victory, we can win against the tempter. 

INTRODUCTION:

From the high and holy experience of blessing at the Jordan, Jesus is led into the wilderness for testing. Yes, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. Jesus was not tested so that the Father could learn anything about His Son, for the Father had already given Jesus His divine approval.

Just as the first Adam met Satan, so the Last Adam met the enemy (1 Cor. 15:45). Adam met Satan in a beautiful Garden, but Jesus met him in a terrible wilderness. Adam had everything he needed, but Jesus was hungry after forty days of fasting. Adam lost the battle and plunged humanity into sin and death. But Jesus won the battle and went on to defeat Satan in more battles, culminating in His final victory on the cross (John 12:31; Col. 2:15).^[1]

Truly the Lord Jesus is a victor, winner, and champion!

John 12:31, Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Col. 2:15, And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 

LESSON:

Jesus Defeats The Devil (Matt. 4:1-4):

Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan.

It may seem strange that Jesus should be “led up of the Spirit” into temptation (vs. 4:1). Why should the Holy Spirit lead Him into such an encounter? The answer is that this temptation was necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. The first Adam proved his unfitness for dominion when he met the adversary in the Garden of Eden. Here the last Adam meets the devil in a head-on confrontation and emerges unscathed.^[2]

The word “tempted” has two meanings: (1) to test, try, prove, or to make proof of (John 6:6; 2 Cor. 13:5; Heb. 11:17); and (2) to solicit to evil—to entice to do wrong. The Holy Spirit along with the Father sought occasion to test, prove or demonstrate the high and unique quality of Christ’s nature and character. But, the “devil” sought to lure Him to do evil. God Himself is never personally responsible for temptations to practice sin (James 1:13), but here—as in the book of Job—God uses even satanic temptations to serve His sovereign purposes. The Scriptures record how Christ was tempted in all points but He remains free of sin (Heb. 4:15; 1 John 2:16). As typical of him, Satan appeals to our Lord with his favorite tricks, “the lust of the flesh” (vv. 2, 3); “the lust of the eyes” (vv. 8, 9); and “the pride of life” (vv. 5, 6).

The Attacks of the Adversary (Matt. 4:2-11)

After fasting forty days and forty nights, Jesus was hungry—famished from a necessary privation. The number forty in Scripture is frequently indicative of situations of testing or probation. This natural appetite of hunger, like so many others, provides the tempter with an advantage, which in many people he can exploit and manipulate. The Devil often perverts what God intended for good and uses it for evil. It is vital we understand this experience was absolutely necessary according to the Holy Spirit’s direction—a time of testing, endurance, and obedience until the tests are complete.  

Hebrews 5:8, Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

THE FIRST ATTACK—THE TEMPTATION TO LIVE FOR PERSONAL NEEDS AND TO PROVIDE FOR YOURSELF INDEPENDENTLY OF GOD (Matt. 4:2-4) 

The Temptation of the Flesh (Matt. 4:2-3):

Satan challenges Jesus to change the stones into loaves of bread!

Matthew 4:2-4, And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 

Satan suggests that Jesus use his miraculous power to convert the stones of the desert into loaves of bread. The words, “If Thou be the Son of God,” does not mean that Satan doubted who Jesus was. No, Satan knew full well and exactly who he was dealing with. Satan was actually saying, “Since You are the Son of God.” The devil is alluding to the words of the Father to Jesus at the baptism, “This is My beloved Son.” The devil accepted the statement as true and, called on Jesus to exercise His power to satisfy His hunger. You know, sometimes the idea of wanting a miracle comes from the Devil and not our Lord. Miraculous solutions are great to witness and sometimes escape from difficulty or suffering is the Father’s will. But, not always! Please note the following observations. 

To fulfill a natural appetite by using divine power in response to Satan’s encouragements is a direct act of disobedience to God. As Christians we do not take marching orders from the Devil! This is the same appeal Satan enticed Eve with in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:6 (“good for food”). John classifies this temptation as “the lust of the flesh” (1 Jn. 2:16). Our corresponding temptation is to live for the gratification of natural desires, to choose a pathway of comfort instead of seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The devil says, “You have to live, don’t you?” Instead of trusting God for all our needs, we sometimes reserve the right to control matters that relate to our legitimate needs. We must resist the desire to be controlling and self-sufficient. It is always right to depend on God, His way and timing.

Temptations to live to satisfy personal needs and desires presents a challenge to our love for God, involves doubts and questions relative to the love of God and proposes a path that rivals the will of God. “Since You are God’s beloved Son, why doesn’t Your Father feed You?” Why does He put You into this terrible wilderness?” This temptation sounded like Satan’s words to Eve in Genesis 3! It is a subtle suggestion that our Father does not love us. In affect Satan says, “If God loved his children then why does he allow them to suffer?” “Why doesn’t your Father shield you from all painful experiences?” If Satan can provoke us to doubt God’s love and care for us then we will find it difficult to trust Him with our needs and the timing for His provisions in our lives. We will pursue our own will and methods to secure whatever we feel we need in whatever ways that produce the desired results. Such independent behavior does not honor the Lord.

Still there is another suggestion from the Devil: “Use your divine powers to meet your own needs.” When we put our physical needs ahead of our spiritual needs, we sin. All needs do not have the same priority or gravity. Spiritual concerns are far more important than our physical concerns. Both of these areas matter to the Lord, but spiritual needs are clearly weightier in God’s economy. We cannot allow the Devil to dictate our values system. When we allow circumstances to dictate our actions, instead of following God’s will, we sin. Too many of us look no further than to the situation, circumstances, or natural conditions to make decisions, but life is to be sanctified unto the purpose and glory of God. Jesus could have turned the stones into bread, but He would have been exercising His powers independently of the Father; and He came to obey the Father (John 5:30; 6:38). When we use our abilities, talents, strengths and skills in a manner that does not acknowledge God’s will, we sin. My sweet mother use to emphasize how we must use our powers wisely—just because you can do something does not mean that you should. Too many of us justify greed, excess, avarice, gluttony, extravagance, and luxurious living because we deem these lavish extras as needs. 

The Triumph Over the Desires of the Body (Matt. 4:4):

People have greater needs than their physical life; we must feed on every word of God to satisfy the spiritual life needs as a first priority. When this is the case, we will have the spiritual understanding to make sound decisions concerning our needs. Jesus’ answer directs us to trust God to provide for our needs…He can speak and our supply will be available to us. Now note what Jesus did in response to the Devil to defeat him concerning this temptation in the area of the flesh. 

The Lord Quotes Deuteronomy 8:3, to Defeat Satan’s First Temptation.

All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. 2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. 3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. 4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. 5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.

When Israel was in a desert place and could not provide for their most basic needs, it was God who merely spoke and their needs were supplied. God gave them manna in the wilderness wanderings. Depending on God first and foremost for our physical needs must become our priority as well. Food is a need, companionship is a need, for some marriage is a need, a means of employment is a need, shelter is a need, and on the list goes. We must look to God to supply our physical and relational needs; we must not resort to compromise, shacking up, sleazy hock-ups, and lying on government applications to secure a social benefit.

We can follow God’s leadership and guidance obediently because we are confident of His love and care…we do not doubt that He will provide for our needs in His way and timing. We are less tempted to resort to lying, cheating, stealing, manipulating, or even working excessively to supply our needs independently of God. Remember, we can survive and be satisfied by the bread which God supplies, but bread acquired independently of God will leave you still wanting and longing for something more.

Jesus Answered The Temptation By Quoting Audibly The Word Of God to the Devil (Matt. 4:4). Matthew 4:4, But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

It is written (γέγραπται). The perfect tense. “It has been written, and stands written.” The first recorded words of Jesus after his entrance upon his ministry are an assertion of the authority of scripture, and that though he had the fulness of the Spirit. When addressing man, our Lord seldom quoted scripture, but said, I say unto you. In answer to Satan he says, It is written.^[3]

The Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17) is the Word of God and here Jesus shows us how to weld this most powerful sword in spiritual combat! Yes, it is an offensive weapon when used properly by God’s people. Give the devil the pure undiluted Word of God; our arguments are not wise or cleaver enough to win the day. Use God’s Book; quote it to the wicked one. The imagery of a sword relative to the Bible, the Word of God, is a primary idea the Bible repeatedly highlights (Heb. 4:12; Rev. 1:16; 2:16; 19:15). It denotes examination, judgment, and warfare!

Jesus’ example instructs us to speak God’s Word with insight and practical application to everyday situations, temptations, and challenges. Yes, even at times directly to the Devil also to remind him where our loyalties lie. The disciples of our Lord followed this example of addressing devils directly with a keen and practical understanding of the Scriptures and to cast them out (Matt. 17:14-21). However this ability was not to be taken presumptuously, it was only honored when genuine faith filled disciples of our Lord were on His mission and executing His will (Acts 19:11-18).  

In addition, always maintain uppermost in your mind the very character of the Word of God. It is faithful (2Tim. 2:11), confirmed (Heb. 2:3; 2Pet. 1:19) and it endureth forever (1Pet. 1:24-25). You are always correct to trust God’s prescriptions for everything that ails this life or afflicts our experience!

Our Lord’s example teaches that we don’t have to live without physical hungers, but we do have to live to obey God! Getting bread or being filled with bread is not the most important thing in life. While full obedience to every word of God is truly paramount. We should hunger for righteousness and thirst for obedience far more than mere material provisions! Sometimes it is the will of the Father for us to be hungry or to go without whatever to train us to trust Him to supply our needs. God revealed Himself throughout the Scriptures as the Lord God Almighty who meets and satisfies our deepest needs and desires. He has not changed! W. MacDonald says, “Since Jesus had received no instructions from the Father to turn stones into bread, He would not act on His own and thus obey Satan, no matter how intense His hunger.”

CONCLUSION:

The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil, and our Lord indisputably triumphs over Satan’s temptation to live for physical satisfaction as our first priority. Jesus was tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth, or under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the Conqueror. Are you convinced of this truth? Have your convictions about the Lord Jesus being a winner deepened and advanced? 

You may recall also that this temptation was necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. God still uses such testing and challenges to prove our fitness and demonstrate our readiness to lead! 

Matthew’s record of these events exposes Satan and his tactics. What have you learned about the enemy’s attacks and seductions? Finally, please do not miss the all-important lesson that because of Christ’s victory, we can have victory over the tempter as well. But how? Well… by understand that nourishing the soul with the written Word and obeying God’s Word supersedes consuming physical food or satisfying temporal needs. Exalt spiritual pursuits in your value system! Yes, accordingly God’s Book is our spiritual food. 

In closing consider and even meditate on the values and priorities of the Lord Jesus in John 4:32-34, But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. [33] Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? [34] Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.     

 

---

^[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 18). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[2] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1212). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[3] Vincent, M. R. (1887). Word studies in the New Testament (Vol. 1, p. 28). New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.

Jesus Really Is Enough

Where do you look when you find yourself in need? To whom do you turn when there is a deficiency? Who do you look to for answers? To expect any person, preacher, group, ideals, trends, methods, technique, organization, or entity other than Christ Jesus to be our total provision and supply in life—both external and internal—is to deny, to some degree, the sufficiency of Christ. That is correct! The Lord Jesus really is plenty for any need we may experience. Note the thoughts of Paul and then Peter:

2 Cor. 9:8, And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 

2 Peter 1:3-4, According as his [Jesus Christ] divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: [4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

These verses tell us that God did not leave out anything regarding our needs! He has thought of it all and will or has supplied every need we have or could have. The broader truth is Jesus is our all sufficient Lord! It is equally true that we must grow in our awareness of His great supply towards us.
                                                                                                           

In the first century, false teachers made claims to the new believers that Jesus Christ might be sufficient for some of their needs—perhaps even many or most of their needs.  But that other traditional customs and beliefs were necessary in addition to Christ for a person to experience a total supply of all things. They taught that while Christ Jesus might be sufficient for a person's spiritual salvation, Christ Jesus could not fulfill all practical, emotional, psychological, material, or social needs.

The apostle Paul soundly rejected the claims of these false teachers in a letter that we know as the book of Colossians in the New Testament. This entire letter is devoted to Paul's claim that Christ Jesus is 100 percent sufficient to meet all human needs, now and forever.

                                                                                                           

JESUS CHRIST IS STILL THE SINGULAR ANSWER!

Col. 2:10, And ye are complete in him [The Lord Jesus Christ], which is the head of all…

All that is necessary to live and develop in the Lord Jesus is found in Him in sufficient supply and in full satisfaction whatever the need may be in our lives. Beloved, we are complete in Christ.

“BUT THAT WAS THEN, AND THIS IS NOW!”

“But what does this have to do with me today?”  You may ask.  Paul was writing to people who lived in the ancient past, not the modern world.”

    1.  This is a Direct Attack on the All Satisfying Ability of Jesus Christ the Lord!

The same arguments that were made to the believers in the early churches are being made to Christians and non-Christians today! The sufficiency of Christ Jesus is attacked from many sides, at times directly and boldly, and at times indirectly and with great subtlety. Unfortunately, believers are still falling for the devil's lies instead of trusting God's truth in Christ.

    2.  What You and I Need is an Old Fashion Dose of the Real Lord Jesus Christ.

“No,” says Paul to the Colossians and to us, “you don't need anything beyond Christ Jesus.” Note his words in Colossians 2:5-10,

 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.    [6] As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: [7] Rooted [Deeply fixed in the nourishing soil of Christ] and built up in him [Like a Building Rising and Developing on the Foundation of Christ], and stablished [Continually Confirming the Truth in your heart] in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein [Overflowing, Captivated, and Motivated] with thanksgiving. [8] Beware [Maintain a Sharp Look-out] lest any man spoil you through philosophy [Wisdom and Intelligence Apart from God] and vain deceit [Empty Lies; False Secret Insights known only to a Select Few], after the tradition [Religious Practices Not Based on Scripture] of men, after the rudiments [Worldly Ideals, Rules, and Values] of the world, and not after Christ. [9] For in him [Christ] dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily [Christ is the Eternal All Sufficient Lord]. [10] And ye are complete [Everything we need for Life and Godliness] in him [Christ], which is the head of all principality and power:        

                                                                                                                                   

Beloved, because of these truths and Paul’s constant proclamation of Jesus Christ as the perfect, divine, all sufficient Lord, we don’t need to add anything to Him and His work to find fulfillment, completion, confidence, maturity, power, victory, or meaning in this life and the next!  We can boldly say then, away with Christian Science, away with Jehovah’s Witnesses, away with Second Blessings and Tongue Talking, Away with the lies of Modern Psychology and all the rest who contend that we need more then God to make it in this life. Why would a genuine believer accept a teaching, or idea that slights the power, deity, satisfaction, and sufficiency that is in Jesus Christ?  I don’t understand it!  It is obvious that such a person does not understand what they received when they trusted Jesus Christ to save them. 

                                                                                                           

WE DO NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND WHO CHRIST IS!

This is where the problem truly lies.  The Lord God is never the problem.  In fact, He is always the solution.  But, men sure can overlook and even ignore what the Lord Jesus can do and who he really is.

   1.  My Experience as a Missionary/Pastor Confirms This.

In my work as a pastor I have encountered countless church-going, Christ-believing people who have fallen prey to arguments that Christ is not sufficient to meet all of their needs. 

   2.  This Study Explores the Sufficiency of Christ.

It is focused much on the book of Colossians.  It deals with three questions that are vital to the life of every believer:

Who is Christ Jesus—really? What has Christ Jesus already provided for me as a person who believes that He is God? How can I experience the full sufficiency of Christ Jesus in my life on a practical and personal level? Paul labors to answer these important questions in Colossians 1:14-22,

In whom [Christ our Lord] we have redemption [Redeemer] through his blood [Blood Atonement], even the forgiveness of sins [Forgiver]: [15] Who is the image of the invisible God [Revealer and Representative of God], the firstborn [The Unique Superior and Sovereign over creation] of every creature: [16] For by him were all things created [Creator], that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones [Superior to All Creatures], or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him [Originator], and for him [Supreme Purpose and Meaning]: [17] And he is before all things [Preeminent One], and by him all things consist [The Providential Sustainer]. [18] And he is the head of the body [The Leader of the Church], the church: who is the beginning [The Source of the New Creation], the firstborn [The Superior Resurrection, Glorified Body] from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [Preeminent One][19] For it pleased the Father that in him [God the Son] should all fulness dwell; [The Complete Fullness of God Permanently Indwells Christ] [20] And, having made peace through the blood [The Peace Sacrifice for Sin] of his cross, by him to reconcile [The Reconciler] all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. [21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled [22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

We hope to expand on the significance of these truths concerning Christ our Lord who satisfies our every need!

                                                                       

  3.  The Fact Is, If We Don't Fully Know Christ Jesus, We Cannot Know His Sufficiency.

Ignorance Regarding Christ is Dangerous! And if we do not believe that He is sufficient, and have an ability to access His sufficiency, we are vulnerable to arguments that can lead us astray—away from Christ and away from the perfection to which Christ calls us.

Informed Regarding Christ is Victorious! On the other hand, if we have a deep understanding of all that Christ has provided for us and all that He makes available to us, we have a solid foundation on which to grow and develop in every area of our lives. A solid foundation, one established on the eternal principles of God's Word, must become our desire if we truly are to live meaningful, satisfying, and victorious lives!  Yes, Jesus Christ is still the singular answer!

JESUS IS OUR ALL-SUFFICIENT LORD!

2 Cor. 9:8, And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

2 Peter 1:3, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Beloved, if God cannot meet our needs then we are completely hopeless and certainly no mere man can come up with a great solution to every one of our challenges.  We do have difficulty believing God for everything, all the time, and in every situation. But, in our moments of doubt, we will actually consider what some self-important human being said, while ignoring the power, wisdom, and love of Christ Jesus.  But, still we contend that Jesus is our all-sufficient Lord.  God can meet our needs whatever they may be, however complex they may appear to us.  God has never had to scratch his head in bewilderment, he has never been perplexed, he knows nothing of being puzzled and stomped by our challenges.  Just because we are limited in our perception of Christ’s all ability does not modify one bit His complete sufficiency!

SUFFICIENCY

2 Cor. 3:5, Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

     1. Sufficiency —all that is needed in ample supply.

     2. Supply —what is needed to meet a particular need, solve a specific problem, or overcome a remarkable lack.

     3.  Source —a fountainhead of supply that produces sufficiency.

These three terms—sufficiency, supply, and source—will be used almost interchangeably in this study because Jesus Christ is our Sufficiency for an abundant life, our Supply or Provision, and our Source of wholeness in this life and eternal life in the future.

SCRIPTURE

2 Cor. 12:9-10, And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

    1.  Christ’s Sufficiency is a Biblical Teaching.

How do we know this? Because that is what the Bible teaches about Jesus Christ. This study is based upon the belief that the Bible gives us the whole truth and nothing but the truth about Jesus Christ. My hope as you engage in this study is that you will turn again and again in the Bible to conclude what the Lord Jesus is able to do for you.  Make this study your study about the sufficiency of Christ!

    2.  Scripture is the Final Authority on Who Jesus Christ is.

Countless other books tell about methods and means other than Christ as a foundation for completeness, sufficiency, and everlasting supply. The Bible, however, is God's truth about who Jesus Christ is—really, and about what Christ provides for us. It is when we understand and apply what the Bible says that we truly come to know Christ Jesus as our Sufficiency. Make the Bible your ultimate authority on Jesus Christ and how to get your needs met, and you won't be disappointed!

  

    3.  Grow in Your Comprehension of Christ’s Sufficiency.

Never stop exploring the riches of God's Word on any topic, but especially on the sufficiency of Christ Jesus. The truth of Christ's sufficiency is a lesson that is always timely, and that is always applicable in new ways. Grow in your understanding … and choose to continue growing in your understanding of His sufficiency all the days of your life.

The Savior can solve every problem,

The tangles of life can undo.

There’s nothing too hard for Jesus;

There’s nothing that He cannot do. —Author unknown

God's Promise To The Generous

A good definition for generous is showing a readiness to give more money or time than is strictly necessary or expected. Generosity is a grace of God in the life of genuine believers (2 Cor. 8:1-12). In a self-centered world, we could use a few more generous souls among the Lord's people. God the Father is generous giving His Son. The Lord Jesus is generous giving Himself. The Holy Spirit is generous giving His graces and power. It stands to reason that anyone truly influenced by God will be a generous believer giving of themselves, their time, and substance to address real needs. It is so good for us to become more generous and giving, and God holds out a special promise for such believers. Note the words of the Apostle Paul to the Philippian Church,

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

The wisdom of God’s Word encourages us to LOOK TO CHRIST TO MEET ALL OUR NEEDS.  Notice the phrase, “by Christ Jesus” in Philippians 4:19. The New Testament writers were very clear in their understanding that Jesus Christ would meet all of our needs, regardless of the nature of the needs. It is always correct to look to God when we are grappling with a deficiency or need. Paul confidently promised the Philippian believers that God will indeed supply every facet of every need they had in accordance with His enormous supply! But, I remind you this is a promise for the generous believer and not the stingy self-centered greedy person!

The Promise Involves Great Clarity (Philip. 4:19)

The apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). Paul did not place any qualifications upon the kind of supply made available to us through Christ Jesus. There is ABSOLUTELY no human need that God is unable to meet -- in fact, He meets the needs far better than anything or anyone in this world.

A Promise to Supply Real Needs

Paul was once assured by Christ that Christ's grace was sufficient for every need (2 Cor 12:9). Yet God often sends "vertical" help through people helping one another on the "horizontal" level. God had met Paul's need through the generosity of the Philippian church. This assurance of the divine supply of the Philippians' needs implies that they had given so liberally that they actually left themselves with a real “need.” 

Sacrificial giving with a right attitude is possible only for those Christians submitted to God. In the United States, giving sacrificially is almost unknown.  Worldly attitudes have clouded our thinking and dulled our sensitivity to others.As I said before, God will not allow His work to tarry for lack of funds; He will simply redistribute the necessary funds to Christians who have the correct attitudes—primarily those who are seeking His will and are willing to sacrifice their luxuries for the needs of others. ” — Larry Burkett 

A Promise Based on Generosity

Yet it is true that those who share generously with others, especially to advance the work of the Lord, are promised a divine supply of anything they might lack because of their generosity (Prov. 11:25; 19:17; Matt 5:7). God would more than repay that generosity by supplying the “need” of the Philippian church. This is just as true for us today! Note what the Lord says in His Word.

Proverbs 11:25, The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.

Proverbs 19:17, He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Matthew 5:7, Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Yes, the Lord repeatedly states the generous individual will be compensated according to their liberality to others. This is especially true of the sacrificial giver. This is not the individual giving out of their ‘extra,’ but the person who lives rather frugally in order to be generous in the Lord’s work. They even sacrifice or ignore their own needs to give more to the Lord. Such merciful believers will receive mercy from the Lord in return. He will honor their hearts of kindness towards others. Mr. Burkett, a trusted authority on financial management and godly stewardship, notes how we cannot ‘out give’ God in his book, The Complete Guide for Financial Management for Young Couples saying,

The budget helped to establish a surplus and a plan for the surplus. The surplus is our abundance. It is easy to fall trap to feelings of contentment, slipping away from God in our abundance. Many do so because they fear having to share with others. To share from this surplus requires great love; it really means a greater love for God than for money.
Giving out of love makes sharing our abundance possible. Scripture defines at least two levels of love. One is phileo and another is agape. Phileo is a brotherly love. It is based on mutual compatibility or the sharing of common interests. In other words, it is primarily a love of emotion. When love is given, it is returned; but when one withholds love, no love is returned. Agape allows one to give love regardless of the response. What the other person does will not really affect me if I am in true agape with God.
Therefore, when we give out of abundance, we cannot give phileo, expecting that God will return it. We must give out of agape, simply because we love God and expect no reward. To share out of abundance means you have much and want to share with others who need much. Although God has no obligation to return what is given, He wants to do so. Once you have shared out of your abundance, you will find that you cannot out give God. The more you give, the more He multiplies. (Larry Burkett, 1989)

When you give, give out of what you have. At times the Lord will impress you deeply with the need to act on a need He has made you aware of. Just follow through obediently to honor Him and satisfy the need. Do not worry about what somebody else has to give, or what they are not giving. Give out of the abundance that God has supplied you. Some will even have the grace to live extremely frugal lives in order to give more to the Lord’s work. Be assured the Lord Jesus is pleased with such sacrifices and will honor our generosity accordingly (See also 1 John 3:17-18; James 2:14-16; 2 Corinthians 8:11-12).

A Promise Based on Divine Wealth (Philip. 4:19)

Not only would God supply all our needs, but he will do it “according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (or his glorious spiritual riches). Whether the Scriptures have God’s resources in Heaven in mind or the wealth of His infinite glorious character has been debated in other places. I understand the phrase to be a reference to God’s extraordinary character and glorious Person. God is infinitely wealthy in glories, perfections, and majesty! There is no calculating how prosperous the Lord God is in and of Himself. Beloved, this is your heavenly Father…. It is a magnanimous God who makes this incredible promise to compensate the generous. There is zero fear of being let down or disappointed with what He provides.   

Note carefully that His supply is not merely out of His wealth! The phrase “according to” conveys the idea that God’s supply of the need will not be merely from or out of  his wealth but in some sense appropriate to or commensurate with it. To supply from out of  His wealth implies depleting storage and resources, but to supply in a way fitting to His wealth means infinite storage and supply. 

Yes, it is “according to” His grand infinite wealth that He supplies all our needs! There is no threat at all of God ever running out of supplies and resources from which to meet our needs.  As believers we cannot even begin to comprehend the vastness of God’s wealth in glory—His riches are limitless, comprehensively infinite. Since it is “according to” the Lord’s wealth in “glory” that believers' needs are met, we could rest assured that God would indeed meet every need, no matter how large, desperate, or hopeless it seems. The Lord will remember the faithful generous giver.

To further ponder God’s ability to compensate the giver, think about a multi-millionaire giving ten cent to the church for his weekly offering. He would be giving out of his wealth.  But if he gave five thousand dollars on a weekly bases he would be giving according to his wealth! Likewise God supplies according to His wealth!

Beloved, sacrifice is an essential attitude for every Christian to adopt. Begin to sacrifice a small portion from your wants or desires for the needs of others. Ask God to lay their needs on your heart. Strive to be generous towards real needs; may our expression equal the commitment in our heart.  We must share and work into a pattern of living that characterizes the generous life of Jesus Christ. If we, who are so mightily blessed, are not willing to sacrifice any of our desires for others’ needs, God will simply reallocate the supply to those who are. (See Luke 3:11; Mark 10:29; Luke 21:1-4).

The Promise Involves A Complete Provision (Philip. 4:19)

This could only happen “by Christ Jesus.” That is, because of believer's faith-relationship with Christ, we have access to God and can come boldly and freely to His throne of grace and there consistently obtain mercy and grace to help in our times of need (see Heb. 4:16). In other words, Paul did not say that Christ Jesus would only meet spiritual needs, or physical needs, or financial and material needs. God provides most comprehensively for any and all needs we may have in full accordance with His will and timing. He achieves this "by Christ Jesus," the Lord of glory. We are assured in the most profound way of complete provisions. 

Christ Meets All Needs

Paul wrote that Christ Jesus meets all manner and types of needs.  Some of the needs that we have today are physical, emotional, relational, financial, material, and spiritual. You and I never make a mistake by turning to the Lord Jesus first concerning needs. He will supply us directly, direct us to a resource, or give us the grace to live without it. In such instances He affords peace and contentment. We are changed deep within as a result of realizing His great sufficient grace in new areas of our lives.

Even Intangible Needs

If we are truly honest with ourselves, we will admit the things we desire most in life are the intangibles that cannot be purchased and are not man-made: health, loving relationships, joy, peace, contentment, security, fulfillment and meaning in life. Think about this for a second…. Only God can satisfy such powerful deep yearnings of our never dying souls. These needs are absolutely welded to who and what we are as human beings. We crave these essentials automatically and unconsciously in most instances. Other times we are keenly aware of our need in these areas and unrelentingly seek satisfaction. Nothing and no one else can even come remotely close to Christ’s ability to satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts.

Clearly Every Conceivable Need

Ephes. 1:15-18,  Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, [16] Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; [17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: [18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Ephes. 2:7, That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

Jesus Christ is ultimately the number one Source for all things that matter the most to us:

• ·     Wisdom and understanding into the things of God
• ·     Comprehensive health—spirit, mind, and body
• ·     Healthy sense of belonging and loving relationships with others
• ·     Fulfilling and meaningful ministry to others
• ·     Blessings that are material, emotional, and spiritual in nature
• ·     Hope, peace, joy, contentment, and unconditional love
• ·     Deepening spiritual insights and precious intimacy our heavenly Father
• ·     An accurate perception of ourselves and a sense of full acceptance because we are the beloved children of God
• ·     Deliverance from the power of sin and evil
• ·     Forgiveness of sin and restoration
• ·     Freedom from guilt and shame
• ·     A future of promise, power, and purpose

There is no reason to be reluctant or skeptical about God’s clear promise to resource and provide for the generous saints of God. Our part is to be generous indeed unto the Lord, and He will see to it that our needs are met adequately. This is not a promise that will automatically result in personal wealth or great financial prosperity, but it is a promise that God will supply the needs of the generous. Whatever the need, the Lord Jesus is our all sufficient Source always. We never make a mistake when we look to Him as our all sufficient Lord. Never!

A merchant of St. Petersburg at his own cost supported several native missionaries in India, and gave liberally to the cause of Christ at home. On being asked how he could afford to do it, he replied:
“Before my conversion, when I served the world and self, I did it on a grand scale and at the most lavish expense. And when God, by His grace, called me out of darkness, I resolved that Christ and His cause should have more than I had ever spent for the world. And as to giving so much, it is God who enables me to do it; for at my conversion I solemnly promised that I would give to His cause a fixed proportion of all that my business brought in to me, and every year since I made that promise it has brought me in about double what it did the year before, so that I easily can, as I do, double my gifts for His service.” And John Bunyan tells us,
A man there was, some called him mad, the more he gave, the more he had.
And there are truth and instruction in the inscription on the Italian tombstone, “What I gave away I saved, what I spent I used, what I kept I lost.” “Giving to the Lord,” says another, “is but transporting our goods to a higher floor.” And, says Dr. Barrow, “In defiance of all the torture and malice and might of the world, the liberal man will ever be rich, for God's providence is his estate, God’s wisdom and power his defense, God’s love and favor his reward, and God’s word his security. (Stories for Preachers and Teachers)

One more thought will suffice before I close this post. Recall the words of Paul concerning the Macedonian Churches inexplicable generosity, “And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God" (2 Cor. 8:5).

David Livingstone, before he had thought of being a missionary himself, devoted to foreign missions all his wages except so much as was required for his frugal needs. Many businessmen today turn over the major portions of their profits to the Lord's work. And have you ever noticed--those that give the most are often those that do the most for Christ. It is not as though they permit their money to do the work while they sit idly by. No, no. These are those who first give of themselves to the Lord, and then of their substance.” (Stories for Preachers and Teachers)

Beloved, take God’s promise to the generous to heart and give of yourself, your substance, and your time in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. He will ensure that you are properly cared for and compensated in accordance with His glorious and magnanimous Person! Remember, it is not possible to ‘out give’ God, and you never make a mistake by looking to Jesus first as your Source. 

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.