"I have plenty of everything and I am in abundance ; I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus that which was sent to me from you - a perfume of good smell, an acceptable sacrifice, which pleases God ; but my God will fill all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4. 18, 19

The Apostle Paul kept very good memories of the assembly at Philippi (Phil 1: 3). He wants to see the Philippians again, but he is imprisoned in Rome (5-26). He writes to them to inform them of his situation and to urge them to remain united with one another and in the Lord's work. He takes the opportunity to express his gratitude for the gift that Epaphrodite had given him from them.

The Philippians had sacrificed themselves for the apostle who had communicated to them the gospel. Since God is not the debtor of anyone, Paul assures them that God will fulfill "all [their] needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus". Of course, this statement applies to the true needs of these believers and not to their desires ! To give in a spirit of sacrifice will never impoverish, because it is expressing one's love and trust in God.

We will never make God our debtor, we will never be too aware of the greatness of our God and the resources he has in his hand. It is he who says : "The world is mine and all that it contains" (Ps 50. 12).

We are constantly put to the test, but let us trust firmly in this powerful and merciful God ; and be grateful for all that he gives us.

Hudson Taylor (1832-1905), the giant of faith, founder of the "Mission to the Interior of China", viewed in a very practical way the fullness placed at our disposal in Christ :

"God wants to give us all things to the extent of our needs. He does not give them to us once, for the service of our whole life. He does not want us to do our job with the backlog of next year's food on his back. There is supply all along the road, new light, new power, new revelation, according to what circumstances demand."

Source (Pleasing the Lord)