Philippians 4:10–23 (May 31st, 2025)

God's Provision

4:10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you to share[a] my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.[b] 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Final Greetings

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Footnotes

Philippians 4:14 Or have fellowship in

Philippians 4:17 Or I seek the profit that accrues to your account

Philippians 4-10-23

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Summary

Paul rejoices greatly in the Lord because the Philippians renewed their concern for him through generous giving (v. 10). Yet, he quickly clarifies: his joy is not rooted in the gift itself, but in God’s sustaining grace. He has learned the secret of contentment in every circumstance—whether in lack or abundance (vv. 11–12). That secret? “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (v. 13).

Paul commends the Philippians not only for their generosity but for their long-standing partnership in the gospel. They were the only church that supported him early in his ministry (v. 15). Yet again, Paul reminds them: he does not seek the gift, but the fruit that increases to their credit. His language becomes doxological: their gift is “a fragrant offering… pleasing to God” (v. 18), and his confidence in God’s provision overflows—“My God will supply every need of yours… to his glory” (v. 19–20).

Who Is God?

God provides all that we need, and He glorifies us in Christ Jesus.

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (4:19)

God is not limited by scarcity. His supply is rooted in His own infinite glory. Paul does not say God will meet our wants, but our needs, and He does so not from mere pity, but “according to his riches.” The phrase “in glory in Christ Jesus” reminds us that every provision flows through our union with Christ. Our generous Father is glorified not only by our giving but by His faithful provision.

What Is Our Guilt?

We often tie our joy to this world's standards and circumstances, and our security to earthly possessions, but listen to what Paul says:

“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (4:11)

Many of us falsely believe that contentment only comes after circumstances change. But Paul learned it in every situation—when hungry or well-fed, abased or abounding. We often hinge our joy on control, comfort, or financial stability. When we lack, we grumble. When we have plenty, we grow self-sufficient. But true contentment is not circumstantial—it is Christ-centered. Our guilt is in forgetting that Christ alone strengthens and sustains us.

How Does the Grace Shine?

Grace teaches contentment, strengthens our weaknesses, and glorifies God through generosity.

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (4:13)

“They are a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” (4:18)

Grace enables Paul to endure and thrive in any condition, not by grit but by divine strength. The same grace that strengthens also bears fruit through the generosity of God’s people. Their gift is not just practical—it is worship. In the Old Testament, “a fragrant offering” was tied to sacrificial worship; here, Paul uses it to show that grace transforms even money into something holy. Grace moves us to give, and grace multiplies what is given to the glory of God.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We praise you for your faithful provision and the "secret" of contentment found in Christ.

Forgive us for measuring joy by our standards (i.e., circumstances) and trusting in things that pass away.

Teach us to be content in little or in much, and to rejoice in the fruit that generosity brings.

Strengthen us through your Spirit to do all things in Christ, especially when we are weak.

May our lives become fragrant offerings of worship, pleasing to you and glorifying your name.

In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.