I want to look at 2 verses today. Philippians 4:8 says:
8For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].
If we gauge the thoughts that comer to our minds by this verse, we will have no trouble at all knowing which thoughts are from God and which are not! Remember that the "whatever is true" refers to the Word of God (John 17:17) and NOT just facts! It is only "TRUTH" if it is God's Word! That should help us to keep our thought life under the control of God's Word and our thought life is vitally important!
Now let's look at Philippians 4:19:
19And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
This verse is often quoted to encourage believers that God will meet their needs. There ARE verses that promise that! (Proverbs 37:25; Matthew 6:31-33) This verse, however, is not talking to all believers. Paul is addressing believers who have given to the support of his ministry in preaching the Gospel. If you look at verse 15:
15And you Philippians yourselves well know that in the early days of the Gospel ministry, when I left Macedonia, no church (assembly) entered into partnership with me and opened up [a debit and credit] account in giving and receiving except you only.
...you will see that he is talking to people who have been in a partnership relationship with him. Not every believer can stand on this promise for themselves. Only those who have entered into a partner relationship with those who carry the Gospel can claim this. Do you support ministries that carry the Gospel of Jesus of Nazareth to the lost through your prayers and financial support and encouragement? Then this promise is YOURS! AMEN! Notice that God will supply your needs according to (or in accordance with) HIS riches and NOT just according to your needs! Our God is a good and generous God of all abundance! Trust Him with your life and see to meeting the needs of others. You CANNOT out-give God!
Shalom in Him!
