Daily Devotion

 

 

In his writing to the Philippian saints, Paul had one more topic to treat. He used the immediate occasion, which was his sincere expression of appreciation for their financial support, to teach them an extremely important lesson. The phrase "your care of me hath flourished again" may indicate a suspension of their financial support for a time due to the influence of false teachers.

 

Paul had learned the true secret of life, and he desired to share it with them. At some particular point in his life, Paul made a commitment to serve the Lord faithfully no matter what circumstances he had to face. The results of that decision still were evident in his life when he wrote this letter to the Philippians. There came a time in Paul's life when he determined to serve God faithfully no matter what happened. The idea expressed at the end of verse 11 and in verse 12 literally means, "I have learned the secret" or "I have been initiated."

Even though Paul used the very word Stoics used to boast about their self-sufficiency, his sufficiency was based upon his relationship to Jesus. His sufficiency came, not through the kind of mechanical self-discipline practiced by the Stoics, but because of his union with a personal God. In addition,  verse 12 also clarifies the fact that his sufficiency was not based on material possessions.

Paul's sufficiency did not come from circumstances, but from Jesus. Since the text here contains the title "Christ," He obviously was the One empowering Paul so that he could accomplish "all things," or whatever God wanted him to do.

Life Application:  Have you learned to be so committed to Jesus that He is the supplier of whatever you need? He really wants to be the source of everything you need and the one to guide you through life.

 

Praise/Prayer:  Hallelujah what a wonderful God we serve! Thank You, God, for supplying all I have ever needed and more. You supply the food for me to eat and share with others. I always have had the clothing I wanted and not just needed. You have always been a very generous giver and I thank You over and over again. I love telling people that You are my source. Great is Your faithfulness! Amen!