And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Philipians 4:19

This is a very well known passage of scripture. It has used to minister to anybody with a need. However,  the context this scripture was written reveals that the Apostle Paul had a specific group of people in mind. The letter to the church at Philipi was written specifically to them because they were Paul’s partners in the preaching of the gospel.  They were partners in prayer (Phil 1:19), encouragement (Phil 2:15) and also in giving.

And 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 andopened up [a debit and credit] account in giving and receiving except you only. Philipians 4:15 AMP

This church entered into a partnership with the Apostle Paul and he describes it as opening a debit and credit account which depicts giving and receiving. Throughout the whole bible there’s a multitude of scriptures that promise givers a harvest and once again this principle is confirmed in the book of philipians. Givers and especially partners in the gospel always have their needs supernaturally met by God.

 

In Matthew 10 we see Jesus sending out his disciples for ministry into the jewish world. Amongst the instructions he tells them not to take any gold, silver and change of clothes.  First of all they had to have some gold, silver and clothes to talk about yet the master commands them to leave it behind. Why would Jesus do such a thing. Its simple: God wants to partner with us in the preaching of the gospel. Lets face it, He can do it alone however, He loves us so much he wants us to partake of the mission so that we can get the blessing out of it.

Matt 10 :⁹ Do not take gold, or silver, or[even] copper money in your money belt,¹⁰ or a provision bag for your journey, or even two tunics, or sandals, or a staff; for the worker deserves his support.¹¹ Whatever city or village you enter, ask who in it is worthy[who welcomes you and your message], and stay at his house until you leave[that city]. ¹² As you go into the house, give it your greeting[that is, ‘Peace be to this house’]. ¹³ If[the family living in] the house is worthy[welcoming you and your message], give it your[blessing of] ^[e]peace[that is, a blessing of well-being and prosperity, the favor of God]. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing ofpeace. AMP

When we honor the ministry gifts God has blessed us with we tap into this blessing. In closing this chapter Jesus said something that was profound when it comes to recognizing the gifts he has send for the preaching the gospel and offering our support.

Matt 10:⁴⁰ “He who receives andwelcomes you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.⁴¹ He who receives andwelcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward; and he who receives a righteous (honorable) man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.⁴² And whoever gives to one of these little ones[these who are humble in rank or influence] even a cup of cold water to drink because he is my disciple, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.”

 

In conclusion the Apostle Paul also encouraged the church at Corinth the recognize this truth and tap into it.  ¹³ For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except [for the fact] that I did not burden you [with my financial support]? Forgive me [for doing you] this injustice! 2 Cor 12:13.

The scripture blew this bible concept of partnership wide open. The Apostle Paul says not partnering with the gospel financially put the church at Philipi at a disadvantage. He goes on to ask for forgiveness for doing them an injustice. Here are some interesting synonyms for the word injustice: unfairness, criminal, inequality, wrong. Essentially the Apostle Paul is saying it is an injustice, unfair, criminal, and wrong when we don’t give people an to hear the truth and partner with the gospel. Beloved this is not because god is trying to take away from you, No! It is because God wants you to access the prosperity grace that he has bestowed on partnership and partners in the gospel.

 

Love,

 

Tafara & Chipo Butayi