And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (New King James Version, NKJV)

This is one of those “shoutin’ verses.” Anytime we read it in church or a minister quotes it, everyone likes to shout and praise God that He supplies all our needs. I wonder if we would shout as loudly if we were to read it in its context. Here is verse 19 again, but I have included the verses that come immediately before it.

Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:14-19 (New King James Version, NKJV)

Paul was actually writing to thank them for their generous giving. He had received an offering from the church at Philippi for the work of the ministry- and it was not the first time. Because they gave funds to further the gospel, he said they would receive fruit that would abound to their account. Because they sent him an offering, he promised that, in turn, God would supply their all their needs.

The point is this: if we intend to claim Philippians 4:19, then we must do what was done in the verses that led up to that. We cannot receive the promise of verse 19 without doing verses 14-18. When we give to the work of the ministry, we can be assured that our needs will be abundantly supplied. However, if we sow no seed, we have no harvest coming. God will not violate the very law He set up. He says that whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. (Galatians 6:7) Therefore, if we sow nothing, we can expect to reap nothing. No giving, no living.

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:6-7 (NKJV)

Purpose in your heart to give abundantly with joy. In turn, every single need will be supplied and more. That’s worth shoutin’ about!