This morning we continue our series, “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing with our mini-series entitled, “Grace Based Success (Prosperity)”. Before I get into this message I want to share with you that the Lord used me to preach a message yesterday entitled “Your Prosperity is Connected to Your Purpose.” If you are interested in watching the message, here is the link: https://vimeo.com/103661120.
Last week I shared scripture with you that showed how David prepared the resources to finance Solomon’s assignment and how Jesus had God-ordained affluent women who traveled with Him to help finance His assignment. Today I will discuss my favorite Biblical character, Paul. Paul had a great assignment. God called him to write over half the New Testament, to minister to the Gentiles, and to preach all over Asia minor. Financially, the challenge was that Paul left everything behind when he was Born-Again. Paul was living on the ‘wrong side’ of the Christian movement, so when he converted, he went into isolation, and he was cut off from his friends and connections. This forced Paul to truly rely on God.
In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul thanked the believers there for donating to his ministry. In the 4th chapter the Apostle wrote, “I’ve learned to be content in whatever situation I’m in. I know how to live in poverty or prosperity. No matter what the situation, I’ve learned the secret of how to live when I’m full or when I’m hungry, when I have too much or when I have too little.” Paul lived through situations where he had more than enough and others where he was barely getting by. But what did Paul learn through it all. The Apostle learned, in his own words, “I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.”
Paul went on to say, “You Philippians also know that in the early days, when I left the province of Macedonia to spread the Good News, you were the only church to share your money with me. You gave me what I needed, and you received what I gave you. Even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs twice… Your gifts are a soothing aroma, a sacrifice that God accepts and with which he is pleased.” Paul was thankful that God used the believers in Philippi to help finance his assignment. Since they were ministry donors, Paul’s prayer for them was, “My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus” (see Philippians 4:10-19). I hear many Christians misquote Paul and say, “My God shall supply all my need.” While that might be true, that is not what Paul was saying. Paul was saying that HIS God would supply all their needs, because they were supplying his needs and financing God’s assignment.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. God’s assignment will always be bigger than your resources. God does this so you can rely on Him, and His grace, to get it done.
2. God expects you to be moved by His purpose, not earthly need.
3. If you wait for all the conditions to be right BEFORE you step out into your purpose, you will be waiting forever.
4. God will not put all the resources in your hand when He tells you to do it. That’s why you need faith. The money will come AFTER you start doing it!
5. Over the years I have learned this: God can do more with you ONCE you get started!
6. Here was Paul’s secret, this is what he learned: Whether you have little or much, you can still do all things through Christ.
7. When you support God-ordained projects, God will see to it that all your needs are met. You will reap a harvest on every seed sown.
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for teaching me about Your grace and my requirement to live by faith. I have embraced my divine assignment. It is too big for me to accomplish on my own. I am looking to You as my source. I know You will use people, down here, in the earth, to help me do what You have called me to do. You will raise up people to use their power, their ability, their resources, and their finances to help me accomplish what You have called me to do. As You do, I trust that You, as my God, will supply all their needs, according to Your riches in glory, through Christ Jesus. I thank You for all the people You will use to help me. But my focus is not on them. They are not my source. You are my source. So I look to You every day and in every way. I am not moved by need. I am only moved by my purpose. Whether I have little or I have much, I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I don’t wait until I have everything I need, and I am not deterred by what I don’t have yet. I live by faith and I believe that You will see to it that Your assignment gets done through me, by Your grace, for Your glory. I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
