God Supplies when You Act

But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:18-19)

The five elements of faith are hearing the Word, receiving it, believing in it, speaking it (or confessing it), and acting on it. It’s that last one that causes many believers to stumble. Many Christians stop at confession and don’t find ways to act on their faith. Faith is not just words; it’s living a lifestyle of daily obedience and trusting that God’s ways are better than ours. Faith without action is simply words without fruit.

The church of Philippi understood this and suggested that, in connection with their faith, God had a plan and a way to support them as they supported the Gospel. Paul described the Philippias’ financial support as “an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.” That was in reference to the sacrifice offered in the temple, mixed with spices and oils that would not smell like burning flesh, but rather be sweet and fragrant. Every time you sow, you change the scent of the throne room of Heaven; your sacrificial giving is a sweet fragrance to God.

Paul then explained that this wasn’t just something that would benefit the receiver of their offering, but God would also bless them in return. When Paul said “my God shall supply all your need,” he used the Greek word for “supply,” plēroō. It means to fill to capacity or to cram full. He was explaining that when you live generously toward the Kingdom, if there’s a hole in your finances, family, or business, God will fill it. Also, the word “need,” chreia in Greek, includes employment, business requirements, and every form of lack.

Practical Application

Are you confessing without taking action? Have you been declaring that God will make you rich and missed the opportunities He gave you to invest in kingdom priorities? Decide that you will step out in faith this week to sow where He leads, serve where He calls, and act on the Word you’ve been hearing.

Psalm 23:1; Proverbs 3:10