Swindoll Study Bible and Searching the Scriptures - Flipbook - Page 22
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me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will
be with you.
Paul’s Thanks for Their Gifts
10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about
me again. I know you have always been concerned for
me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not
that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be
content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on
almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the
secret of living in every situation, whether it is with
a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For
I can do everything through Christ,* who gives me
strength. 14 Even so, you have done well to share with
me in my present difficulty.
15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones
who gave me financial help when I first brought you
the Good News and then traveled on from Macedo
nia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in
Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17 I don’t
P hilippians 4 : 2 3
say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want
you to receive a reward for your kindness.
18 At the moment I have all I need—and more! I
am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me
with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sac
rifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And
this same God who takes care of me will supply all
your needs from his glorious riches, which have been
given to us in Christ Jesus.
20 Now all glory to God our Father forever and
ever! Amen.
Paul’s Final Greetings
21 Give
my greetings to each of God’s holy people—
a ll who belong to Christ Jesus. The brothers who are
with me send you their greetings. 22 And all the rest of
God’s people send you greetings, too, especially those
in Caesar’s household.
23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with
your spirit.*
4:13 Greek through the one. 4:23 Some manuscripts add Amen.
this verse the absolute secret of confidence. Take note of
all the things it doesn’t s ay—things that some of us believe,
if we’re honest: “I can do everything through drugs.” “I can
do everything through the right contacts.” “I can do every
thing through the job I have [or want].” “I can do everything
through money.” “I can do everything through good health
and vitality.” “I can do everything through that degree.”
Wrong! None of those things pour power into you.
Only Christ fits that spot. That doesn’t mean we don’t need
or benefit from some of those other things. That would
be misapplying Paul’s words. We don’t live independent,
invincible lives in which we never need anyone else. On
the contrary, Paul goes on in the passage to link himself
with the Philippians and mention how he needed some
things they could provide. But Christ must remain at the
center. Christ will remain, even if every friend, comfort,
and advantage falls away.
LIVING INSIGHTS
SECRET OF CONFIDENCE Phil. 4:13 Paul reveals in