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NASB | Philippians 4:12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Philippians 4:12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. |
Subject: Abundance and Need |
Bible Note: Philippians 4:12 "I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need." Paul experienced both need and abundance. Notice that he wrote "I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need." While both of these conditions may result from sinful or irresponsible behavior, that is not the only cause, as Paul does not say "I have learned to Repent" when suffering need. He does not count this as axiomatic. It may be easy for someone to say, "if you don't have enough, it must be because you are doing something wrong," but that does not take into account the work God may be doing in a person's life. Apparently, this even happened with Paul the apostle. The fact is, God will often use lean times to teach us reliance on Him. The teaching that prosperity, or even the lack of "lean times", comes with faith in God is prevalent in the western culture, but try telling that to the church of Haiti, or Darfur, where what we have insurance to cover is a disaster for them. But we don't even have to go that far. Just go to your poorer neighbors, who love the Lord Jesus, but have to choose between the "neccesities". Financial disaster is a doctor's bill away. These are the times we really learn to trust in the Lord. And He will prove Himself reliable, whether He tests you with scarcity, or tests you with wealth. Love in Christ, mark |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Phil 4:12 | Author | ||
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Godissogood2me | ||
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shael | ||
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mark d seyler |