RPG Adults
THANKFUL FOR EVERY PHYSICAL PROVISION
MONDAY, JUNE 26
Philippians 4:14-16
2 Corinthians 11:7-9
“…ye did communicate
with my affliction.”
THANKFUL FOR EVERY PHYSICAL PROVISION
From Philippians 4:14, Paul continued to commend the Philippians for taking care of his physical needs. It had been very delicately worded, to show that although he did not covet after any material thing, yet he was by no means belittling their gift. While he had learnt to be content in all circumstances, nonetheless, it was something he greatly appreciated for it was a gift given to him during his affliction. Their gift would have gone a long way to alleviate his troubles and contribute to his Gospel work while he was imprisoned in Rome.
The word “communicate” comes from the Greek word koinonia, which has the meaning of fellowship, partnership, sharing, or communion. When they contributed the physical provisions to him, it was not just a one-way giving, but they were in a sense sharing and having fellowship together with him in his affliction. It speaks of the warm and tender relationship that he had with them, such that the act of giving was far more than just a contribution. It was a communion.
He acknowledged their generosity and highlighted how helpful they had been throughout the years of his ministry. Paul had not forgotten all the good that they had done for him, from the time that he first departed from Macedonia (where Philippi was), and while he was at Thessalonica. They were the only church that had sent financial support to him to help him in his ministry, and for that he was very grateful.
The fact of life is that we need physical provisions to survive. We must be thankful for every provision that comes our way, no matter how small and insignificant. We must never take what we have for granted or feel this sense of entitlement to have more than what we already own. For all that we have (the comforts of life, a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, meals to nourish us), we thank God.
THOUGHT: “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21)
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee for the daily bread that Thou providest for me each day without fail.