The Apostle Paul was a tentmaker by trade but a representative of Jesus Christ by profession. He lived a simple life and spent as much time and effort as possible in serving the LORD, whether teaching small groups wherever opportunity arose, preaching to the curious or dealing with individuals who also were serving others in the name of Jesus. Sometimes he was passing through a community and the stay was brief while other times he was in residence for months and even years. He was self-supporting and would practice his trade when necessary but other times, those he had served made possible his continued service by tangible support. Disciples and groups of disciples met his needs so he would not have to stop serving while earning his own support.
Philippi had been his first place of contact in Europe after crossing from Troas in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). It was in Philippi that the first converts to Christ were given in humble beginnings but then as his service in that city grew, opposition also arose. It was here he was beaten and then imprisoned following the deliverance from a demon of a fortune-teller. After the jailer and his household were converted and Paul and Silas were released from the prison, they moved on to Thessalonica. Several cities are visited briefly with little time for establishing a self-supporting business—the emphasis was on spreading the news of Jesus. This priority of service was facilitated by those who already benefited from the disciples’ service to the LORD. The Philippians were fruit of the LORD’s service through Paul and Silas and then helped make it possible for that service to continue farther along without the burden of taking time to earn their own expense.
There is a simple benefit to continuing the service to the LORD in that the Body of Christ, composed of all who are disciples in Jesus, both grows and is strengthened. Participation is foundational for the healthy growth of the Body. It was not about Paul and Silas having more stuff but rather being freed up in the opportunity of having more time to serve. It was never about stuff. It wasn’t about the team but about serving the LORD.
One of the ironies of giving to the LORD is that He is committed to taking care of the needs from His abundance of what is worthwhile. It is never about stuff but about the sufficiency of the Creator to have what is needed.
‘According to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus’ is one of those phrases that can be misdirected. Yes, the ‘riches’ include stuff we get excited about for monetary purposes: streets paved with gold, gates made of single pearls, foundations of precious jewels but these are simply beautiful utilitarian uses in Eternity and not objects to be possessed. ‘Needs’ are not met through wealth and ‘contentment’ is often directed more toward wants than needs. God is promising His sufficiency to accomplish His purposes and this likely does not include the distractions of too much.
Have you considered the difference between what the LORD sees as needs for your life and the wants that may be distracting you from discipleship and closeness to Him? How much do you expect the LORD to provide before your true needs are supplied?
He is sufficient for what is best for you—in His sight.