Young People's Group

“According to the Riches in Glory…”

by Mitchell Tan
May 08, 2019

TRACING THE LORD’S HAND IN PAUL’S LIFE

Seeing God’s provision in our life is more than just seeing the physical provision itself. Behind it is the richness of His glory. This was something that the apostle Paul was able to fully appreciate as he received a special gift from the Philippians.

“Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.”
Philippians 4:18

He was able to trace the Lord’s hand of blessing in his life. He declared that he had all that he needed and he was still abounding. Paul learned how to be abased and to also abound (Philippians 4:12). This was one of those times when he was abounding. He had a deep sense of overflowing fullness and gratitude in his heart. He saw this gift as a “special sacrifice” that was well pleasing to the Father. He was able to see the glory of the Lord in it. There was a depth of appreciation for all that the Philippians had given to him.

FOCUSING ON THE RICHES OF GOD’S GLORY IN HIS PROVISION

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 4:19

Even as Paul remembered what the Philippians had given to him, he responded by exhorting them to focus on a God who will meet all their needs. This God of glory who had supplied all his needs in both good times and bad times will also continue supply whatever the Philippians needed. He wanted them to focus on the Lord’s great riches in glory. The great riches of the Lord’s glory cannot be numbered or quantified. There is no end to His richness of grace and mercy. His glory would indeed be seen as He provides and meets all the needs of the Philippians. This would come about through their faith in the Lord Jesus. When the Philippians exercised their faith as they prayed, the Lord God would indeed supply all their needs. Paul sought to help the Philippians to focus on the riches of the Lord’s glory. Let’s also learn to focus on this as we trust in His provision in our life.

GIVING ALL GLORY TO GOD

“Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Philippians 4:20

As Paul thought about the greatness of the Lord’s glory, he responded further with a doxology. He sought to give praise to the Lord’s glory. He did this for the following reasons:

1. AS AN EXPRESSION OF DEPTH OF APPRECIATION OF GOD THE FATHER AND HIS PROVISION

Paul gave praise to God because there was a depth of comprehension and appreciation of God as Father for what He had done and what He can do.

2. AS AN EXPRESSION OF SPONTANEOUS PRAISE TO THE LORD

He also spontaneously gave praise to the Lord as he focused on the Lord’s glory. His heart was full of gratitude to God. He could not help but exuberantly and naturally give praise to Him.

3. AS A COMMITMENT TO GIVE PRAISE TO THE LORD’S GLORY ALWAYS

This was Paul’s commitment always to give praise to the Lord. Paul began this epistle by giving thanks to God (Philippians 1:3). He ended his epistle by giving praise to His glory. Young people, let’s also seek to give praise to the Lord’s glory as we appreciate all His provisions in our life. Let’s make this our commitment to be thankful and to give Him all the glory always.

Back to Article Listing