by Kevin O'Connell

Created on: August 21, 2009   Last Updated: September 01, 2009

The apostle Paul while addressing an assembly of overseers and deacons in Philippi (Philippians IV) concludes his address by stating, And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

The needs of which Paul speaks are not earthly needs. For those who advance the Gospel there is no promise of plenty, or of riches, or even an absence of tribulation in this life: For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him. For those who mistakenly believe that God will reward the faithful with wealth or good fortune, Paul makes it clear that destruction is the reward for he whose mind is on earthly things.

Multiple times in this same address Paul refers to the day of Christ Jesus or the day of Christ. The day of which he speaks is the same that is referenced in Revelations, And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, and God himself shall be with them. This new heaven is the glorious riches in Christ Jesus and the inheritance of all that overcome: And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be (Revelations 22).

To more clearly understand the responsibility of the faithful, Paul mentions briefly before the assembly the book of life (Philippians IV). In Revelations it is implied that all who are created in the image of God are listed in the book of life, and that by virtue of being listed a place in heaven is reserved. Only by misdeed may a name be blotted out, He that overcometh I will not blot out his name out of the book of life. Paul's inference is that God will reward those that are steadfast in his name with salvation come the second death; as well will He punish those who profit from the whore of Babylon. And whosoever [is] not found written in the book of life [will be] cast into the lake of fire.

In the context of this address, Paul extols the virtue of those there assembled, and thanks them for their support and partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. As a reward for this support and faith, Paul promises all of you share in God's grace with me.

In a more current and applicable context, the words of Paul are a reminder that God makes no earthly promise, both saying and implying that the absence of need and suffering are not necessarily the reward of faith, but that the peace of God will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. The great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God promised to those in the book of life will be the reward for those who keep the faith and spread the Gospel. The words of Paul are words of comfort to make bearable the suffering and labors that are part of this earthly existence in anticipation of the glory of Christ Jesus.

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