King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Chapters: The Book Of Philippians
Message: Philippians: My God Shall Supply
Hello My Friend,
As we read through Philippians we learn that whether in life or death, saved, born again Christians are magnified in their bodies through Christ Himself. While it will definitely be more beneficial for us to be in heaven, it does no good for us to be up there when there are many down here who need to know about Jesus first.
[Philippians 1:18-21 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.]
We each have an appointed time on this earth, though none of us knows when God will call us home. That truth should stir us to make every day count, not for what we can gain, but for what we can give. Jesus Christ Himself, God, in the flesh Himself became a servant so that we might gain eternal life through His sacrifice.
[Philippians 2:8-11 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.]
God could have chosen another way to redeem mankind, but He chose to come as one of us. Through the virgin birth, Jesus not only became a servant, He became the sinless sacrifice who redeems every soul that believes and accepts Him. Whether one believes that or not, the day will come when every knee will bow before Him so we might as well humble ourselves before Him while we are here, [James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.]
The Book of Philippians is the eleventh book of the New Testament, the fiftieth book of the Bible, and contains four chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written and transcribed by Epaphroditus from a prison in Rome, to the church of Philippi, in approximately 64AD. The purpose of the letter was to bring unity to the church and encourage them to keep going for the gospel of Christ, and to express gratitude for their Christian liberty. What we are to learn from the book is that unity with Jesus brings us joy in all that we do, [Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.]
The Church at Philippi was in Macedonia and planted by Paul about 53AD, The Philippians were greatly dedicated to Paul, and showed their affection by sending him supplies when he was planting other churches. When they heard that he was in prison in Rome, they sent Epaphroditus, one of their pastors, to check on him, who then sent him back with this letter to thank them for their compassion.
[Philippians 1:1-7 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.]
As much as we know God is with us, it does us a great deal of good to have people we can turn to for encouragement and compassion. One of the greatest burdens Christians often carry is the attempt to handle struggles alone. We hesitate to ask for help, afraid of seeming weak, of bothering others, or of adding to their burdens. Yet it is this very isolation that wears us down. God never intended for us to walk alone. He places us in the body of Christ so that we can bear one another’s burdens and remind each other of His promises. Paul lived with unwavering confidence that Jesus would return, whether during his lifetime or soon after he went to be with the Lord. That same confidence should shape our own lives, stirring us to be ready for the day He comes again. While Paul waited for Christ’s return, he reminded believers of what they should be doing:
[Philippians 1:11-14 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God. 12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.]
Paul’s example teaches us that waiting is not passive, it is active obedience. Our confidence in Christ’s return should inspire us to live each day with faith, courage, and a willingness to embrace even our hardships as opportunities for God’s glory. Paul truly believed that his imprisonment was part of God’s plan, and he embraced it as an opportunity to be used by the Lord. His chains did not silence the Gospel, they amplified it.
[Philippians 1:22-26 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.]
Do you see why we are still here? It is more needful right now for us to remain on earth than to be in heaven. God has us exactly where we are for a reason. People come and go in our lives for a reason, and circumstances shift for a reason. Sometimes God places us in unexpected or even difficult situations so that others might be brought to Christ through our witness. When we shift our perspective from “Why am I here?” to “Who can I reach here?”, our burdens become blessings, and our trials become testimonies. Every day we are here is another opportunity to live out Christ’s love, to strengthen one another, and to shine His light in a world that desperately needs Him. Paul explains why it is so important for believers to remain steadfast and united.
[Philippians 1:27-30 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one Spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.]
We are to let our lives reflect the Gospel of Christ, whether anyone is watching or not. Paul also points out that believing in Christ is only part of our calling. We are also appointed to suffer for His sake. While no one loves pain, the truth is that we endure more than we realize. Yet we often forget that without Christ on our side, our pain could be far greater. Everything we go through, whether good, bad, or downright ugly, is allowed by God for a reason. Yet these hardships are not meaningless, they are opportunities to share in Christ’s sufferings and to glorify Him through our endurance. When we see pain through the lens of God’s purpose, it shifts from being something that breaks us to something that shapes us.
[Philippians 2:1-6 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:]
True Christians, though we may wrestle with pride from time to time, are marked by humility. We do not seek the limelight, and when it finds us, we shy away, because it is not us, but Christ who has done the work within us. Be cautious of those who constantly boast about what they have done or received from God. The Spirit of Christ does not glorify self; He glorifies the Father. Our testimony should point others to Jesus, not to our own achievements. Humility is not weakness, it is strength under submission. It is the recognition that our lives are vessels for Christ’s glory, not our own. There ought to be no question in anyone’s mind of who we are. Paul, commends the Philippians for their continued walk even out of his presence.
[Philippians 2:12-16 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.]
Our identity is not hidden when we faithfully walk with Christ, it is revealed in the way we love, serve, and remain faithful in and out of the public eye. Suffering is not a sign of God’s absence, it is often the place where His love is most deeply revealed. I recall a quote from a movie where someone, wrestling with pain, cried out: “Can you love me less?” Sometimes I feel like that, but when we embrace suffering as part of our journey with Christ, we discover that it is not a mark of defeat, but of belonging. Suffering for Christ’s sake is not wasted, it is a testimony that we belong to Him, [1 Peter 3:14-15 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:]
The work of Christ often requires sacrifice, but it also brings deep joy and honor as we endure the suffering. Our greatest testimony is not always found after we endured the suffering but in the faithfulness we display while walking through it. Knowing that Christ sustains us in the midst of suffering is what gives us comfort. Paul understood this well, he reminded the Philippians that even in his absence, their steadfastness mattered. He sent Timothy and Epaphroditus to check on their well-being, both of whom had endured their own struggles.
[Philippians 2:19,24-27,29-30 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. 25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: 30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.]
Epaphroditus had risked his life for the work of Christ, serving Paul and ministering to his needs. His devotion was so great that even when sickness brought him near death, his concern was not for himself but for the Philippians. Paul rejoiced that God had shown mercy, sparing Epaphroditus and lifting sorrow from his own heart. Their example reminds us that suffering is not wasted. It becomes a testimony of God’s mercy, His sustaining power, and the joy of serving Him even when the cost is high. Paul himself had every reason, by worldly standards, to boast in his accomplishments. Yet he declares that what once seemed gain to him, he now counts as loss for the sake of Christ.
[Philippians 3:1-4,7 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 3 For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. 4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.]
Paul exhorts the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord, reminding them that hearing the same truths again is not grievous, but safe. Repetition in Scripture is not wearisome, it is God’s way of anchoring us in what matters most. The reason we can rejoice is because we have far more to gain in God’s kingdom than anything we will ever lose here on earth. Loss may feel heavy, but it is never wasted when it draws us closer to Christ. God often reminds us that even if everything else fades away, He remains. Our relationship with Him is the treasure that cannot be taken, and it is worth more than all earthly possessions combined. Paul, even goes on to boldly say that anything he lost is counted as dung.
[Philippians 3:8-12 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; 11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.]
This bold statement reminds us that the things of this world, no matter how impressive or desirable, fade in comparison to the eternal joy of belonging to Christ. What the world calls gain, Paul calls loss, because only Christ satisfies the deepest needs of the soul. The truth is, nothing gained or taken from our lives is truly lost when Christ is involved. God supplies our every need when we take our minds off our wants and fix them on Him. Nothing we have here on earth can go with us, so rather than dwelling on what we no longer have we need to press forward to the greater prize, which Paul goes on to stress.
[Philippians 3:13-16 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.]
I will admit that this comes hard for me, especially after just losing my mother. For two years I had been her caregiver, my life completely coming to a halt and now I do not know what to do with myself. I try to move forward but cannot even get work no matter what I try to do so. I was reminded that pressing forward is not about ignoring the past or pretending loss does not hurt. It is about trusting that Christ is still calling us onward. The past is there for a reason, to help us learn and grow from it, but we must move forward and let go of all of the things that pull us back. Paul cautions us to be careful of those who try to pull us back.
[Philippians 3:18-21 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.]
Christ lives inside of us, the more we grow, the more we see Him working in our lives, and the more He is seen through us, the stronger we become and are able to not only withstand the next challenge, but see great blessings from God. I certainly cannot wait for the day that this vile body of mine gets changed, at least that makes the suffering easier to endure. We may even be one of the blessed ones to get raptured out of here. Paul, reminds the Philippians and all of us that Jesus is coming.
[Philippians 4:1-5 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. 2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.]
We may not agree with all the things that God places in our lives, but it is never a cause to forsake Him and go against everything He stands for. The truth is, God, is always going to use us for His purpose, we might as well let Him use us in a way that is pleasing to Him rather than to make an example of what not to do. And here is a clue, instead of trying to figure it all out, ask God who has it all figured out.
[Philippians 4:6-8 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.]
One thing I have learned this year is that God will supply our every need when we remain appreciative of His provision. Yet, I still find myself asking all day long, “Lord, when are You going to show up?” That is not peace, that is me trying to figure it all out instead of giving it to God. However when we stop to think about it, honesty, virtue, purity, all of these qualities together form something called integrity. Integrity does not mean that we are not going to ask God why sometimes, but it does mean that we will never be moved, [Job 27:3-6 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; 4 My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. 5 God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. 6 My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.]
This is not about us, we are already saved and know where we are going. It is about reaching the lost while we are still here, letting our integrity and faithfulness point them to Jesus. Paul rejoiced in the Lord because the Philippians’ care for him had flourished again. Yet makes it clear, his joy was not rooted in material provision or circumstances rather in the strength that came from Christ.
[Philippians 4:10-13 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.]
True contentment is not found in what we have or lack, but in who sustains us. We are not going to achieve every ambition, but we will enduring every circumstance with Christ’s strength. Whether we face loss, uncertainty, or provision, we can rest in the assurance that Christ is enough, [Philippians 4:17-20 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.]
Our needs are not met by chance or by human effort, but by the riches of God’s glory in Christ. He is faithful to provide, and His provision always points back to His glory. While we are to be content with what we have that does not mean that we are not to desire more. Let me tell you, nothing gained or taken from our lives is counted for lost when Christ is involved. As long as we trust God and remain faithful to Him, He will see us through every challenge, even when we fuss and cry about how unfair He is. Remember, God is always with us, we just need to take the good with the bad, and I know that is hard, but we can do all things through Christ, [2 Corinthians 12:9-10 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.]
Today’s Prayer: God, As much as I know that You always work things out, I get tired of constantly being on the receiving end of the suffering. Nevertheless, I will Rejoice in the Lord always. Lord, Give me the peace that passes all understanding. Give me wisdom and guidance, help me see the light of Christ that shines in me when all I can see is darkness. Give me Your strength, mercy, and grace to see through every challenge, and let me never forget that You work everything out for good and in Your time. I love You, Lord, and pray in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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