Sermon Cloud

Many of us miss out on God’s joy because we choose a mindset of scarcity, rather than generosity.

Paul's living would have been meager and simple by modern standards; artisans were better off than the poor, but far below the standard of living enjoyed by the modern Western middle class or by the well-to-do of antiquity.  "Moderation" - seeking a mean between two extremes — was central to most Greek discussions of virtue, especially in Aristotle. 

But Paul nowhere seeks such a mean; like the best of Greek philosophers, he can live in any situation.  Unlike such philosophers, who depended only on themselves, however, he is "self-sufficient" only by virtue of Christ, who works in him.

That attitude is one that all of us can and must share in.  Paul recognizes the sacrifice they made in providing financial support to him.  In turn, he reminds them of the true source of generosity.  “This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches.”  Generosity is possible when we trust that God will take care of us.