Content in Any Circumstance

So, we have learned a great deal in the closing chapter of this letter of friendship and exhortation.

Paul is teaching the way in which we as Christians can stand firm

We live in the Lord three ways:

Stand Firm

Live in Harmony

Rejoice

We live this out in four commands:

Rejoice

Again Rejoice

Do not be anxious

Let our gentleness be known to all

Then last week we learned we stand firm is this way by 8 virtues to look for and ponder in the world and in people - true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, commendable, any excellence, worthy of praise

Then in Christ centered teaching and example

The four verbs: learned, received, heard, and seen

The way we are to receive instruction and then to live it out through examples of Paul and others

Today we are going to see that we stand firm by being content in any circumstance

Chair bible page 787

Philippians 4:10–14 (NASB 2020)

Are you ready for the message that God has for us today?

Cool, let’s begin!

In our text we find Paul exhorting the church of Philippi to learn from his example and find contentment in any circumstance.

Paul is developing the thought of verse 9 learning through hearing and receiving through seeing.

How do we learn to be content in all circumstances?

The media saturates us with images and stories of: more is better; you need to have the best for success

The world is teaching us to not be content, acquire more at any means possible

Where is the sense of fulfillment if that is your pursuit in life?

I am reminded of Christopher Parkening:

Here was man who is considered to be the World’s Greatest classical guitarist

At the age of thirty he had reached all of his dreams as a guitarist, and at the same time he was a champion fly fisherman

He found no happiness or contentment in all of his success, so he walked away, bought a ranch in Montana and pursued fly-fishing

He questioned why instead of finding the contentment he longed for, his life was now empty

Parkening found his answer when he went to visit some friends and went to church with them. He found Christ, gave his life to the Lord and found a deep hunger for scripture.

“Now he recognizes that he plays guitar by the grace of God, found a deep fulfillment and has learned first hand the true secret of genuine happiness and contentment” Randy Alcorn Happiness.

It strikes me that contentment can be found in life if we change the way we think, if we take a different perspective

This was the point Paul was making to the Philippians as he closes his letter

While Paul appreciated the fact that at least twice they had provided for his needs, Paul never asked them for it.

For in the experiences of his life Paul had learned a valuable lesson.

I see Paul as the living example of Hebrews 13:5

Hebrews 13:5 NASB 2020

5 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you,”

This was exactly how Paul lived and that is his teaching here.

How Did Paul learn the secret?

He rejoiced in the Lord – verse 10

Rejoice is a major theme in his letter, 14 times in the letter

In our text he rejoiced because they sent him a gift

Which at the time of the writing of this letter he had received

It showed Paul their deep concern for him, it gave him joy, it was a fragrant offering

An offering acceptable and pleasing to God

He rejoiced because he did not ask for the gift

He had learned to be content with what he had

Paul knows what it is like to be in want, in plenty, in hunger and being well-fed

In all these circumstances he learned to be content, yet he gladly received their gift

How is it possible to be content in both scarcity and abundance?

Paul answered in 1 Timothy 6:8

1 Timothy 6:8 NASB 2020

8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.

Or the Lord’s prayer where Jesus teaches Matthew 6:11

Matthew 6:11 NASB 2020

11 ‘Give us this day our daily bread.

God had used the Philippians to supply for his need at the time.

Who taught Paul the secret?

God taught Paul the secret through the gift of the Philippians

When he was both in Thessalonica and Macedonia no other church even offered to assist Paul

In the gifts given at those times Paul was given exactly what was needed – verse 18

Paul tells them he has “been paid in full and fully satisfied” – verse 18

Philippians 4:18 NASB 2020

18 But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Here is the secret God taught Paul

In all circumstances, being in want and plenty, in hunger and well fed be content

Contentment is found only in Christ – Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13 NASB 2020

13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Isn’t interesting how often we hear this scripture used, yet the context in which it appears it’s being content in any and all circumstances

Is it any wonder then that Paul would begin this section of the letter with “I rejoiced in the Lord?”

Christ was the secret of Paul’s ability to rejoice and being content.

Paul is showing how he lives a Christ centered life, and is the example that the Philippians and us should follow!

Conclusion

This was a lesson Paul wanted Philippi to learn and know, it is a lesson for us as well

Remember the story of Christopher Parkening that we began with, this was a lesson he too had learned in his own life

God in all circumstances whether in scarcity or abundance gives us what is needed.

The challenge for us is not to look into the world to find lasting joy and contentment, they are only found in Christ

This was the secret of Paul’s joy, it was the secret of Parkening’s joy and it can be the secret of our joy as well.

Where are you looking for joy and contentment?

Do you compare your life to the unrealistic expectations we see in the media?

All God asks, is your life. He will teach you true contentment through Christ. Come to the altar.

Follow the Christ centered example and teaching of the Apostle Paul and give yourself to Christ. Come to the altars!