Philippians 4:10-13 (The Secret of Contentment)
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23 Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.
24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one.
25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea;
26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers;
27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.
28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.
Intro:
Intro:
This has been a process of humility to study this passage.
I struggle with contentment in my life.
Illustrations of different things I thought would make me content
N64 pic
Sports pictures (3)
Car
College (fear factor V8 low sodium tomato Juice)
Family
NOTHING WAS ENOUGH
When everything you considered valuable in life is seen to be nothing in comparison to the glory of Christ, you learn that Christ alone is worth living for.
- Paul has been talking in this letter about valuing CHrist above all (contentment)
- WIth it, He gives us 4 “secrets” in these verses that He has learned that have led to contentment.
I. v. 10 SECRET #1: REJOICE IN God’s Provision (however it comes)
I. v. 10 SECRET #1: REJOICE IN God’s Provision (however it comes)
A. God knows when to provide: God’s timing is perfect concerning our needs.
A. God knows when to provide: God’s timing is perfect concerning our needs.
10 years had passed since Paul’s minsitry to Philippi
They had supported him when he left to minister to Thessalonica and Berea (acts 17)
And athens and corinth (Acts 17-18)
Paul Said “they were concerned , but they had no opportunity”
In the end Paul was rejoicing because these people had love for him
B.God knows where to provide... God knows your needs. Ill. Paul had needs – 1 Tim. 6:8 (This passage…Godliness with contentment is great gain)
B.God knows where to provide... God knows your needs. Ill. Paul had needs – 1 Tim. 6:8 (This passage…Godliness with contentment is great gain)
8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
1. He may send it directly (miracles) – Ill. Elijah and the ravens, 1 Kings 17. He could send it from Heaven like He did the Manna, but He often chooses to use us, so that we can get a blessing too, Ill. Widow of Zarepath – 1 Kings 17.
2. He may meet our need through others (providence) - Ill. The Philippians gift to Paul. Had been 10 years, but they sent to his needs. Had lacked opportunity, but when time came, they gave. Ill. “flourished again” - “To bloom again” – Ill. Like flowers in the spring after long, cold winter. Got Paul on heart and acted. What prompted them? God did! (Note: When God lays something on your heart, do it! When you have an opportunity to do good, take it! Ill. Gal. 6:10.)
C. God’s provision causes rejoicing...Regardless of what God provides, rejoice in it, Ill. V. 12;
C. God’s provision causes rejoicing...Regardless of what God provides, rejoice in it, Ill. V. 12;
Ill. Heb. 13:5. Ill. Sometimes, it is harder to handle a lot than it is a little! (Ill. What does it take to satisfy you? Gadgets, cars, recreation, clothes, keeping up with neighbors, etc.
II. v. 11 SECRET #2: REST IN YOUR SITUATION (whatever it is)
II. v. 11 SECRET #2: REST IN YOUR SITUATION (whatever it is)
—Verse 11 is Paul making sure they realize He is not speaking out of a desire for things.
A. Godly Self-awareness (Not that i speak of need)
A. Godly Self-awareness (Not that i speak of need)
Being able to tell the difference between a need and a want
so often we tend towards blurring the lines of needs and want
Some may think Paul was speaking out of want here
Actually, he is just talking about his needs.
Paul was a prisoner at this time. Chained to his guard. He had learned in that moment to be content.
Paul was a prisoner at this time. Chained to his guard. He had learned in that moment to be content.
Paul was not talking about needs because his “contentment” had already met his needs.
B. Godly Self-Sufficiency (content) (We know this because of I can do ALL THings in v.13)
B. Godly Self-Sufficiency (content) (We know this because of I can do ALL THings in v.13)
“CONTENT” = a-TAR-case—word means self-sufficient. Having enough and not being dependent on others.
This word comes specifically from greek philosophy
Like a country who supplies itself and has no need for imports
God gives us the ability to be self-sufficient. God creates the self-sufficient “activity” and we perform it
This thinking of God produced self-power was pervasive in Paul’s teaching…look at Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
(Self-control literally means “power over”)
We also see this idea in Philippians 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,
13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Work out your own salvation…You act the miracle God creates it.
SO True contentment comes only from God, and enables believers to be satisfied and at ease in the midst of any problem.
III. V.12 Secret #3: Reinforce contentment in each season of life (Whenever you can)
III. V.12 Secret #3: Reinforce contentment in each season of life (Whenever you can)
When paul talks about “knowing” (how to be brought low and to abound) it is because experiences had driven him to knowing how to be content in these different situations
Paul gave a lot of examples in Philippians of times when he had to develop Contentment
God turns losses for gains
12 I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel,
The Spirit of Jesus works to save us in peril
19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance,
Suffering is a gift from God with good purposes
29 For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake,
The worst suffering for Christ is gloriously rewarded (let this mind be in you which was also in Jesus)
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
In our working God is working in us and for us
13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
The absence of grumbling which is the same as the presence of contentment is a sign that you are a child of God
14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing,
15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
Death in the service of Christ’s people is a cause for rejoicing
17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
Risking your life is truly an honorable thing
29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men,
30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
In all my struggles to hold on to Christ he has already taken hold on me.
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
Even though my body will wear out and die, Christ will come and give me a new body.
20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
- All our joy is not finally in things, but in the Lord.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.
Prayer and thankfulness in all circumstances release a peace from God beyond human mental ability to produce.
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Practicing humble servanthood toward others is the drawing near to the God of peace.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
You will have everything you need
19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
IV. v. 13 SECRET #4: REALIZE YOUR STRENGTH COMES FROM GOD (Wherever you are)
IV. v. 13 SECRET #4: REALIZE YOUR STRENGTH COMES FROM GOD (Wherever you are)
A. Paul does not say “I can’t” – That is the language of PESSIMISM. Ill. Hear this kind of talk everywhere. Churches can’t grow, or be great for God. Christians can’t witness, pray, be effective.
B. Paul does not say “I can” – That is the language of PRESUMPTION. Ill. New convert reading NT and “Paul, you’ve gone too far now!” Hear this a lot too. People say, “I can run my own life! I do not need God, the church or the Bible. I am the captain of my own soul and the master of own fate.” Take Christ out of Christian and what do you have? IAN = “I am nothing” Ill. Rich fool – “I will” – Luke 12:32.
C. He said “I can…through Christ” – That is the language of POWER.
-This is dynamic contentment; this is dynamic Christian life.
- This is victory over every temptation; grace for every trouble; strength for every task.
(Ill. What are “all things?” Jump off church? Stop speeding locomotive? Play piano? Means all things in v. 12! Jesus gives power to face life’s adversities. He gives the power to cope. He gives the power to enjoy contentment regardless of the circumstances, Phil. 4:6-7. People succumb because can’t cope. He gives the power to face anything that comes your way with true contentment.
Ill. “strengthens me” – “infuses His strength into my life.” Ill. Pres. Tense!
Ill. “strengthens me” – “infuses His strength into my life.” Ill. Pres. Tense!
Conc: Ill. Poor farmer worked hard and had nothing. When he died, his property was found to be sitting on a sea of oil. He had a treasure he had never tapped into! Are you content? Are you saved? Are you tapping the well of His power?