Sustaining Goodness of Christ

English Standard Version Chapter 4

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Key Facts about Letter

In prison

Paul is writing expressing joy and contentment

V. 10-11

Paul in prison, expresses gratitude for the genuine giving of the Philippians.

He is thankful that they have given him such a blessing that he is able to continue in ministry, however, he takes the time to use this occasion to teach about contentment.

V. 12

Paul begins to list out in a generic way the circumstances he has gone through.

Brought low- humbled

Abound- Thrive

Plenty and Hunger

Abundance and need

V. 13

It is Christ who gives Paul the contentment to live in whatever circumstance God brings his way.

Philippians 2:5-11 speak to the humility that Jesus demonstrated, being content to submit to the will of the Father.

This comes from the eternal perspective.

Paul lived with eyes on the future. He was faithful here, but his mind was enraptured with the knowledge of glory waiting for him.

Whatever circumstance whether abundance or need, we submit these to God, knowing that only he can provide.

This does not mean doing nothing, but it is working with our eyes ultimately set on Jesus.

What was Paul’s one thing he was discontent with?

Philippians 3:12–16 ESV

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. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.