THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT
Notes
Transcript
Philippians 4:10-14
INTRODUCTION
“I’ve got a secret”
“I’ve got a secret”
There is something fascinating about those words
Ears perk up, and people lean in as they whisper, “What is it? I won’t tell anyone”
Religiously speaking, there are many who claim to have the “secrets” to spiritual life - but they are frauds
In sharp contrast to these frauds, notice…
12 I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.
Here Paul speak of a genuine and important “secret”
One has called this “the only secret that we need”
Nearing the end of Paul’s letter to the Philippians…
Nearing the end of Paul’s letter to the Philippians…
He has one final task: to express his appreciation for the gift that was sent him by Epaphroditus
In doing this, Paul will include some profound moments of spiritual and practical insight - including the “secret of contentment”
In Philippians 4:10-14 we will notice a…
A Satisfying Situation
A Startling Statement
The Strengthening Secret
... Paul begins by discussing...
DISCUSSION
A SATISFYING SITUATION
A SATISFYING SITUATION
10 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.
What caused Paul to rejoice “greatly”?
It was the Philippians’ expression of love
We will see, though, that the apostle’s happiness was not so much for the gift, but for the fact that it showed concern
The emphasis in this section is not on things, but on people - not on the gift, but on the giver
The phrase “your care of me” [thought - ASV, or concern] is in the imperfect tense in the Greek indicating continuous action in the past.
The phrase “your care of me” [thought - ASV, or concern] is in the imperfect tense in the Greek indicating continuous action in the past.
They had concern for Paul, the problem was they lacked opportunity to express their concern
Paul had not been out of their thoughts, but he was out of their reach
We cannot be sure why the Philippians lacked opportunity to help Paul, but whatever it was it was a circumstance beyond their control
They finally overcame the problem (whatever it was), and their concern for Paul had “flourished again” - i.e. revived - coming from a Greek word meaning to again flourish and blossom
They finally overcame the problem (whatever it was), and their concern for Paul had “flourished again” - i.e. revived - coming from a Greek word meaning to again flourish and blossom
Their concern was like a barren tree in winter reviving in the spring
Their concern appeared dead - but it was not
Paul now makes ...
A STARTLING STATEMENT
A STARTLING STATEMENT
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
Paul having just said that he rejoiced in the gift of the Philippians, you might expect him to say, “after all, I really needed what you sent!”
Paul having just said that he rejoiced in the gift of the Philippians, you might expect him to say, “after all, I really needed what you sent!”
There is little doubt that he needed help
He spoke of his “affliction” in verse 14
Paul, however, wanted his readers to know that his rejoicing was not so much for the gift as it was for the concern it expressed
Thus he quickly added, “Not that I speak in respect of want” - In other words, “I am not saying this as a hint to send another gift.”
It is kind of like the gifts you get from your children when they are young - they are special, not because of the gift, but because of who they came from and the love behind them
Paul now makes a Declaration
Paul now makes a Declaration
“I have learned, in whatsoever state [or situation, or circumstance] I am”
These circumstances that Paul listed might be considered as the ups and downs of life - the good times and the bad times
There were times when Paul was in need, and times when he lived in plenty
Now here is the problem that we have with the ups and downs of life:
When we are down, the danger is despair - and when we are up the danger is pride
Paul did not let the downs degrade him or the ups to exalt him
Paul understood, as should we, that the circumstances of life change in a moment and that none of those circumstances define who we are
He believed that the Lord could handle anything that happened to him
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Exactly what did Paul mean when he spoke of being “content”?
“Contentment” is sometimes misunderstood - it is not complacency or a false peace based on ignorance, and it is not pretending that a bad situation is a good one
To truly understand “contentment” we need to look at the Greek word
The word translated “content” in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 and Hebrews 13:5 (a form of arkeo) means sufficient
The word in Philippians 4:11 translated “content” is from a compound word which combines arkeo and the word for “self” (autos) - thus, the literal translation could be “self-sufficient”
The word was used to describe the person who through discipline had become independent of external circumstances, and who discovered within himself resources that were more than adequate for any situation that might arise
Paul’s satisfaction was not based on outward situation, but on inward sufficiency
This sufficiency was not based on personal resources
It was based on divine resources
Notice too that Paul “learned” to be content
Paul is telling us that the Christian life is a learning experience
Contentment is not something that we are born with
We learn through:
Painful experience ...
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 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.
Earnest prayer ...
6 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.
If Paul could learn to be content, so can we
We have noticed
A Satisfying Situation
A Startling Statement
Now Paul gives us…
THE STRENGTHENING SECRET
THE STRENGTHENING SECRET
12 I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want.
The “Secret”
The “Secret”
The phrase “I learned the secret” is translated from a single Greek word
Meaning: “being initiated into the mysteries”
Paul’s entire life was an initiation process by which he learned the marvelous secret
What was the secret? No matter what happened, the Lord would stand by him
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Perhaps the most well know verse in the Bible
“I can do” comes from ischuros meaning strong - thus, the idea is: “I have strength for every situation”
“Strengtheneth” is from a compound word in the Greek - the heart of that word is dunamis (dynamite)
This passage is also in the present tense (indicating continuous action) so the passage might read: “I can continue to have strength in all things through Him who constantly gives me power”
“I can do all things” must be considered in light of its context
Not - leap tall buildings
But, in good and bad situations
The Source
The Source
Our source of strength and contentment is Christ!
Paul’s secret was Christ!
The world has not learned this - they think contentment comes from education, money, etc.
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
CONCLUSION
Paul has shown us
Paul has shown us
A Satisfying Situation
A Startling Statement
The Strengthening Secret
So what is…
The Value of Contentment
The Value of Contentment
From the pen of uninspired men...
“He is richest who is content with the least.” (Socrates)
“He is well paid that is well satisfied.” (William Shakespeare )
“He who is content can never be ruined.” (Chinese Proverb)
“He who wants little always have enough.” (Johann Georg Zimmerman)
“If you are not satisfied with a little, you will not be satisfied with much.” (Unknown)
“The contented man is never poor, the discontented never rich.” (George Eliot)
Paul wrote that “...godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim 6:6)
Godliness, which is godly living expressed in devotion to God, is of great value only when accompanied with contentment
A lack of contentment will render any service to God of no value
Contentment Exemplified
Contentment Exemplified
In Fanny Crosby (1820-1925), a blind songwriter who wrote:
O What a happy soul am I! Although I cannot see,
I am resolved that in this world Contented I will be;
How many blessings I enjoy
That other people don’t!
To weep and sigh because I’m blind, I cannot, and I won’t.
In Helen Keller (1880-1968); blind, deaf, and mute, yet she wrote:
They took away what should have been my eyes,
(But I remembered Milton’s Paradise)
They took away what should have been my ears,
(Beethoven came and wiped away my tears)
They took away what should have been my tongue,
(But I talked with God when I was young)
He would not let them take away my soul,
Possessing that, I still possess the whole.
Do you remember the words of the aged prisoner, the apostle Paul?
10 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.
SO WHAT IS THE KEY TO CONTENTMENT?
SO WHAT IS THE KEY TO CONTENTMENT?
Trusting in God’s Providential Care
Trusting in God’s Providential Care
5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
God has promised never to leave nor forsake us
With the Lord as our helper, what can man do? ...
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
This is the reason Jesus gave for us not to worry (Mt. 6:25-32)
We are of greater value to God than the birds or flowers
He providentially cares for them, will He not do the same for us?
The key to receiving this care is to put God’s will first in our lives...
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Contentment comes, then, when we trust that God will provide what we need!
The key to contentment is Knowing What You Can’t Take With You
The key to contentment is Knowing What You Can’t Take With You
As Paul discussed contentment, he pointed out certain truths...
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
We brought nothing into this world
It is certain we can carry nothing out! (have you ever seen a hearse pulling a U-Haul trailer?)
Why then become anxious or worked up over things...
That at best are only temporary
Why fret over things that will wear out, be stolen, or left behind (or burned up at the coming of the Lord)
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Contentment comes, then, from knowing that material things are only temporary
The Key to Contentment is Realizing What is Truly Essential for Life
The Key to Contentment is Realizing What is Truly Essential for Life
Paul also revealed what are the only true “essentials” to sustain life...
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
They are “food and clothing”
Anything beyond this is a “luxury”, for which we ought to be thankful
Since God has promised to provide food and clothing (Mt 6:25-33), we can rest knowing that our “essentials” will be provided
Contentment comes, then, by realizing what is truly “essential” for life, for then we will realize how richly blessed we really are!
The Key to Contentment is Understanding that Material Things Do Not Satisfy
The Key to Contentment is Understanding that Material Things Do Not Satisfy
Solomon observed this inadequacy of material things...
10 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.
Those who love silver (money) will never be satisfied
The same is true with those who love abundance (what money can buy)
Material things do not meet the true needs of the soul...
7 All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.
1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, And he that hath no money; Come ye, buy, and eat; Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, And let your soul delight itself in fatness. 3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, Even the sure mercies of David.
God placed a longing in man, that man might seek for God...
26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
Sadly, many people try to fulfill that longing with material things
They never succeed, for only one thing can fulfill it: God Himself!
Contentment comes, then, from understanding that material things will never provide lasting satisfaction
Finally, True Contentment is a Gift from God
Finally, True Contentment is a Gift from God
Here is another observation Solomon made in his search for life’s meaning:
The ability to enjoy the fruits of one’s labor is a gift from God...
24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I? 26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. 13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. 19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. 20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.
On the other hand, many are allowed to “gather” and “collect”, but will not enjoy the fruits of their labor...
26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men: 2 A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.
God has the ability to provide lasting satisfaction...
8 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, And for his wonderful works to the children of men! 9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, And filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
He promises to give that which truly satisfies (makes one content) (Isa 55:1-3)
And in Christ, He enables one to be content...
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.
Contentment comes, then, when God sees fit to bless us with that which truly satisfies: “the sure mercies of David” (i.e., the blessings promised through the coming Messiah)
Are you content?
Are you content?
If not, get into Christ and His will!
If not, get into Christ and His will!