The Secret of Contentment

Introduction

Last week, we ended with Paul telling us two things.

First, he tells us what kind of things we focus our minds: true; noble; right; pure; lovely; admirable. Then he adds two catch all categories that the Philippians can define: things that are excellent and things that are praiseworthy. Paul says we should about such things.

Then he says that whatever they have learned, received, heard, or seen in him—they should put them into practice!

He closed our section last week by telling when we do such things, the God of peace will be with us!

Now we come to our passage today. Paul is pleased that the church at Philippi had sent him a gift. So if you have your Bibles, turn with me to Philippians chapter 4, and we’ll begin reading with verse 10.

Philippians 4:10 NIV

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.

Here in verse 10, Paul again changes the subject. He now focuses on the Philippians renewed concern for him.

Paul says he rejoices greatly in the Lord because of their renewed concern for him.

Renewed (Gk. sprout again).

Paul knows that they were always concerned about him, but until now they lacked the opportunity to send gifts to him.

Paul is not saying he was in need.

Philippians 4:11 NIV

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Paul’s rejoicing is not because some need in his life has been fulfilled.

After all he has learned to be content in whatever circumstances come his way.

QUESTION: Have I learned to be content in whatever circumstances come my way?

I’m not sure I could say this. Often, I am overwhelmed by circumstances rather than being content with them.

Clarification

Philippians 4:12–13 NIV

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Paul goes on to expand on the thought in verse 11.

First he says he knows what it is like to live in need.

Then he says he knows what it is like to have plenty!

No matter which type of circumstance he finds himself in he has learned the secret of being content in every situation--now that is saying a lot.

Paul continues:

— If he is well fed he is content.

— If he is hungry he is content.

— If he has plenty he is content.

— If he is living with a bunch of needs he is content.

Key:

Philippians 4:13 NIV

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

He can live in ANY situation through Christ who gives him the strength he needs.

NOTE: This verse could be translated, "I am strong, able to accomplish all that the Lord has given me, through the strength He gave me."

In other words, there's nothing the church of Philippi could give him that Paul needs, because God has already equipped him with everything he needs. Compare 2 Corinthians 12:9.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Philippians 4:14 NIV

Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.

Paul just said that he can endure whatever he needs to endure because he trust in Jesus to give him the strength that he needs.

Now he says that the church at Philippi has done a good thing by sharing in his troubles. Look at this verse in the New Living Translations.

Philippians 4:14 NLT

Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Philippians 4:15 NIV

Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;

Paul now reminds them of their history together:

The church at Philippi was the only one that helped Paul on his trip to Macedonia (cf. Acts 16) (v. 15a).

No other church helped in any way (v. 15b).

Philippians 4:16 NIV

for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.

Even when Paul was in Thessalonica, the church at Philippi sent him aid—more than once! (v. 16).

Philippians 4:17 NIV

Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.

Paul isn’t going down “memory lane” because he has some kind of need or wants something from them now.

Paul is going down “memory lane” because he wants them to God bless them (be rewarded) for their kindness (v. 17)

Thankful for Their Gift

Philippians 4:18 NIV

I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.

Paul says he has received everything (presumably, everything they sent to him) (v. 18a).

Paul now has more than enough (v. 18b).

He is fully supplied (v. 18c).

And all of this was received from Epaphroditus who brought their gives to Paul (v. 18d).

Paul says that their offerings were:

A “fragrant offering”

An “acceptable sacrifice”

And “pleasing to God” (v. 18e).

Promise of God’s Faithfulness

Philippians 4:19 NIV

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Paul believed followers of Jesus could not out give God’s generosity. So he tells the church at Philippi:

How his God—He is personal—

God will meet ALL of their needs.

And God will meet their needs according to (Gk. through His or by His) glorious riches.

These riches are found in Jesus Christ!

Philippians 4:20 NIV

To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Paul’s desire is that through God’s work in meeting their needs they would give glory to God the Father forever and ever!

And he closes this through with Amen--may it be so!

Paul’s Closing Greetings

Philippians 4:21–23 NIV

Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

So What?

Are you content—no matter what comes your way?

Can you survive having plenty? Can you survive having needs? Well fed, or hungry?

Can you trust that through Jesus Christ you do everything He gives you to do?

Sharing in God’s work—God promises He will meet all your needs—NOT all your wants—And God does this through the glory that comes through Jesus Christ.