The Secret of Contentment

Heavenly Father, we come before You today seeking wisdom from Your Word. Open our hearts and minds to understand the secret of contentment as Paul revealed through the inspiration of Your Spirit. Teach us to rely fully on You for our strength and provision. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Opening Remarks

Good morning, church family. Today we are concluding our journey through the book of Philippians, examining the final verses in chapter 4. Phil. 4.10-23. - Series title: “Joyful Living: Embracing Christ's Mindset in Every Season”

Sermons in Series:

A Joyful Beginning

Joy in Chains

To Live Christ, Die Gain

Worthy of the Gospel

The Mind of Christ

Shining as Lights

Gospel Partnership

Beware of False Confidence

Press Toward the Goal

Citizens of Heaven

Peace Beyond Understanding

Today - The Secret of Contentment

Now in Phil. 4: 10-23 these verses are rich in practical wisdom, revealing the heart of the Apostle Paul and his confidence in God through the Lord Jesus Christ. As we unpack this passage, we will discover how to live with true contentment, trusting God as our provider in all circumstances.

Philippians 4:10–23 NKJV

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Firstly lets take a look closer at vs. 10-13 that speak of Paul’s joy in God’s provision

1. Joy in God’s Provision (vv. 10-13)

Paul’s Joy Rooted in God: Paul expresses his joy not because of material provision alone but because he sees the Philippians’ gift as evidence of God’s providence.

Philippians 4:10 NKJV

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity.

Joy is centered on God's faithfulness, not merely human generosity. Gratitude for the Philippians’ concern reflects a spiritual connection, not dependence on their resources.

Matthew 6:31–33 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Jesus teaches to seek first God’s kingdom, trusting in His provision for daily needs.

James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

Every good gift is from above, emphasizing God as the source of all provision.

The Secret of Contentment (vv. 11-12):

Paul teaches that contentment is learned through experience and spiritual maturity.

Philippians 4:11 (NKJV)

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

1 Timothy 6:6–8 “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” – Godliness with contentment is great gain; a reminder to be content with basic needs.

Psalm 23:1 “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” A testimony of God’s sufficiency.

Contentment is independent of circumstances.

Philippians 4:12 NKJV

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

“to be abased” = how to do with a little

Whether well-fed or hungry, Paul finds satisfaction.

Contentment is rooted in trusting God’s sovereignty.

Paul’s satisfaction lies in his relationship with Christ, not in external conditions.

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – Paul boasts in weaknesses because God’s grace is sufficient, echoing contentment through dependence on Christ.

Strength in Christ (v. 13):

Philippians 4:13 NKJV

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

This verse is often quoted but frequently misunderstood. Paul is not claiming invincibility; rather, he is highlighting Christ's enabling power to endure any circumstance.

John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” – “Apart from me, you can do nothing,” emphasizing reliance on Christ’s strength.

Isaiah 40:29–31 “He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” – God gives strength to the weary, renewing those who trust in Him.

2. Generosity and Partnership in Ministry (vv. 14-18)

Partnership in Trouble (v. 14): The Philippians participated in Paul’s ministry by sharing in his difficulties.

Philippians 4:14 NKJV

Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.

Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – “Bear one another's burdens,” reflecting the Philippians’ ministry to Paul.

Their support was a tangible expression of their fellowship in the gospel.

Faithful Giving (vv. 15-16):

Philippians 4:15–16 (NKJV)

no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.

The Philippians consistently supported Paul, even when others did not. Their generosity demonstrated spiritual maturity and love for God’s work.

Proverbs 11:25 “The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.” – “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Acts 20:35 “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” – Jesus’ words: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Eternal Fruit from Generosity (v. 17):

Philippians 4:17 NKJV

Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.

Paul emphasizes the spiritual rewards of giving: eternal blessings and treasures in heaven.

Matthew 6:19–21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

– Lay up treasures in heaven, aligning with Paul’s focus on eternal rewards.

Application: Giving to God's work is an investment in eternity.

A Fragrant Offering (v. 18):

Philippians 4:18 NKJV

Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

The Philippians’ gifts were not only helpful to Paul but also an act of worship to God.

Genesis 8:21 “And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done.” – Noah’s sacrifice was a “pleasing aroma” to God, paralleling the Philippians’ offering.

Hebrews 13:16 “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” – “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

3. God’s Faithfulness to Supply Every Need (vv. 19-20)

Confidence in God’s Provision (v. 19):

Philippians 4:19 NKJV

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Paul assures the Philippians that just as they provided for his needs, God would provide for theirs.

God’s supply is not limited to human resources but comes from His infinite riches in Christ.

Romans 8:32 “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” – If God did not spare His own Son, He will graciously provide all things.

Doxology (v. 20):

"To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."

Paul concludes with praise, reminding us that all provision and blessings come from God for His glory.

Revelation 4:11 ““You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”” – Worship and glory belong to God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

4. Final Greetings and Grace (vv. 21-23)

Unity in Christ (v. 21):

Phil 4.21 Paul emphasizes the shared fellowship among believers.

Philippians 4:21 NKJV

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.

Application: A spirit of unity and love should characterize the church.

The Reach of the Gospel (v. 22):

Philippians 4:22 NKJV

All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.

Even in Rome, the gospel had reached into Caesar’s household—a testament to God’s power to work in unlikely places.

Closing Benediction (v. 23):

Philippians 4:23 NKJV

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Paul ends with a blessing of grace, pointing to Christ as the source of strength and provision.

Conclusion

As we close our study of Philippians, let us remember these key lessons:

True contentment is found in Christ, not in circumstances.

Generosity in ministry reflects our trust in God and our commitment to His work.

God is faithful to meet all our needs according to His glorious riches.

Closing Prayer

Father, we thank You for the powerful truths in Your Word. Teach us to be content in every circumstance, to rely on Christ for strength, and to live generously, trusting in Your provision. May Your grace abound in our lives as we seek to glorify You in all we do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application Challenge

This week, reflect on your sources of contentment. Ask yourself:

Am I relying on Christ for my strength?

Am I demonstrating generosity in my giving?

Do I trust God to meet my needs, or do I worry about the future?

Let us live with joy and faith as Paul exemplified, knowing that "to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."