Content With God

Talk about God and the Universal.

Certainly! Philippians 4 is a powerful chapter that emphasizes joy, peace, contentment, and the power of relying on Christ in all circumstances. Here's a real-life story that reflects its message—especially verses like Philippians 4:6-7 ("Do not be anxious...") and Philippians 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me").

Story: Corrie ten Boom – Finding Peace in a Nazi Concentration Camp

Corrie ten Boom was a Dutch Christian woman who, along with her family, helped hide Jews from the Nazis during World War II. Eventually, the Nazis discovered their secret, and Corrie and her sister Betsie were arrested and sent to the Ravensbrück concentration camp.

The conditions in the camp were horrific—overcrowded, disease-ridden, and brutal. Yet in the midst of these horrors, Corrie and Betsie clung to their faith. They smuggled a small Bible into the camp and held secret worship services in the barracks, sharing words of hope with other women.

Corrie often spoke of how Philippians 4 sustained her during those dark days. Betsie, in particular, lived out Philippians 4:6-7, encouraging Corrie not to worry but to pray, give thanks, and trust in God's peace. Even in a place of death and despair, they experienced moments of inexplicable calm and joy.

After Betsie died in the camp, Corrie was miraculously released—a clerical error, she later found out. She went on to speak all over the world about forgiveness and faith, often quoting Philippians 4:13 as the strength that got her through the unthinkable.

Corrie’s story is a testament to the truth in Philippians 4—that even in the darkest of human experiences, peace and strength are available through Christ.

Certainly! Here is Philippians 4 from the New International Version (NIV):

Philippians 4

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

1 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.

3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Final Exhortations

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

In 2005, the National Science Foundation published an article regarding research about human thoughts per day. The average person has about 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. Of those, 95% are exactly the same repetitive thoughts as the day before and about 80% are negative.

Verse 1 actually concludes Paul's previous passage, from the end of chapter 3, with an encouragement to "stand firm" in the Lord. In verses 2–3, he mentions Euodia and Syntyche, two women in the Philippian church involved in some kind of disagreement. He urges them to "agree in the Lord." Paul then refers to a person called the "true companion," asking him to help the women, Clement, and the rest of his workers (Philippians 4:3). Paul then transitions to a focus on rejoicing in the Lord (Philippians 4:4). Christians are not to be anxious about anything, but instead to bring prayers of all kinds to the Lord (Philippians 4:6). This does not mean a total lack of thought. Rather, it means a lack of fear or anxiety. The peace of God protects (Philippians 4:7). Paul also encourages his readers to focus on things that are good (Philippians 4:8). This includes all they had learned and received and heard and seen in Paul (Philippians 4:9). The Philippian Christians are instructed to think about them, and to apply them, knowing God's peace would be with them (Philippians 4:9).

7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Those who choose prayer and trust during times of anxiety will experience the "peace of God." This peace offers three important positives. First, God's peace is supernatural and unexplainable. It is truly amazing how God can and will respond during times of difficulty. Second, God's peace "will guard your hearts." The heart was seen as something to protect at all costs, since it influenced all of life (Proverbs 4:23). Paul held the Philippians believers "in my heart" (Philippians 1:7). Third, God's peace will guard "your minds in Christ Jesus." This concept is connected with love for God and others (Matthew 22:37–40), as well as unity. Throughout Philippians Paul expresses concern about the unity of the Philippian church, especially in the mind (Philippians 1:27; 2:2, 5). He mentions the mind again this time as a statement that unity in the midst of disagreements requires a mind controlled by God's peace

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Believers were to "think about these things." While God guards our hearts (Philippians 4:7), we are also commanded to focus our lives on things that please God. There is an ongoing back and forth throughout Paul's writings, which indicates God's involvement in every aspect of the life of the believer. At the same time, believers are commanded to live according to God's ways. He does the work, yet gives us work to do. Believers are called to trust in the Lord, yet also to serve the Lord. Paul set an example for how to do both. He was faithful in prayer, yet gave every bit of his life to serve the Lord.

9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Paul's instructions are not merely meant to be known, or agreed to. They are meant to be put into action. The use of the Greek word prassete implies an ongoing, daily effort. This is not a one-time attempt or short-term effort to follow God. Those who followed Paul's advice can experience the incredible peace that comes from fellowship with God. Paul also uses the title "God of peace" in Romans 15:33; 16:20, and 1 Thessalonians 5:23. The only other place this phrase is found in the New Testament is Hebrews 13:20.

Thanks for Their Gifts

10 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.

Paul transitions here to a focus on God's provision, ( God's provision refers to His act of supplying everything necessary for His people's well-being, both physical and spiritual. This includes things like basic needs (food, water, air), and the "rest" found in faith in Christ. God's provision also extends to spiritual needs, such as grace, forgiveness, and the hope of eternal life. ) in a passage running through verse 20. He begins with his recurring theme of rejoicing. Paul's initial reason for writing this letter was to thank the readers for a recent financial gift, which Epaphroditus had brought to Rome. The generosity of the Philippian Christians was consistent and much appreciated by Paul (Philippians 1:3–7).

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

12 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.

His comments here are meant to include all of these situations, as well as many others. Under house arrest while writing this letter, he claims to have found the "secret" to enduring these struggles. As mentioned previously, this is a deliberate choice to be content, in the power of Christ. Paul had gone without food at times, and had been given plenty of food at other times. He had lived with much and with little. He had experienced hunger and thirst, was without friends, and more, noted in a letter written long before Philippians (2 Corinthians 11:27–28).

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

This verse can, however, be taken out of context. Paul's comment is specifically referring to the ability of a Christian to endure under hardship and persecution. Despite well-meaning use of the words, this text does not teach that a Christian is empowered to accomplish any task simply because they are saved.

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

15 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;

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

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

18 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.

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

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

Final Greetings

21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings.

22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

Paul took special care to include "those of Caesar's household." He may have been intentionally vague at this point, not wishing to reveal the particular servants of Caesar who had converted to Christianity in his writing. However, he clearly wanted to encourage the Philippian believers that their investment in his ministry was having tremendous influence in Rome. Even those who served among the Emperor's household had come to faith in Christ. This is the only specific reference to Caesar outside of the Gospels and Acts.

23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

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