Content or Complaining

Philippians 4:10–19 NASB95

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

What are the characteristics of content people?

1. CONTENT PEOPLE REJOICE IN GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL PROVISION

Philippians 4:10 NASB95

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.

A. God’s providence to supply what was needed when it was needed.

B. Paul Rejoiced in God’s provision of friendship.

2. CONTENT PEOPLE ARE CONTENT NO MATTER THE PREDICAMENT.

Philippians 4:11–12 NASB95

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

2 Corinthians 11:25 NASB95

Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep.

3. CONTENT PEOPLE ARE DEPENDENT UPON CHRIST’S POWER.

Philippians 4:13 NASB95

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Isaiah 40:29 NASB95

He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power.

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 NASB95

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

4. CONENT PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE.

Philippians 4:14–19 NASB95

Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

A. THEIR ACCOUNT

Philippians 4:17 NASB95

Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.

B. THEIR NEEDS

Philippians 4:18 NASB95

But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

Philippians 4:19 NASB95

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.