2019 0825 Peace in Contentment

Peace in Contentment

Philippians 4:9 NIV

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.

* God of peace will be with you

there is always a spiritual promise that is fulfilled with a spiritual principle of life

do not be anxious gives us our fleshy, natural state of being

it is a learning curve to come into the fulnes of Jesus Christ

we learn how to pray and make known our requests to God

we develop an attitude of rejoicing

we maintain a pattern of thinking based on what is excellent and praiseworthy

peace comes and we walk out a life of peace

Philippians 4:10–12 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. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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.

Philipians 4:10-12

Philipians 4:10-12

Philippians 4:10-12

Paul uses his personal situation to reinforce that the God of peace is with him

“I have learned” is the key phrase here

no direct infusion into our being but a process by which we become more Christ like under the guidance of the Spirit

whatever the circumstances means we do not cherry picked the good bits or whinge about the bad bits

Paul makes no distinction between humble means or in prosperity - whatever the Lord gave him would suffice

there is no man’s effort here either - if you need more money then are you content?

it was not a matter of food for Christ would nourish

“being content” is your existing state, before a situation and not after it.

we are content as we go into a time of trial or trouble, we are content when things are going well

we do not lose sight of one important and fundamental truth

I have learned the secret....

Philippians 4:13 NIV

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

Philippians 4:1

i can be content in Christ and in Christ alone

we came to Jesus because we were desperate, and we continue to do so for we are desperate without Christ

(NIV2011) 9  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.

let us be real about this - it is more than being weak or strong in natural terms

divine strength in human weakness is the only combination that opens victorious life