Principles of Spiritual Maturity

Introduction.

William Randolph Hearst

William Randolph Hearst (Patty Heart’s grandfather) invested a fortune collecting art treasures from around the world. One day Mr. Hearst read the description of a valuable art item which he sent his agent abroad to find. After months of searching, the agent reported that he had finally found the treasure. To the surprise of Hearst, the priceless masterpiece was stored in none other than the warehouse of William Randolph Hearst.

The multi-millionaire had been searching all over the world for a treasure he already possessed. Had he read the catalog of his treasures, he would have saved himself a lot of time and money.

(Today in the Word, December 13, 1995, p. 20.[1])

I cannot help but wonder how many Christians fit into this same scenario. When they have a problem or a need, they seek all over for a solution and all the time the solution can be found from the Holy Spirit within them if they would just seek there first. How often is God our last resource? Why is it we so often need to exhaust our own resources before we look to God?

A speaker once used the following illustration of people and their perspectives about God.

Our view of God- His ability, His power, His capacity- is shaped by everything we have learned up to this point in our life. In addition to our personal experiences, our view of God is influenced by the testimonies of our friends and family, by the teaching of our denomination, by our exposure to scripture and by the ways we interpret His presence in the world around us. This understanding of God is unique to each of us and she suggested that we carry our picture of Him around in our "God box." Our boxes are different sizes and shapes, mine subtly or perhaps drastically different from yours. As we go through our life, every experience is filtered through our "God box" and we carry it with us into every aspect of who we are. If we see God at work in our lives, it is most often through the lens of what we already know about Him.

But here is the thing: God does not fit in boxes!

God is predictable in His character, but not in His actions. God is a God of endless creativity and reserves the right to show up in a way in which we would least expect Him. Unfortunately for us, we often allow our ability to see Him be limited by the size and shape of our "box." We become complacent in our spiritual walk because God seems to be doing the same old stuff He has always done. Good stuff perhaps, but nothing new. Is this true? I think not. I suspect the greater truth is that we do not understand nor recognize his goodness, mercy, and blessings extended to us. When God does bless us, we are quick to take credit for what He has done as was the case with King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20 when he showed envoys from Babylon all his wealth bragging of what he had acquired rather than acknowledging God’s provision.

However, in this letter to the Philippians, we find a different story with Paul. Paul recognizes that all His needs are provided by God. Is trust in God is so secure that he feels contented peace despite the circumstances he may find himself experiencing.

Today we will be closing our study of Philippians. I am reluctant to do so as I have been so blessed through this study and how well its lessons have spoken into our circumstances these days. Today’s lesson is another excellent example of its key place in our daily lives. Look with me at these final verses of Philippians 4 starting with verse 10.

Philippians 4:10-23

Philippians 4:10–23 NIV

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. 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 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. 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. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Pray

Precious Father,

We have come to the end of this special letter from Paul. However, help us not to tune out too quickly as there is still a very important lesson contained in these final verses. Please speak to our hearts as this lesson may be one of the most key of the whole chapter for today and the days yet to come. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen!

It has been suggested that these verses that close the Philippian letter are the primary reason why Paul wrote this letter to the church. Here we read a very personal “Thank You” note from the great Apostle to the church in Philippi. He begins his note with the same note of joyous victory that he has declared throughout the letter---- “I rejoice greatly in the Lord.” The Philippian church had sent Paul a care package and Paul rejoiced in the wonderful way God was using the poor people of the Philippian church to bless his life---therefore he rejoiced in the Lord and not in the people. Paul affirms the church for their kindness and blessing, even affirming their intent saying, “you had no opportunity to show your concern.” You see, this church had a heart for Paul. They understood that being “in chains” as he was, he was probably in need of food and supplies. However, they had for some reason been prevented from getting him aid sooner whether for lack of funds or lack of a messenger to carry them we do not know. It should also be noted that there is no evidence that Paul requested this gift. It is more likely; the people were providing it strictly out of their love for Paul. They did not wait to be asked, they just understood his circumstances would most likely generate a need, so they took initiative to supply it. Or did they? Let us continue and find Paul’s perspective on this.

Throughout this letter, Paul is encouraging the Philippians to mature in their faith. In these final verses we see this continued theme. In expressing his joy in the Lord and his thanks to them Paul gives us three powerful principles of Spiritual maturity.

I. Contentment - “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Phil 4:11

Philippians 4:11 NIV

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

Let me review just what those circumstances were like.

A. Paul’s Circumstances

At this very moment Paul was bound and chained to the Roman soldiers, his freedom of movement was very limited, and he was awaiting a trial that could well mean the end of his life and ministry.

This kind of house arrest was a little more comfortable than a full imprisonment. He would be chained directly to a guard so he was not able to go very far. Unlike our prisons today, none of his needs were provided for. Often a prisoner was dependent on friends and family to supply food. If Roman soldiers provided food, it would not have been much or very good.

Sometimes prisoners were flogged at the beginning of their imprisonment and they were not given clean clothes to replace the blood soiled and torn clothing on their backs.

In winter months it could be cold and no cloaks provided for warmth. In fact, in Paul’s final imprisonment, we find he requests a cloak.

All of this was common knowledge to the Philippians which is why, even without Paul requesting aid, they would be aware that he probably needed aid. His care package from the Philippians probably contained things like food, clothing, shoes, writing materials and other such amenities of their day.

Paul is grateful for their gift, but Paul wants to assure them that he is well, so his thank you letter provides another teaching moment. He shares with them...

B. The Secret of Contentment

First, let us look at just what contentment is...

1. Contentment is peace in Christ’s sufficiency to provide for my need

In that setting, Paul had learned to be content. The word “content” does not mean, “I don’t care what happens---I’ll remain indifferent, numb.” No, quite the contrary, it means being at peace in Christ’s sufficiency. Paul was convinced that Christ was in the midst of his every day, pouring His power into him---nothing is out of control in the Lord. Paul had full confidence that all his needs would be met through God’s divine power. He did not need to beg, borrow or steal. He just relaxed knowing God would provide.

You could say that Paul was like a thermostat. Now, that may sound funny, but allow me to explain. Some people are like thermometers. They go up or down with changes that are taking place in their lives. They are constantly changing by the conditions going on around them. However, a mature Christian is like a thermostat. They stay consistent no matter what the circumstances are around them. They continue to do what they are called to do and understand that God is a change agent that will control those circumstances around them.

The apostle Paul was a thermostat. Instead of having spiritual ups and downs as the situation changed, he went right on, steadily doing his work and serving Christ.

The next thing we see about contentment is...

2. Contentment is learned by experience

The word “learned” in verse 11 is a verb and literally means, “learned by experience.” The word “content” means “contained.” The Greek form is “self-sufficiency” however, for the Christian, we know sufficiency is not found in self, but in the sufficiency of Christ within us. How do we learn to be content? Through the various circumstances we experience. Look at verse 12.

Philippians 4:12 NIV

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.

As Paul lived his life, circumstance by circumstance, he chose to put his trust in God and when he did, he was able to experience God’s faithfulness to provide for his needs. In verses 11-20 we find three things that Paul has learned about God that teach him to be content.

a. The overruling providence of God (10)

Look with me again at verse 10

Philippians 4:10 NIV

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 had not shared his need with the Philippians yet they had sent something anyway. It evidently arrived at a perfect time for Paul. Have you ever been in that situation? I have and just recently. I needed repairs on my car. I paid $200 for repairs and within the week someone with a generous heart gave me $200 unaware that I had just paid out $200.

All through the Old Testament we see story after story of God’s overruling providence. In the story of Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and I could name names for hours. All circumstances are in the hands of God and He has the power to set things in motion long before we even know there is a need. Look at the story of Joseph. His brothers were cruel and sold him into slavery. Years later, the whole family is saved because Joseph had been sold into slavery and God had acted to bring him to a position of power that ended up saving his entire family.

The God who acted on behalf of Joseph and his family is the same God with the same power to do so in your life and the life of your family. God has not changed! God is always ahead of the game. He is working well before we have a need.

The next thing that Paul had learned from experience was...

b. The unfailing power of God. (vv 11-13)

Philippians 4:11–13 NIV

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

The word translated “learned” in verse 12 is not the same as we saw in verse 11. Remember “learned” in verse 11 was “learned by experience.” But this word, “learned” is sometimes translated as “instructed” and it means, “initiated into the secret.” What is the secret Paul was initiated into? In all those circumstances Paul listed in verse 12, he had learned the secret that the answer was not found in himself and his abilities to provide for himself, but was found in Christ and His ability to give Paul strength despite his circumstances. Did you get that? The secret is not in our need but the strength God gives despite our need.

Can I share with you what pampered little puppies we are? Even our poor in the U.S. have it well. Oh, they may not have it as well as we do, but they do not begin to compare with so many across this world. Did you know that most of the world’s population lives on under a $1 a day? When you have seen pictures of people in Africa that live in small huts, and sleep on dirt floors. The children’s toys are rocks and sticks found out on the ground. Water is difficult to come by and you look at pictures of their half dressed bodies with dirt clinging to their limbs.

I met a woman that had been brought from Nairobi, Africa to the U.S. She ended up in Pennsylvania where I was and I have to tell you that I have wondered if we have done her and her children any favors. They did not have much but they seemed happy with what they had. The mom liked to preach and told in her melodic, dramatic style of an African the stories from the Bible. She would just light up when she did so. She would share with pride how she made a living by cooking in a iron pot on an outdoor fire. She was content with that but then her husband came to the U.S. and wanted her and their 5 children to come here also because there was such “riches.” Unfortunately, they were quickly abandoned by the father and many churches pitched in to provide for them. They were provided a nice apartment. It was really difficult as the mom had no idea how to use the appliances or how to provide for her children in this new environment. She ended up on welfare and home alone most of the time. She did not know anyone to minister to them. She had not job and new skills to get a job as she could not read or write. The kids were so overwhelmed with all the “fancy” things given them and they were suddenly dissatisfied with what they had. Everything they saw, they would say, “will you give me that? Will you buy me that?” As I spoke to the mom, I was really torn, not sure that the best had happened to them. According to the mom, they had been content with all they needed in Nairobi. They had a roof over their head, food to eat and were happy. Then they came here and they were suddenly frustrated by all the things they did not have.

As I said, most of the world’s population lives under a $1 a day and yet we often complain for all we do not have.

The truth is that we can live without a lot and in those times, the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to do so and we become better for it. I am preaching to myself as much as I am preaching to you. How many times have you heard me say how much I miss my camping trailer and want another one? We all have this struggle because of the culture we have grown up in. I like the way the JB Phillip’s Bible translates this verse.

“I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within me,”

Notice the strong contrasts Paul had experienced:

Need -----vs-------plenty

going hungry ----vs-----being filled

suffering need-----vs-----having abundance

Yet he says in all circumstances, he is content.

Isn’t that the truth for all of us? Life is cyclical for most people. We start out without much. We acquire as we grow. Yet there are times when we may hit rough patches and find ourselves financially struggling again due to job losses, divorce, national economic crashes. Then our circumstances improve and we find ourselves doing better for awhile again. Isn’t that the way of it?

That is why suicide is so tragic. You just want to say to people, “Hold on. This too shall pass. Things will get better again with time.” Unfortunately, too many people live without the asset of the Holy Spirit living within giving them the strength they need to endure.

We are in a difficult time in our nation. I do not know what is going to happen, but I can say with confidence, in time things will get better. Even if things do not go as we hope, I suspect there will be times of reprieve from the difficulties. We just need to hold on. We need to trust God and lean on the strength He provides us. Unlike Hearst who sought for a treasure he already owned and had forgotten, we have the wisdom that our treasure in these days is our faith in God and the knowledge that He has already won the victory for us. This is a temporary rough patch but God will see us through. And that brings me to point number three.

The third thing that Paul learned by experience was...

c. The unchanging promise of God vv 14-20

Philippians 4:18–19 NIV

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.

God has always promised to provide and take care of His people. That has always been His promise to us. Who can forget Psalm 23:1?

Psalm 23:1 NIV

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

Paul does not view the gift from the Philippian church as being from them as much as from God. God laid it on their heart. God provided a messenger to get it through. God protected that messenger even when his life was in jeopardy. It was initiated and fulfilled through God’s power and resources at just the right time for Paul’s need. Likewise, God would in in turn, provide for the Philippians.

Herein lies another secret we learn about God. We can never out give God. When we give out of love and sacrifice, God in turn provides for us.

People often think that God is against wealth but that is not true. What God is against is the negative effect wealth can have on us. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:21?

Matthew 6:21 NIV

21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Too many people view wealth as their treasure. I have seen many people that have wealth due to jobs that pay them the big bucks. I have also witnessed people that live very well when they do not make as much. The reason is that they give generously to others from what they have and God blesses them back. Generous hearts reap spiritual dividends. God provides for us in so many ways.

When I lived in PA, a neighbor told me that they were envious of the way things always worked out for me. I do not remember all the details but it just seemed whenever I had a need, somehow God provided in ways that went smoother and provided better. We had a tornado hit us. Many people were struggling with their insurance companies to get them to cover all the needs. My insurance did not give me any grief and were wonderful at getting things swiftly taken care of in full. It is one of many examples. My neighbors took note of many such times. God blesses us in many ways when we trust in Him.

So, this completes the first principle of Spiritual maturity, that being contentment. Let me touch briefly on the final two principles.

II. Confidence - “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (4:13)

I touches on this some above but allow me another translation for this verse. The LB states this promise: “For I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.” As we face the various circumstances in our life and experience God’s provision, we gain confidence in the presence of the Indwelling Christ who pours His power into our lives and service. It means we are not shaken, but challenged to commit, trust and see God work in each and every situation. Look at that contrasting list of Paul’s past circumstances again.

Need -----vs-------plenty

going hungry ----vs-----being filled

suffering need-----vs-----having abundance

In each circumstance, Paul had experienced God’s presence and provision. He now had the confidence to face what ever would come next without being a thermometer bouncing up and down based on exterior circumstances. When we experience this confidence in God we also find the peace of God.

Paul celebrated his confidence by saluting their participation in his life:

“Share in my troubles” (14)

“Not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only.” (15)

“You sent me aid again and again when I was in need” (16)

“The gifts that you sent are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God”

As Paul shares his confidence, he is also building their confidence. They too, are experiencing the work of God in and through them.

The final principle of Spiritual maturity we witness in this final passage is...

III. Sufficiency - “My God will supply all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (19)

What a summary line:

My God. . . your needs. . . His riches.

Chuck Swindoll: When those three ingredients blend together under the control of the Holy Spirit, it is something to behold!

What a promise!

In our world, we would feel Paul had earned or deserved all that he received and much more. But Paul never lost sight of God in it all! It was not about him, it was about Jesus --and Jesus only---and what Jesus was doing in his life.

Conclusion:

Let me ask you an important question. Are you a thermometer or a thermostat? Does your Spiritual temperature rise and fall based on the circumstances around you? If ever there were circumstances allowing an opportunity to test this it is now. We have been home and isolated in a way like no other time. Yet, truthfully, we still have a lot of freedom unlike Paul who was chained to a guard and unable to leave the confines of the room he was in. Some have experienced more isolation as they have remained home and had to depend on other for groceries, yet they still have phones to talk to others, televisions to entertain and inform them of events occurring. We have books and computers. Most have yards to putter around in and provide a break from the house. Has this caused your Spiritual temperament to fall? Or have you experienced a sense of God’s presence, peace, joy, and fulfillment even in this time?

Last week I sent you a video of Dr. David Jeremiah talking about how after a time of sheltering God’s Spirit typically moves in incredible ways. Can I share another secret with you I have found? My experience is that in times of sheltering or what I call “waiting,” God is giving us a chance to rest because when that waiting time ends, there is tremendous work to be done. The movement of the Spirit comes through the faithfulness of God’s people. We have a work ahead of us and now is the time to rest and restore and prepare for that work.

One of my all time favorite devotions is “Streams in the Desert” by William Cowper. He was a well known British poet and some of his poem’s were put to hymns. Allow me to close with one of these poems.

Fierce passions discompose the mind, As tempests vex the sea; But calm content and peace we find, When, Lord, we turn to Thee.

In vain by reason and by rule We try to bend the will; For none but in the Saviour’s school Can learn the heavenly skill.

Since at His feet my soul has sate, His gracious words to hear, Contented with my present state, I cast on Him my care.

“Art thou a sinner, soul?” He said, “Then how canst thou complain! How light thy troubles here, if weigh’d With everlasting pain!

“If thou of murmuring wouldst be cured, Compare thy griefs with mine; Think what my love for thee endured, And thou wilt not repine.

“‘Tis I appoint thy daily lot, And I do all things well; Thou soon shalt leave this wretched spot, And rise with me to dwell.

“In life my grace shall strength supply, Proportion’d to thy day; At death thou [still] shalt find me nigh, To wipe thy tears away.”

Thus I, who once my wretched days In vain repinings spent, Taught in my Saviour’s school of grace, Have learnt to be content.

Olney Hymns, by William Cowper, from Cowper’s Poems, Sheldon & Company, New York[2]

Pray