Complete Trust

Joy

Let’s begin by understanding Paul’s options at this point of his life - but before we can do that we must know his physical location - his in a Roman prison;

Show a picture of a Roman prison most likely would look like

So here are his options to feel defeated because of what was happening or over come with joy even over the simplest things;

Now according to Charles Surgeons Philippians Commentary

Philippians Exposition

Paul was himself in a happy mood.

Why, because someone cared for him, the Church at Philippi cared - because he had cared for them by sharing Jesus;

Philippians Exposition

Very beautiful, to my mind, is the sight of “Paul the aged” immured in his prison at Rome, likely by-and-by to be put to death, but calm, quiet, peaceful, and joyful.

Even as a prisoner Paul chose joy, which is the big idea of this message: God supplies everything we need.

Content

Last week we learn that the Greek word arkeo (areh-keo) used for content means to be satisfied or be sufficient;

This is something that in normal a situation it is hard to accomplish, but imagine being where Paul was - in prison chained to a Roman guard;

Philippians Exposition

Contentment in all states is not a natural propensity of man.

The thing is more people prefer to be discontent instead of content - they claim not to like gloominess while being drawn to it like a moth to a light;

Philippians Exposition

So you have no need to teach men to complain; they complain fast enough without any education.

I know that I am guilty of this and need to seek God’s help to change;

How can we change this part of us we must cultivate it;

Philippians Exposition

Now, contentment is one of the flowers of heaven, and if we would have it, it must be cultivated. It will not grow in us by nature; it is the new nature alone that can produce it, and even then we must be especially careful and watchful that we maintain and cultivate the grace that God has sown in it.

Paul learned to be content whether in abundance or in lack - why Complete Trust.

Trust

v. 13 says - “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

The New King James Version. (1982). (Php 4:13). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

First, Paul is not bragging about his power to get through life;

Let’s look at a glance of the life Paul lived for Christ 2 Corinthians 11:23-28;

The second part of the sentence holds the power - “…through Christ who strengthens me.;

Paul knew he was powerless to help himself, he understood he had to have Complete Trust in God;

The Tony Evans Study Bible Chapter 4

Many times, it seems that God doesn’t come through for us until we can’t take one more step. Then he provides at just the right time, strengthening us. The lesson of contentment is most effectively learned during times of suffering or need.

If you don’t remember anything else I’ve said remember these words -

Application Point: “Discontentment can often arise out of fear, but the antidote to fear is knowing that God will supply everything we need.” Ministry Pass.