The Secret to Contentment

The Call to Self-emptiness

Paul emphasis in the book of Philippians is the self-emptiness that Christians are supposed to follow and live out. This is a state of mind and a lifestyle, as it is portrayed, in a poetic form, in Philippians 2:5-11.

He sets himself as an example of that in chapter 1, Christ in chapter 2, Timothy and Epaphroditus in chapter 3, and then he exhorts the church to follow that example in chapter 4.

Connect the idea of contentment displayed in chapter 4 to what Paul has to say about that in 1 Timothy 6:3-11.

The Call to Generosity

The Philippians were generous because they were following Jesus’ example of always living to give. That's the secret to contentment.

We are content when we understand that our joy comes from God, our peace comes from Jesus, and our comfort from the Holy Spirit.

Also, Paul’s eschatology played a massive part in how he views generosity and practical, day by day, living.

The Call to Live for Christ

The goal of life, according to Paul, is Christ and Him only. Philippians 3:11.

Nothing of this world can compare to the joy and peace that we find in Christ.

Not only our contentment comes from above but also our hope and purpose of life is found in Jesus the Messiah.

He knows our sorrows, not merely as he knows all things, but as one who has been in our situation, and who, though without sin himself, endured when upon earth inexpressibly more for us than he will ever lay upon us. He has sanctified poverty, pain, disgrace, temptation, and death, by passing through these states: and in whatever states his people are, they may by faith have fellowship with him in their sufferings, and he will by sympathy and love have fellowship and interest with them in theirs.

John Newton