ETB Philippians 4:10-20

Welcome Time

What images or thoughts come to mind when you think about the idea of “contentment”? Last week I asked about an image for “peace” and often people have similar images.

What are some things that can take away our sense of contentment?

Pray

Understand the Context

In his opening words of his Letter to the Philippians, Paul expressed joy over their partnership in the gospel (Phil. 1:5). Now, toward the conclusion of the letter, Paul gave a more detailed expression of appreciation for their generosity. Their gift during his imprisonment amounted to the Philippians’ sharing with him in his hardship (4:14). [LifeWay Adults (2020). (p. 64). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide - ESV - Fall 2021. LifeWay Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]

Multiple scholars indicated that it had been about 10 years since Paul had visited the church and the writing of this letter. Paul had been through a lot of different circumstances and God had shown him much in that time. Contentment and strength were essential for the work and current imprisonment. Paul will express his thanks for the gifts but more for the benefit that it brings for the Philippians than to himself. Let’s see what we can learn in these closing passages in Philippians 4.

Explore the Text

Philippians 4:10–11 ESV

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

We learn from elsewhere in the text that the Philippians had sent other gifts to Paul, but this sent with Epaphroditus was timely and led Paul to rejoice greatly. There was no synagogue or significant Jewish presence in the city, during his first visit (Acts 16). In fact, they had imprisoned him as a "Jew disturbing the city" a Roman colony. Eventually as the number of believers grew, they became one of the few churches to support Paul financially. Founded in part as a “gold town” it may have still been experiencing some affluence in Paul’s day hence their ability to support Paul’s ministry multiple times. This was not something Paul was in the habit of accepting from his converts. In some areas like Corinth, he made sure not to “burden anyone” with he needs in case he may be seen as “preaching for profit” and not for the benefit of his hearers.

The Leader’s Guide had and interesting commentary on supporting God’s work being done through others.

Three things are needful in supporting God’s work: available resources, the heart to help, and a channel through which to dispense the resources. Any one of the three can sabotage our support of God’s work through others. We might have the desire to help but cannot come up with the money. We might have the money but lack the heart to care. Or, we could have both the heart of a giver and the resources for the gift but lack a channel through which to get the gift to the places where it can be of help. In the case of the Philippians, the freedom of Epaphroditus to travel from Philippi to Rome furnished the occasion for them to act on their generous concern for Paul and his ministry. [LifeWay Adults (2020). (p. 65). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide - ESV - Fall 2021. LifeWay Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]

I think that one element that is not covered here is prayer. Most of those that I know who have gone on mission work or have ongoing ministry work all recognized and request prayer for themselves and the work God is doing through and around them. Supporting ministries financially today are much different now than in Paul’s day. Even since I have become a Christian in the early ‘90s, the ability to give had changed from delivered or mailed checks to a few clicks on your phone or tablet. Delivery of funds then required an individual or group to physically take it. Sometimes, like in Epaphroditus’ change, it could become a life-or-death journey.

All of these things probably added to the joy Paul felt when he saw a believer from Philippi and recognized the reason for the visit. Although it was a joyous thing, Paul assured the congregation that the gift was helpful but not as necessary as it may have been in the past. God had been working in Paul through many things and had developed a level of contentment regardless of the situations - and there had been several. Notice though unlike the work of God being done to all believers (Php 1:6) this is something that Paul “learned”. It was not an easy process, just read from Chapter 17 to the end of Acts and 2 Cor 11:24-27.

The word content (autarkēs) means “self-sufficient.” The Stoics used this word (which occurs only here in the NT) to mean human self-reliance and fortitude, a calm acceptance of life’s pressures. But Paul used it to refer to a divinely bestowed sufficiency, whatever the circumstances. [Lightner, Robert P. “Philippians.” The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck. Vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. 664. Print.]

To further emphasize and expound on this learned mind set Paul describes part of the process and the key to this “divinely bestowed sufficiency” in the next verses.

Philippians 4:12–13 ESV

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

As we read through the experiences that Paul went through and remember back in Chapter 3 that he wanted to “know Christ” more we would expect this word “know” to be the same but it isn’t. He is speaking to us here about that which he learned not only through experience but in his mind and heart. True contentment comes from within and is applied to our circumstance, whereas the Stoics of the day and many in our day see contentment as a “response” to outward impacts upon our person.

Continuing in the things that he learned Paul uses some language that many believe may have been directed at other religions group prevalent in the area claiming to have “secret knowledge”. He says that have I learned the secret. The metaphor is from the initiatory rites of the pagan mysteries. I have been initiated. [Vincent, Marvin Richardson. Word Studies in the New Testament. Vol. 3. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1887. Print.] He uses similar language in Col 1:26 “the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.”

Starting with “content” in verse 11, there are 7 verbs used to describe the circumstances that Paul learned from. They alternate from active to passive voice several times. The active voice verbs suggest Paul’s initiative in his life choices. He actively pursued being self-reliant and self-content, enjoying abundance, and going without food. The passive voice verbs suggest the actions that came his way in life, actions he had no choice but to receive and be subject to. [Hoehner, Harold W., Philip W. Comfort, and Peter H. Davids. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, Philemon. Vol. 16. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2008. Print.]

Another commentary noted that the verbs in Greek, while speaking of physical conditions, also point to spiritual conditions such as humility, emptiness, fullness, and abundance. [Hoehner, Harold W., Philip W. Comfort, and Peter H. Davids. Cornerstone Biblical Commentary: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, Philemon. Vol. 16. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2008. Print.]

Fiscal, physical, and mental contentment must start within the spiritual realm with our hearts correctly oriented. I think that is part of the key to understanding and applying these verses correctly to our lives. Some people struggle differently with contentment. For me, although the physically aspects of the broken leg were tiring and cumbersome, I struggled more with not being able to focus on “appropriate things” more than being down trodden about not being able to move around easily. I learned more about who I really was lying there through the nights than I would have in a normal routine. I did become more content with simpler things and not having things done the way I had done them in the past. One of the books I got to read lying around was about John Newton, highly recommend looking into this theologian life. I wish I had been more like this lady he wrote of.

AMG Bible Illustrations A Good Woman in London

Mr. John Newton tells the story in an anecdote of a very poor and aged woman, who manifested great submission to the will of God. She was one day attempting to cross a road in London, when a cart that was passing threw her down, and broke one of her thigh bones. She was carried into a house, and several people expressed their kind concern on account of the accident; but she replied, “I thank you for your pity; but all is very well, and I hope I have not one bone in my body that is not willing to be broken if such be the Lord’s will.”

If being content if a gift from God, then discontent comes from His enemy. Don’t tell my sister-in-law, but I think that all modern marketing is spawned from hell as it insights within us that we should not be content with what we have be we “need” their product to be happy and content. A self-propagating lie because once you get that product, it is obsolete, and you “need” the newer version. Without relying on marketers, learning to identify where we are being “discontent” and filling that in ways that are not God honoring is the first step in being able to allow Christ to empower us to overcome this scheme of the enemy.

I will admit that I spent a lot of my study time this week trying to make sure I did not mis-handle this next verse as it seems to be the most varied in its application throughout the Church and churches. My first question I had to resolve for myself was does the “all things” really mean “all things” or is just “all these things I just mentioned”? When I look at the context with these two verses, I see a contrast pattern. First there are specific ranges, then encompassing statements. Each end of the spectrum then everything else in between. That lead me to believe that “every circumstance” and “all things” are as inclusive as they suggest in the English translations.

Here is the verse in an Interlinear Bible.

The first thing I noticed was there were a lot less Greek words and none of them had capital letters. What do you notice about the verse when you look at this text and its transliteration?

Some English translations use the word “Christ” instead of “him”. Which we see is not “literally” correct but contextually we not disagree with it. But the “him” could also mean the “Spirit of Jesus” (Php 1:19) which Paul expected to deliver him out of the current situation maybe creating “way of escape” (1Cor 10:13) that may prevent any discontentment from gaining any foothold.

I am not a Greek scholar, or even and English one for that matter, but I do know that some of our modern words and sentence structure come from these ancient words. The preposition “through” in Greek here is “en”, coincides with our concept and preposition “in”. I also see the root word “dynamo” which still carries the concept of “power“ today. This means I could translate these words as “in him who empowers me”.

Here is another verse with the same words and language.

2 Timothy 4:17 ESV

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.

We see here also how Paul was given power or energy to “fully” minister to the Gentiles. There is no lack in the energy provided for the work was completed. We are beginning to see how the “all things” is not limited by what “I can do” but only by the one providing the strength. Therefore “all things” includes anything that our omnipotent God can do. Although there is no limit to what God can do, His will to puts a focus and specifics to what is done or how we are strengthened.

John 15:7 “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” The key to our verse today and this one is if we are “in” the Lord, “in” His will and “abiding” in His presence actively. His strength through us is limited by His will for us but not His power.

Another way to learn about verse 13 is to study some of the opposites. If we can do “all things” in or through Him, what about without Him?

John 15:5 ESV

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

“All things” really does mean “all things” because without Him, we can to “no things”, but the abiding or as Paul put it “holding fast” and “knowing Him” is where the power to do “His things” comes from. Paul is summing up the letter by continuing to help us see how necessary it is to have this Christ-like mindset all the time to have His contentment come through us.

So, can God through the Holy Spirit going to give me the strength to “leap over tall buildings in a single bound” - undoubtedly! Will God give me that strength - absolutely not. First off there is no need for it, and secondly much like I think what Jesus dealt with in His ministry while on the earth, that kind of “miracle” would draw the wrong kind of attention to the one doing the feat instead of glorifying to one who gave the strength to do it. Even if I said repeatedly and always gave God glory and credit for letting me jump over Winston Tower or Panther Stadium, there would be people who would “come to Jesus” just so they could jump over stuff not because of their awareness of need for salvation from their sins.

Verse 12 and 13 were only an explanation to why Paul was glad for the Philippians being able to send a gift that although appreciated was not vitally necessary because he had been so blessed and strengthened in his knowledge (both ginosko and eido) of Christ he had contentment within Christ, even in alone prison. The apostle continues with his expression of thanks through the end of the letter.

Philippians 4:15–17 ESV

And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

Paul assured the Philippians that he remembered all the previous occasions when their generosity had been shown him. He recalled the time when he left the province of Macedonia and the Philippian church had shared with him in giving and receiving - a business or accounting term. [LifeWay Adults (2020). (p. 67). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide - ESV - Fall 2021. LifeWay Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]

Paul continues with the accounting theme by speaking about their actions being “credited” to their account. This is in no way telling us that God is a record keeper and we must “balance the books” with Him. It is a human reference for a human concept and imagery, this is not a doctrine of character. So, how was this gift a “credit” to the Philippians. I think J. Vernon McGee had a good answer for that. We are studying the epistle today, and we are profiting from this study. This is a part of the dividends of their contribution. (Thru the Bible Commentary, Volumes 1-5: Genesis through Revelation).

Contributing to the spread of the gospel on earth does not go unnoticed in heaven. Christian giving, done with right motives and a cheerful spirit, is earning heavenly dividends that will one day earn the divine accolade, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” not to mention what heavenly rewards themselves might be like. In short, giving on earth equates to banking in heaven or saving for the future. [LifeWay Adults (2020). (p. 67). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide - ESV - Fall 2021. LifeWay Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]

Paul then switches from an accounting concept to one related to the sacrificial system in the Temple.

Philippians 4:18 ESV

I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

The financial and personnel gift sent was given in a way that God would approve and be honored through. Paul then links back to not only the incense sacrifices in the temple but all the way back to the first burnt offering presented by Noah after the flood in Gen 8:21 “And when the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma.” He uses this same language in Romans 12:1 when encouraging us to live in a sacrificial way unto the Lord.

Not only had the Philippians’ contribution to Paul garnered heaven’s notice, it had fully met his needs and even resulted in an abundance. A contented heart and a discontented one will have different definitions of what abundance means. These verses remind us that Christ oftentimes provides for a believer’s needs through other faithful believers. [LifeWay Adults (2020). (p. 68). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide - ESV - Fall 2021. LifeWay Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]

Philippians 4:19 ESV

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Here is the other verse that I had to look into more closely and the context again drove much of the interpretation. What do you give the person who is richer than you? Regardless of whether or you not you should try to reciprocate the gift, how can you give back in equal or greater amount? Paul is not giving the Philippians a promise that they can “claim” for all the needs but is offering a blessing upon them for the gift they had sent. Another writer may have inked, “How can I ever pay you back for all that you have given me?” or maybe like Peter speaking to the lame man in Acts 3 6 “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ”. My favorite explanation of this verse though is “My Master will fully repay you; I cannot.” [Jamieson, Robert, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown. Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible. Vol. 2. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997. Print.]

Paul then finishes the letter as he began it giving glory and honor to God.

Philippians 4:20 ESV

To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul had learned to be content in all circumstances because he learned to trust God to supply all he needed to experience true contentment. He had learned that contentment is not tied to the abundance of material or earthly treasures. Rather, it is to be found in a robust faith in God’s essential goodness and wisdom. Consequently, glory belongs to God throughout the endless ages. Eternity will not be sufficient time to fully exhaust the praises that belong to Him. [LifeWay Adults (2020). (p. 69). Explore the Bible: Adult Leader Guide - ESV - Fall 2021. LifeWay Press. Retrieved from https://read.lifeway.com]

Apply the Text

When our focus is on Christ and Paul has been trying to teach us throughout this letter, we can be thankful and content in His provisions - physical, fiscal, and spiritual. Here is how one of the early Third Century church fathers spoke about contentment in Christ.

300 Quotations for Preachers from the Early Church He Is Poor Who Desires More

As our mind is relaxed by luxury, so it is strengthened by frugality. And yet who can be poor if he does not want, if he does not crave for the possessions of others, if he is rich toward God? He rather is poor, who, although he has much, desires more.

MINUCIUS FELIX

At the end of the lesson in the Personal Study Guide there are some good questions to think and pray through, maybe later today while the verses are still fresh in our memories.

The first bullet point is “Christ provides contentment in all circumstances.” I would amend that with “if we are willing to accept it on His terms.”

Another application that came to mind as I studied this week was that God will strengthen for His work, so to not use His strength for His work is of equal sin and His displeasure to us mis-using His empowering for self-gain.