"I Have Learned to be Content"

A grand statement

Philippians 4:11 HCSB

I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

Philippians 4:12 HCSB

I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need.

Contentment - not based on circumstances…but something (someone) else

Philippians 4:1 ESV

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Philippians 4:2 ESV

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.

Philippians 4:3 ESV

Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Philippians 4:4 ESV

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Philippians 4:5 ESV

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

Philippians 4:6 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:7 ESV

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:8 ESV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:9 ESV

What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:10 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.

Philippians 4:11 ESV

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

Philippians 4:12 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.

Philippians 4:13 ESV

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:14 ESV

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

But, you need a starting point...

1 Timothy 1:12 HCSB

I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry—

1 Timothy 1:13 HCSB

one who was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief.

1 Timothy 1:14 HCSB

And the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:15 HCSB

This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” —and I am the worst of them.

1 Timothy 1:16 HCSB

But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate His extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

1 Timothy 1:17 HCSB

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

The secret? Not that anyone hides this from us, except we hide it from ourselves for fear that it should change us so. So, the secret?

That your starting point - your base reference - is the worst of your experience. Furthermore, that your worst is still more than you deserve. Only then can you be content…and even rejoice, in the least of the mercy granted us.

Finding contentment

1 Timothy 6:6–7 (HCSB)

But godliness with contentment is a great gain.

For we brought nothing into the world,

and we can take nothing out.

At His table of thanksgiving

John 6:55–56 HCSB

because My flesh is real food and My blood is real drink. The one who eats My flesh and drinks My blood lives in Me, and I in him.

John 6:57–58 HCSB

Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the manna your fathers ate—and they died. The one who eats this bread will live forever.”

John 6:59–60 HCSB

He said these things while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. Therefore, when many of His disciples heard this, they said, “This teaching is hard! Who can accept it?”