Bobby Stafford

A Life of Contentment Sermon Series on the Book of Philippians Philippians 4:11, Lesson 12

Philippians

A Life of Contentment

Text:  Philippians 4:10-20

As Paul, while in prison, closes this letter to his dear friends in Philippi, he thanks them for the generous support of his work and reassures them that, regardless of his outward afflictions, he is content.

Body:

I.  Contentment is only found in Christ.  Philippians 4:10-13

A.  True rejoicing is only “in Christ” – intense rejoicing.  Philippians 4:10 “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, abut you lacked opportunity.” NKJV  Paul was particularly rejoicing because their care for him had revived – blossomed again.  They had been ardent supporters of Paul in the past.  It had subsided through no fault of their own.  They were still concerned for him, but had been hindered from assisting him.  And when opportunity presented itself, they began helping Paul again.  These Christians truly cared for Paul.  And knowing that people care for us is a real source of strength, too.  It means there are people we can depend on and how important that is.

B.  Contentment is learned.  Philippians 4:11-12 “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.  Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” NKJV  His contentment is not based on having all his needs met, on getting everything he wants.  Contentment is not the same as happiness.  Rather it was something learned!  He discovered it by use and practice.  In whatever state, circumstances or situation  be content, remain contented.  Literally, “self-sufficient” – but in context he was self-sufficient because he was in Christ!  He had learned to be independent of circumstances.  Note:  He had not always known how to be content.  It took much time.  He had to develop and pursue this state of mind.

Paul had learned how to be content in poverty and in riches.  He could adjust to all circumstances in life.  He had learned the secret – the secret few people of our day know.  He had undergone the initiation into this state and endured a long and difficult process.  A recording of this is in II Corinthians 11:23-28. “Are they ministers of Christ? – I speak as a fool – I am more:  in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.  From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.  Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep, in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness – besides the other things, what comes upon me daily:  my deep concern for all the churches.” NKJV  The enduring of those difficulties was necessary for Paul to attain that rare state of contentment.  Christian contentment is a mystery to those outside Christ. 

It is interesting that Paul says one must learn how to be full as well as handle being in need.  Both can lead to trouble.  (Proverbs 30:8-9) “Remove false hood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches – Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, And say: ‘Who is the Lord?’  Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.” NKJV  That’s why middle ground, in this case is safest.  (I Timothy 6:6-8) “Now godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” NKJV  We need, as Paul did, to allow life’s difficulties to instruct us in how to be content.

C.  Christ gives me the strength.  Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” NKJV  Paul’s source of strength was Christ.  “I can do” – have power, am able to endure what life hurls at me because Christ gives me strength.  Paul was not strong in and of himself, but through Christ.  (II Corinthians 12:9-10) “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.” NKJV  So Paul reassures them that, despite everything, he is content.

II.  Paul’s Thankfulness for Their Generosity 

Philippians 4:14-20 “Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.  Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only.  For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.  Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.  Indeed I have all and abound.  I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.  And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.  Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever.  Amen.” NKJV  The Philippians had done what was right when they had assisted Paul financially in his work.  He didn’t want it just for his sake, but theirs as well.  It increased their spiritual account.  They would receive two blessings, the one when they gave initially to Paul as well as being “repaid at the resurrection of the just.”  (Luke 14:14) “And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” NKJV  Paul then repeats the fact that he’s content, filled to the brim after having received their sacrifice, money for his support.  This was not Paul’s money, but God’s money.  He closes by saying that his God would completely supply what they lacked.  They had supplied Paul’s needs so God would supply theirs!  God gives us what we need to serve Him and carry out His work on earth.  * “The only money we will see again is that which we give away.”

Conclusion:  Philippians 4:21-23 “Greet every saint in Christ Jesus.  The brethren who are with me greet you.  All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.” NKJV 

Can you say, as Paul did, “my God”?  Is He yours?  Have you obeyed Him in Christian baptism?  Remember, true contentment is only to be found “in Christ.”

Bobby Stafford  June 9, 2019  Series in Philippians:  Lesson 12