Learning Contentment Phil 4:10-13

Philippians 4:10-13
“I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

“Learning contentment.”
According to Paul it is one thing to be concerned and it is another thing to show it…when it is showed, it can bless us and others tremendously. Interesting, whether the Philippians were going to show it or not, Paul was still unwilling to complain. Everything for him comes back to God. It is a blessing for him that he received what he did, but whether this took place or not, he rested in God.
A couple of other observations…
1. Paul “learned” to be content. This implies journey and work. If it would have come naturally, he would not have had to learn it. It would lead me to assume that there have been times when Paul has attempted contentment apart from Christ…I can relate.
2. Paul has learned to be content whether he has had much (so obviously there has been a time when he has) or whether he has little (obviously there have been times, like now, when he has had little).
3. It is not obvious as to how we should be content during these things…he says that it is a secret…
4. The secret, in the sense that the world cannot know this apart from the Spirit’s work and experience, is that this can be done only through Jesus Christ, the one who gives him strength.
- it seems to me that Christ gives him strength when he is in need by reminding Him that he is his greatest joy, and supplier of all needs. That He has not abandoned him.
- it seems to me that Christ gives him strength when he has plenty by reminding him where the plenty has come from and keeping Paul from abandoning God. God is not against the rich, he is for the rich. The problem is that the rich are not always for God…this includes me. Lord, may I be a good steward and may I hold all you give with an open hand.