Philippians 4:10-20
10 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. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 12 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. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 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. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 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. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Sermon Quotes and References:
It pleased God to bring the apostle Paul into the most painful & trying conditions. Yet, he could write, “I have learned, in whatever state I am in, to be content.” Outwardly, Paul was like a cedar – he could not be moved. But inwardly, he was like a reed, bending contentedly to every wind of God’s providence. When a gale of prosperity blew upon him, he could bend to that; when the tempest of trial raged, he could bend to that. “I know both how to be full & how to be abased.” With the anchor of his heart firmly secured in heaven, he could never sink. –Thomas Watson, The Art of Divine Contentment
What is contentment? It is experiencing God’s peace & confidence in difficult times. It is consciously enjoying the fact that God is good even when your circumstances are not. –Robert Jones, Contentment: A Joy That Lasts
Our misery is often enhanced by our ability to contemplate a better life than we presently enjoy when coupled with the awareness that we are incapable of gaining or achieving that better life. This is the stuff of which dreams & nightmares are made. In our lives, there lurks the godless temptation to assume that God owes us a better condition than we presently enjoy. – R.C. Sproul
The humble man thinks it is mercy that he is out of Hell, therefore he is content. He knows that the worst piece which God carves out for him here on earth is far better than he deserves. – Thomas Watson