Jul. 14, 2024

“OVERJOYED”

“THE SECRET OF CONTENTMENT”

PHILIPPIANS 4:10-23

Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?

The Apostle Paul was a thermostat.

Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:”

Contentment is not escape from battle, but rather an abiding peace and confidence in the midst of the battle.

Paul says he “learned” vs.11, which means learned by experience. 

The word “content” in this context means “self sufficient,” contained. It is a description of a man whose resources are within him so that he does not have to depend on substitutes without.

But the Christian is not sufficient in himself, he is sufficient in Christ. Because Christ lives within us, we are adequate for the demands of life.

2 Corinthians 3:5 “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.”

Paul Names Three Wonderful Spiritual Resources That Make Us Adequate And Give Contentment:

1.   The Overruling Providence of God- Philippians 4:10

The word “providence” comes from two Latin words; “pro”-meaning before, and “video” meaning to see. God’s providence simply means that God sees to it beforehand.

Genesis 50:20 “As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this to preserve the lives of many people.”

This is the providence of God. His hand ruling and overruling in the affairs of life. Paul experienced this divine providence in his life and ministry:

Romans 8:28 “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”

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, but you lacked opportunity.”

Life is not a series of accidents, it is a series of appointments:

Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”

John 10:4 “And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.”

This is the providence of God, a wonderful source of contentment.

2.   The Unfailing Power Of God- Philippians 4:11-13

Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:”

Paul wasn’t promoting self-sufficiency but but Christ-sufficiency.

Philippians 4:12 “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.”

Prosperity has done more damage to believers than has adversity.

Revelation 3:17 “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.”

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Unless we draw from the deep resources of God by faith, we fail against the pressures of life. Paul depended on the power of Christ at work in his life:

Philippians 1:6

Philippians 2:12-13

Philippians 3:10

3.   The Unchanging Promises Of God- Philippians 4:14-20

Paul thanks the church at Philippi for their generous gift.

*They Shared In His Affliction:

Philippians 4:14 “Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress.”

How? By never forgetting about Paul, even at the low points.

Philippians 4:15 “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.”

Philippians 4:16 “For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.”

*They Shared In His Blessings

Philippians 4:17 “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.”

Their sacrificial giving was a clear example of Christlike love shown toward Paul and toward those among whom Paul was ministering.

*The Philippians Sacrifice:

Philippians 4:18 “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.”

Epaphroditus had delivered to Paul in Rome an ample offering of funds.

*There are such things as “spiritual sacrifices” in the Christian life:

1 Peter 2:5 “you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Romans 12:1-2

Hebrew 13:15-16 “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

Romans 15:16 “That I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”

Philippians 4:19 “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

As we serve as faithful conduits of generosity toward those who, like Paul, have genuine needs, God will continue to supply what we need, so we can continue to bless others. God will provide all our needs, not all our greeds.

Philippians 4:20 “Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

God alone who supplies all things, deserves all the praise and all the glory.

Paul concludes with a standard blessing:

Philippians 4:21-23 “Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. 23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”

What an occasion for Christ-centered, Spirit-empowered joy!

Paul suggests three places to look in your life that will enable you to grow up in your joyful resting in the Lord.

1.   Look Within And Release- Is there something in your heart that is stunting your growth? Something robbing you of joy.
2. Look Around And Respond- Sometimes we don’t give our time, energy, or our financial resources because we’re too busy to see the needs. 
3. Look Up And Rejoice