A Content Life

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me.  Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. – Philippians 4:10-12 NLT

In the above passage, Paul expressed heartfelt gratitude to the church of Philippi for their generosity. Despite his imprisonment in Rome for spreading the Gospel, they had selflessly sent him financial support, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to his ministry.- (Philippians 1:12-14). 

What was Paul’s secret to facing challenges with confidence and contentment?

We find the answer in verse 13.  

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

Key Points:

• Paul’s confidence was not in his own strength, but in Jesus Christ, who was his source of hope and comfort.
  
• In this same letter, Paul instructed the recipients of his letter to, “Rejoice in the Lord”
  • Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!  Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
    -Philippians 4:4-5
    
• Paul’s confidence and peace were rooted in his faith in God, to whom he brought every concern, every care, and every circumstance.
  • Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
    – Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

Takeaways:

Contentment is not denying the challenging circumstances, but finding hope and strength in the midst of them and clinging to Jesus

• Even in verses 12-13, Paul said, “I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”

Contentment can challenge us to see past our current circumstances and seek the eternal perspective

• Paul recognized the eternal impact of God’s transformative work in the lives of those around him. Ironically, his imprisonment for proclaiming the gospel became a catalyst for others, inspiring them to stand firm in their faith and growing in confidence in the Lord!
  
• He said, “And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” (Philippians 1:14)