Philippians 4:10-13 – “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. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 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. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  NKJV

In considering the subject of ‘contentment’ as Paul defined it he gives us three powerful spiritual resources from which we can draw, make us adequate and give us contentment.

THE OVERRULING PROVIDENCE OF GOD – – (4:10)

In our day of scientific achievement we hear less and less about the providence of God.  It appears to me that we sometime get the idea that the world is a vast natural machine and that God Himself cannot interrupt the wheels as they turn.  Oh how foolish mankind can be.  If you take note of the word ‘providence’ you find it comes from two Latin words:  ‘Pro’ = before and “Video’ = to see.  So God’s providence simply means that ‘God sees it beforehand.’  The beauty is that not only does He see but He is actively involved in doing something about it.

An example of that is in Genesis 37-50 where we find the story of Joseph and his brothers.  The brothers envied him, sold him into slavery when he was just a young lad.  He was taken to Egypt and ultimately became second in command in the most powerful nation of that day.  After about 20 years of separation Joseph and his brothers were reunited and in Genesis 45:5 he says, “God did send me before you to preserve life.”  Then in Genesis 50:50 he said, “But as for you, you thought evil against me; but God meant it for good.”  God had not abandoned him and had used the events of life to ‘work all things together for his good.’  We would do well to realize that life is not a series of accidents it is series of appointments.  Therefore we can be content knowing that God is still in control.

THE UNFAILING POWER OF GOD – – (4:11-13)

Paul is quick to let everyone know that he is not complaining.  His happiness and joy are not dependent upon his circumstances but comes from something deeper and is totally separate from poverty or prosperity.  I would suggest that most have learned to be ‘abased’ because when difficulties come we normally run to the Lord in prayer.  How many have learned to ‘abound’?  For some prosperity has done more harm than good.  Not all but some for they become like those of Revelation 3:17 – “I am rich, and increased with good, and have need of nothing” and they to remain dependent on God as a result.

The word “instructed’ in verse 12 is not the same as ‘learned’ in verse 11 it means ‘initiated into the secret’  This word was used by the pagan religions with reference to their ‘inner secrets’.  It was through trial and testing that Paul was ‘initiated’ into the wonderful secret or revelation of contentment in spite of circumstances.  He declared in Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me.”  Paul’s motto was and ours should be:  “I can through Christ.”

THE UNCHANGING PROMISES OF GOD – – (4:14-20)

Paul compares the Philippians’ gift to three very familiar things:  A budding tree (v.10) the word ‘flourished’ carries the idea of a flower or tree budding and blossoming.  That comes from the life within.  An investment (vv.14-17) where we find the word ‘communicate’ which is our familiar word ‘fellowship’.  The church entered into an arrangement of ‘giving and receiving’. They gave materially to Paul and received spiritually from the Lord.  A ‘sacrifice (v.18) here we see that Paul clearly recognized the sacrificial actions of these believers.

That makes me think of the spiritual sacrifices identified in scripture:  Romans 12 (our bodies), Hebrews 13 (the praise of our lips and our good works).  Paul did not see the gift as just from men but from heaven itself through these believers.  Let me paraphrase what he said:  “You have met my need, and God is going to meet your need.  You met one need that I have, but my God is going to meet all your needs. You gave out of your poverty, but God will supply your needs out of His riches in glory!”   Hudson Taylor said:  “When God’s work is done in God’s way for God’s glory, it will not lack God’s supply.”

Contentment is from the adequate resources of God.  We have His providence, power and promise.  Why would we not be content?   God bless you as you move forward in your walk and warfare!  Blessings!