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PHILIPPIANS 4:10-13 DEVOTIONAL: CONTENTMENT

APRIL 28 – PHILIPPIANS 4:10-13

THE LESSON OF CONTENTMENT

In today’s world, there is less and less discussion about the providence of God. There is sometimes the idea that the world is a vast natural machine and that even God Himself cannot interrupt its operation. But the Bible clearly teaches the providential workings of God in nature and in the lives of His people. God’s providence simply means that God sees to it beforehand. The providence of God does not mean that God simply knows beforehand because providence involves much more. It is the working of God in advance to arrange circumstances and situations for the fulfilling of His purposes.[1]

The well-known story of Joseph and his brothers illustrates the meaning of providence (Gen. 37–50). “God did send me before you to preserve life!” said Joseph (Gen. 45:5). “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Gen. 50:20). This is the providence of God: His hand ruling and overruling in the affairs of life.[2] Paul’s life and ministry show his experience with God’s providence that enabled him to write, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). God in His providence had caused the church at Philippi to become concerned about Paul’s needs, and it came at the very time Paul needed their love most! The Philippians had been concerned for Paul, but they had lacked the opportunity to help. Sometimes we are the opposite. Believers have the opportunities, but they lack the concern. Not in every case, but in some cases.

Paul is quick to let his friends know that he is not complaining! His happiness does not depend on circumstances or things; his joy comes from something deeper, something apart from either poverty or prosperity. Most of us have learned how to be humiliated because when difficulties come we immediately run to the Lord! But few have learned how “to abound.” Prosperity has done more damage to believers than has adversity. “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing” (Rev. 3:17).

All of nature depends on hidden resources. The large trees send their roots down into the earth to draw up water and minerals. The most important part of a tree is the part we cannot see, the root system, and the most important part of the Christian’s life is the part that only God sees. Unless we draw on 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 (see Phil. 1:6, 21; 2:12–13; 3:10). Paul’s motto was “I can…through Christ!”, and it can and should be our motto too.

In verses 10-20, Paul discusses what may be the reason why he wrote this letter. The Philippians had given him a gift and he desired to thank them for it. In this section, Paul indicates that the Philippians would be rewarded for their gift and that God would meet all their needs. In verses 10-13, we see the lesson of contentment, while in verses 14-20, it talks about the gift of generosity.

Today, we will focus on the lesson of contentment and the value of being satisfied in God.

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. (ESV)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Contentment is found in the strength of Christ
  • Adaptability
    • View our changing circumstances to what God is teaching and doing in our lives
  • Dependence on God
    • Without depending on God, we will fail to the changing pressures of this life
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