But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care but lacked opportunity. I do not say this out of need, for I learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. Now that I speak in regard to the need, for I have learned in whatever state I am to be content: I know how to be abased and I know abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me
Joyfully Content,Paul rejoiced the Philippians church had renewed their care for him, as he reestablished his fellowship with them. Paul encouraged the believers to practice what they have received, heard, and saw him do, and the God of peace who gave him peace and contentment in every circumstance would do just the same for them as well .He testified he had learned how to be satisfied with much or with less in every circumstance, and acknowledged his contentment was from the Lord who was always with him.
Paul exhorted believers to practice what they learn, and persuaded them to abide in Christ .In Christ, they would know how to be humble and in Him they would know how to thrive. He encouraged believers to follow his pattern of total dependence upon Christ, regardless of their state of being.
As believers lived in the “Fear of the Lord” and obeyed Him, they can trust Him in times of need or times of abundance, knowing God will work all things together for His glory and their good. Paul was not complacent with life; he hunger and thirst for righteousness and was filled .He derived his contentment from the Lord. He sort first the kingdom of God-through his missionary works, epistles to the churches, preaching and teaching of the word of God to strengthen and encourage the brethren ; as he expressed his experiences with the Lord taught him how to live right before God through righteousness by faith in Christ- from whom he gain contentment and strength.
“The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2
Joyfully Content, Paul admonished the believers to stand fast in the Lord and be grounded in their faith, without faith it is impossible to please God. He encouraged believers to be of the same mind, the same love, with mercy and affection and fellowship with the Holy Spirit despite the messiness of human relationships He encouraged believers to intentionally partner together to proclaim the gospel of truth. Paul stated unity of faith and joy can only be attained through Christ who model humanity and service in his own life; truth revealed to Paul by Christ.
Philippians 2:5-11
Let this mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other burden in this way; you fulfill the law of Christ.
John 13:35
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain
1 Thessalonian 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continuously, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will for God for you in Christ Jesus
Pause & think
- What is contentment and what causes discontentment?
- How does godliness produce contentment?
- What does it mean to rejoice in the Lord always?
- How does Christ strengthen you? (Isaiah 40:38, Psalm 27:1,14, Isaiah 12)
Philippians 4:14-18
Joyfully Content,Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. 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 only you.
For even in Thessalonian you send aid once and again for my necessitates. Not that I seek the gift, but seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. 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.
Paul acknowledged the mutual supply he had with the Philippians church, sharing and receiving the gospel and the support they offered his ministry. He acknowledged the Philippians church shared in his distress. The Philippians church was of one mind, one purpose and one mission in furthering the gospel of truth, as they stood with him and partner together for the faith. Although, Paul was not a burden to them, he appreciated their sharing and also thanked God for the grace of Christ was given to them.
“Endeavor to keep the unity of Spirit in the bond of peace”
The Philippians church did not forget to do good and share with Paul in time of need, and this was a sweet smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. (Hebrew 13:16)
The Philippians church gift to Paul in time of urgent need was sent with a messenger who ministered to Paul’s need, thus the Philippians church bear the fruit of the light: goodness, righteousness and truth. (Ephesians 5:9) Paul focused was on the fruit the church produced rather than on the monetary gift. He knew “He who supplied seed to the sow to the sower and bread to the eater would supply and multiply the seed they have sown and increase the fruit of their righteousness.” He realized what he lacked they provided and what they lacked he provided, for the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all, God worked through all of them to fulfill his predetermined plan and purpose and clothed them with Christ righteousness.
“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling and serve the Lord with gladness”
- Hebrews 13:6
- And don’t forget to do well and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
- Galatians 6:10
- So then, when we have the opportunity, let us do well to all men, especially to the household of faith
- Acts 10:38
- How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
- Mathew 6:3
- But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing
- Philippians 4:19-20
- And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen
Paul encouraged believers to guard their mind by “thinking through scripture” to not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of their mind. As they mediate on the word and live what is pure, lovely, good report, virtue, and praiseworthy, the God of peace will be with them. He exhorted them to learn how to apply the word of God to their daily lives. Paul testified Jehovah Jireh shall supply all their needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. For the earth is the Lord and the fullness thereof, the world and all that dwell in it.Our God provision and resources are limitless through Jesus Christ through whom all things consist, and through whom, God supply our physical or spiritual needs. (Colossians 1:17)
“Jesus is the bread of life. He has the words of eternal life which meets all needs.” John 6:35
Paul reminded believers our Father who gives food to all flesh will not withhold any good thing from them. For God is able to make all grace abound to them, so that they would be sufficient in all things at all times and abound in every good work
Paul testified the Lord will open His hands and supply their needs, when they asked Him, it will be given to them, when they seek Him in truth, they would find Him and when they knock: He will open the door to them. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
Paul ascribed glory to God our father for His benevolence toward his children with He loves.
Our father, the Father of Israel, the Father of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Father from whom all families in heaven and earth derived their names, and the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, your Father and Your God: is worthy of glory, honor and thanks for what he provides for us through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He urged believers to rejoice always! When in need, trust God and asked Him. When in abundance, be grateful, share and thank Him, give cheerfully from your heart to meet immediate needs. This will not only make believers content but also increase their faith in God and bring God glory for what He has done, what He is doing and what He shall do in our lives as we abide in Christ, to the praise of the Father’s God’s glory and grace.
Pause & think
- How can we be more active in meeting the needs of others?
- Reflect and testify of a time when God supply your needs?
- What is the difference between God our Father and God the creator?
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Ame