Philippians 4:11, 12 - The Secret of Contentment.
Philippians 4:11, 12 (NIV) I am not saying
this because I am in need, for I have learned to
be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I
know what it is to be in need, and I know what it
is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of
being content in any and every situation, whether
well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or
in want.
INTRODUCTION
Contentment is a gift from God. We can learn
contentment. Possessions will not bring contentment. Are
you content in any circumstances you face? Paul
knew how to be content whether he had plenty or
whether he was in need. The secret was drawing on
Christ's power for strength. Do you have great needs,
or are you discontented because you don't have
what you want? Learn to rely on God's promises
and Christ's power to help you be content. If
you always want more, ask God to remove that
desire and teach you contentment in every
circumstance. He will supply all your needs, but in a way
that he knows is best for you (see the note on
4:19 for more on God supplying our needs). [Life
Application SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
Live Above Your Circumstances
Learn to live above your circumstances.
God made you as you are! He placed you where you
are! So you can best serve and glorify Him just
as you are, where you are. Some people are
always looking on the other side of the fence
because they think the grass is greener. They
overlook all the advantages and opportunities open to
them right where they are.
Paul said he had learned how to abound
and how to be abased. He had learned to be every
inch a Christian even in prison. Dont let your
circumstances get you down. Learn to live graciously
within them, realizing the Lord Himself is with
you.
These principles and suggestions may seem
simple, but they work. I have seen them tested in
the lives of thousands. I have tested them in my
own life. They will give you peace of soul,
happiness, peace of mind, and pleasure, and you will
have learned the secret of living life with
satisfaction.
Why do you think God placed you where you
are? [Peace for Each Day by Billy Graham]
COMMENTARY
Slow Down by Learning Contentment
If youre serious about slowing down,
dont start with your schedule. Start with your
heart.
Paul says in Philippians 4:11, I have
learned to be content whatever the circumstances
(NIV). Notice that Paul says he has learned
contentment. You are not by nature a contented person.
Neither am I! It is our nature to be discontent - to
want things to be different, to want them to be
better. But if youre going to slow down your
life, you have to learn contentment. And you can
only do that over time.
Paul explains what it looks like to be
content. He says, Godliness with contentment is
great gain. For we brought nothing into the world,
and we can take nothing out of it. But if we
have food and clothing, we will be content with
that (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV).
Paul is emphasizing that life isnt
about things. A person who is content can
acknowledge, I didnt have anything before I was
born; Im not going to have anything after I
die. Yes, I need things, but theyre not what
life is about - so Ill just be content with
what Ive got.
Let me explain what contentment is not.
Contentment is not abandoning your ambition; you ought
to have ambition and make the most of what God
has given you. Contentment doesnt mean you
dont have any goals, dreams, or plans for your
life. In fact, God says its good to have godly
ambition.
Contentment means this: You dont need
more in order to be happy; youre happy right
now with what youve been given.
Happiness is a choice. In other words,
you are as happy as you choose to be! You
cant blame unhappiness on your circumstances. If
youre not happy with your current circumstances,
youre not going to be happy with different ones.
We live on a broken planet, and nothing is
perfect; there will always be something wrong in your
life.
God wants you to learn to be happy in
spite of difficult situations by trusting that he
will give you exactly what you need when you need
it. Learning contentment is a process. Why
dont you commit to starting that process today?
[Daily Devotional by Rick Warren:
https://pastorrick.com/devotional/]
ILLUSTRATION
Overcoming Envy
Shakespeare called it "the green-eyed
monster." Bacon admitted it "keeps no holidays."
Horace declared that "tyrants never invented a
greater torment." Barrie said it "is the most
corroding of the vices." Sheridan referred to it in
his play, The Critic, when he wrote, "There is
not a passion so strongly rooted in the human
heart as [this]." Philip Bailey, the eloquent
English poet of yesteryear, vividly described it as
"a coal [that] comes hissing hot from hell."
Envy finds acceptable ways of expressing
its resentment. One favorite method is the "but"
approach. When I talk of someone I envy, I may say,
"He is an excellent speaker, but he really isn't
very sincere." Or, "Yeah, she has a brilliant
mind, but what a dull teacher!" Or, "The man is an
outstanding surgeon, but he doesn't mind charging an arm
and a leg."
Envy in Scripture? From Cain to Nero.
Envy sold Joseph into slavery, drove David into
exile, threw Daniel in the den, and put Christ on
trial (If you question that, better check Matthew
27:18). Paul tells us that it's one of the
prevailing traits of depravity (Romans 1:29) and a team
member that plays in the same backfield with
jealousy, suspicion, and slander (1 Timothy 6:4).
The answer to envy? Contentment.
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. For
I can do everything through Christ, who gives
me strength. Philippians 4:12-13
Are you having some big struggles with
envy? Eating your heart out because somebody's a
step or two ahead of you in the race and gaining
momentum? Relax! You are you - not them! And you are
responsible to do the best you can with what you've got
for as long as you're able.
I don't care how many trophies or awards
or dollars or degrees may be earned or won on
earth, you can't take it with you.
So it isn't worth the sweat.
Be content with what you have and with
who you are. Period. [Chuck Swindoll
www.insight.org.]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Philippians 4:11, 12 - The Secret of
Contentment.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20221012-0851.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220105-0847.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2021/20210831-0921.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190704-1038.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2017/20170813-1145.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/
