Be Contented and ThankfulPhilippians 4:10-23

By David Turnerwww.BibleStudies-Online.com

How Can we be content on the 10th anniversary of 9/11?

The world is a different place.Our lives are different because of 9/11.Economy

Jobs declinedPeople have lost homesDrought, Floods, Earthquakes, TornadoesWar

Contentment is not dependent on our circumstances.

Philippians 4:10–23 (ESV)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.

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

WANT WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVEPhilippians 4:10-13

Rejoice in the Lord for the Giver more than for the Gift

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.

Rejoice in the giver more than the gift.

They care about you.They care about what you are doing.God is speaking to them on your behalf.

One can say he is concerned. The Philippians proved by their giving.

I have everything I need11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

I’m satisfied with the things I have.I’m satisfied with the place I live.I’m satisfied with my circumstances.I’m pleased to minister among the people God has put me with.

Happiness is not gained by getting what we don’t have.

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.

You are blessed to have plenty.You are blessed if you own only what you need.True happiness is not from having much, but learning to be thankful for what one has.

Contentment is in Christ13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 

Only Christ satisfies my needs, my wants, my heart. Contentment is not possessing what you do not have. If I have Christ I have all I need. He gives me strength in all circumstances.

GIVE WHAT YOU ALREADY OWNPhilippians 4:14-20

There is blessing in giving.14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.

Express thanksgiving when someone gives to you.The Philippians, out of their poverty, gave to Paul.

2 Corinthians 8:1–5 (ESV)

8 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

Givers get more than the one who gets the gift

16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

The Philippians are praised for their graciousness. This letter is a tribute to their generosity. Be thankful for the gift, but more thankful for the giver.

God is pleased by the giver18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

The danger of making an issue over the gift is that the giver may think your asking for more.Not only is the person serving the Lord served by receiving the gift, God is pleased with the one who gives.

Care for God’s Work and God will take care of you19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

This isn’t an unconditional promise.Because you, out of your own need, have provided to take care of God’s worker, He will take care of you.

FINAL GREETINGPhilippians 4:21-23

Philippians are a testimony to all believers

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

All these saints know of the generosity of the Philippians.Even the household of Caesar has believers because of Paul’s imprisonment.

Matthew 6:19–21 (ESV)19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.