Philippians 4:10-13 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.
True contentment can be found through Jesus Christ alone.
1. Contentment can be found in every circumstance
“…in whatever situation I am”…“in any and every circumstance”… in “plenty” and “hunger”, “abundance” and “need”… “I can do all things…”
2. Contentment can be found by learning
“for I have learned… to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound... I have learned the secret…”
3. Contentment can be found only in Jesus Christ
…“through him who strengthens me”
· 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 “So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
· Paul was content because he was a man in Christ.
· He found his identity in Christ
· He found his satisfaction in Christ
· He found his fulfillment in Christ
· He found his hope in Christ
· He found his strength in Christ
· He found his riches in Christ
· We can be found in Christ in these ways too and experience great joy in our Christian walk
Potential Application Questions:
1. Do you find yourself hoping in something other than Christ for happiness or joy (such as finances, possessions, health, relationships, etc.)?
2. How does looking to these things keep you from being content in Christ?
3. How is it encouraging to know that Paul learned to be content & we can learn to be content in everything too?
4. Where have you seen growth in contentment in your life?
5. What changes do you think God would have you make to pursue being satisfied in Him alone?
6. How does it affect you to know that even if (especially if) you are weak, Jesus Christ will enable you to find true contentment in Him?
