BLESSED ASSURANCE
The secret of contentment
Philippians 4:10-23
Contentment is not complacency, nor is it a false peace based on ignorance. It is not an escape from battle, but rather an abiding peace and confidence in the midst of the battle. Phil.4:11 "I have learned in whatever state I am to be content." The word 'content' actually means contained. It is a description of a man whose resources are within him. You don't depend on the substitutes. He is sufficient in Christ. Because Christ lives within us, we are adequate for the demands of life. There are three spiritual resources that make us adequate and gives us contentment in this chapter.
1. The Overruling Providence of God-Phil. 4:10. In this day of scientific achievement we hear less and less and forget the providence of God. We get the idea that the world can exist, that we can go on this world without God. The word providence comes from two latin words 'pro' meaning before and 'video' meaning to see. God's providence simply means that it is the working of God in advance to arrange circumstances and situations for the fulfilling of His purpose. The story of Joseph and his brothers illustrates the meaning of providence Genesis 50:20 'You thought evil against me but God meant it for good.' This is the providence of God, His hand ruling and overruling in the affairs of life. Paul experienced this. Romans 8:28 'All things work together for good to those who love God.' Life is not a series of accidents, it is a series of appointments Psalm 32:8 'I will guide thee with mine eye.' Abraham called God 'Jehovah Jireh' meaning The Lord will see to it, He'll take care of it. Genesis 22:14.
2. The Unfailing Power of God- Phil.4:11-13. Paul's joy comes from something deeper, something apart from either poverty or prosperity. It was the power of Christ within him that gave him spiritual contentment. 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. "I can, through Christ" this was Paul's motto. I am ready for anything through the strength of the One who lives within me. We need only to release this power by faith.
3. The Unchanging Promise of God-Phil.4:14-20. "A budding tree" (verse 10) "flourish" Often we go through 'winter seasons' spiritually but then 'spring' comes and there is a new life and blessing. The tree was not picked up and moved: The circumstances are not changed, the difference is the new life within.