Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak in respect of want (Note: declares his independence from creature comforts): for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Note: to be independent of external circumstances). 12) I know both how to be abased (Note: to keep rejoicing when there is no money), and I know how to abound (Note: to keep rejoicing when there is money): everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (Note: Listen all will come sooner or later and the negative are not for a lack of Faith, but rather for our instruction in Righteousness.) 13) I can do all things (Note: be abased or abound) through Christ which strengthens me (Note: In other words from whom I draws strength)
Secrets – whether a grandmother’s special recipe or a company’s unique product formula – are rarely revealed. In his letter to the Philippians church, the Apostle Paul provided all who would read the Scriptures with the secret of contented living.
Paul announced to them and us that he was content in life – whether he had scraps for dinner or a feast, whether his purse was bulging or flat. His secret is shared in verse 13 above “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
The Greek word for contentment is translated “self-sufficiency or “self-satisfaction.” That may surprise you. At first glance, Paul appears, to say that the secret to contentment lies in his own resilient self.
But what he was expressing was this: “My self-sufficiency, my lever of contentment, lies in the sufficiency of Christ to meet my every need. I can endure rain or shine, darkness or light, sorrow or joy because through Him I am equipped and sustained.”
Paul’s secret is yours. Despite the circumstances, you can enjoy true contentment when you accept the truth that Christ is adequate for your every need – in good times and bad.
