Scripture: Philippians 4:10 – 23
Listen Link: www.lcepc.org then look for “sermons” tab.
We have just finished reading the book of Philippians. We took ten Sundays to do it. Now at the very end, Paul really is wrapping things up and getting ready to say good-bye. I said at the beginning that Paul wrote this letter largely in the form of a thank you letter from a missionary being supported by this church at Philippi. In the first few verses of this last section we see it clearly, “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.” He means when Epaphroditus showed up with some gifts for supporting Paul in his work. And Paul apparently excuses them for what was probably a long time between Epaphroditus’ arrival and the gift they gave him before that. He said he understands that they wanted to but couldn’t when he said, “Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.”
Paul also wanted to reassure them that God had also supplied, and he had not suffered too greatly. He didn’t want them to feel bad for doing less than they might have wanted to. So, he wrote, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
Next Paul explains further, and this is a famous passage that I really want to focus on. Paul proclaimed, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.” Probably we could all say that. Then, he goes on to say, “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.” I wonder how many of us can say that. Have we all learned the secret of being content in any and every situation? What does that look like? How does one do that?
Before I answer those questions, I want to let you in on the secret. Paul tells us what the secret is. In the most recent translation of the NIV, Paul’s words are rendered as, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” That makes strength from Jesus the source and secret of all that Paul had just said about contentment in every situation, rich or poor, well fed or hungry.
Of course, we are more familiar with the KJ Version of this verse: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” That has been quoted extensively as a source of encouragement for anything and everything that we might want to do, or have to do. We tend to focus on the “I can do all things” part and interpret this verse to mean that because God’s strength is in me, I can do anything I am determined to do.
But, in a book called, The Most Misused Verses in the Bible, the author says that “[Philippians 4:13 is] not really about who has the strength to play to the best of their abilities in a sporting contest, or any other kind of effort. It isn’t about what you accomplish, it is about how you do whatever you do. This verse is about having strength to be content when we are facing those moments in life when physical resources are minimal.”
Contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not teach “God will give you the strength to do whatever you set your mind to.” Instead, the Bible teaches, God is a sustainer when life feels unsustainable. So, the newer NIV translation gets it right by saying, “I can do all this,” which is referring to the ability to be content in every situation, rather than saying, “I can do all things,” which is too self glorifying, and too universal to be true. You can’t really do all things just because Jesus gives you strength. You are limited by time and space and circumstances for one thing. You may be gifted for certain tasks but not all tasks. You are called to live a particular life, but not all lives.
A really good example is the fact that Paul the Apostle ended up in Philippi even though he wanted to preach in Asia. We read about that in Acts 16, and we already talked about it in the intro to this series, so a brief recap of that: “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” My point here is that the man who supposedly said he can do all things through Christ, could not do “all things.” He could not preach in the province of Asia or enter Bythinia, even though he wanted to.
Out of context, the “all things” seems like it could refer to whatever someone might want to accomplish—from winning a football game to losing weight to getting a new job to gaining material wealth. Out of context, it is often treated like a spiritual boost of self-confidence that can be applied to any ambition or aspiration in life. Out of context, Philippians 4:13 is used as a blank-check promise for whatever is desired.
But in context, this verse has a very specific, defined meaning—one that most Americans don’t want to hear about, but one that is very important for us to remember as believers. It is a verse that is about contentment. It’s not about your dreams coming true or your goals being met. Rather, it’s about being joyful, satisfied, and steadfast even when life is hard, and your circumstances seem impossible. Even Benjamin Franklin rightly pointed out, “Contentment makes poor men rich. Discontentment makes rich men poor.”
What the Bible really teaches is that you already have, in Christ, the strength or ability to be emotionally strong and courageous with whatever situation God has put you in because if it isn’t a good place you can trust him to get you through it. And if it is a good place, you’re prepared to let go of it as it fades away, because no matter how good it is here, it is not the best place, because only heaven is that. This echoes Job’s wisdom, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:21
Let me tell you one thing contentment does not mean. It does not mean that you just accept your lot in life and don’t do anything at all about a tough situation. Paul, the one who learned how to be content in every situation, was also the one who told the Philippian jailer that he had not been treated properly as a Roman citizen and that the city official should now come and escort him and Silas, making a public apology in the process. That’s also in Acts 16.
One reason that is a great example is because that Philippian jailer was one of the recipients of this letter to the Philippians. So, he had first-hand, experiential knowledge, that contentment does not mean, never making your situation better if you can. It just means don’t fret when you can’t make your situation better. Trust that God has plans to redeem things. That jailer had also heard Paul and Silas singing in that prison before they were set free!
Now to answer those questions: Have we all learned the secret of being content in any and every situation? What does that look like? How does one do that?
First question: Have we all learned the secret of being content in any and every situation? Answer: I don’t know. I know that I have, at least I believe I have, even if I don’t act like it all the time, and I can tell you how I have ad I will do that in moment. But have we all learned it? I don’t know. Each of you must answer that question for yourselves. Have you learned the secret of being content in every situation good or bad hard or easy?
Here is why I believe I have learned it. I have discovered how much God loves me. I do not have to try to make God love me. I do not have to try to earn his favor. He loves me no matter what, just as I love my own kids no matter what. I know that to be true because of what Jesus Christ has done for all of us on his cross. I believe the gospel and I believe that the gospel means that Heaven is not a reward for good behavior. That’s such a common misconception. So many people think you get to go to heaven if the good things in your life outweigh the mistakes or sins that you commit along the way.
So, let me repeat that: Heaven is not a reward for good behavior. Instead, the Bible teaches us that Heaven is your true home where you are always welcome. That’s such good, good news! Really God you love me!? ME!!!?? Once I believe that, I just can’t contain my joy!! That’s why our excitement in worship ought to be even more enthusiastic than the football fans of the winning team that wasn’t expected to win! Well, you can’t go around cheering all the time. We don’t have enough energy for that. Quiet contemplation is good too. That’s like sun-bathing, quietly abiding in the warm presence of the Son of God, only you won’t get burned.
You are on your way to Heaven the moment you believe this gospel. It is where you are headed if you have placed your faith in Christ and have received his offer of forgiveness through faith in His gospel ministry. That reality changes the way you behave on earth while you are still here. It completely changes your whole reason for living from, say pursuing the American dream, to pursuing God and fulfilling the mission he has marked out for you, the works he has planned in advance for you to do, His plan, not yours.
Second question: What does that look like? Contentment looks like a hard-working Christian person whose whole goal in life is to use whatever gifts and position you have in this world to serve the Lord by reaching others for the faith. It looks like a person who is filled with the Spirit and shining with the fruit of the spirit: love peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
How does one do that? One does that by believing that the Bible is the word of God. It is not a book of petty rules to live by. It is a book of great principles and wisdom, plus Truth with a capitol T, that goes against all the falsehoods and lies put forth by the devil in this world who does not want you to believe anything in the Bible. One does this by staying close to Jesus in prayer, devotion and worship, and by putting on the full armor of God as we talked about when we worked through that in Ephesians 6.
And finally, let’s list all the thing in the letter to the Philippians that Paul said we can do in the strength of Christ. From chapter 1: I can thank God for every blessing and all of the good people who encourage me. I can pray for everyone to be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. I can advance the gospel from any situation, even if I were a prisoner in chains. And even if rivals trying to get me onto hot water end up preaching the gospel as part of their failed strategy, I can rejoice because at least the gospel is preached. I can conduct myself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, even to suffer for him.
From Chapter 2: I can exhibit the character of Jesus Christ. I can be like-minded with my brothers and sisters in the Lord, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. I can do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value I can value others above myself, not looking to my own interests but to the interests of the others. I can have the same mind set as Jesus and be willing to humble myself for the cause of the gospel and for the sake of the lost people around me. I can do everything without grumbling and complaining. I can even be poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of others. I can work hard for the gospel, even to the point of death, if necessary.
From chapter 3: I can put all my confidence in what Jesus has done for me and no confidence in what I may think I am or can do for myself. I can forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. I can press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. I can be mature and take a Biblical view of things. I can eagerly await a Savior from Heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
From Chapter 4: I can help the body of Christ deal with conflict and live in peaceful harmony. I can rejoice in the Lord, always! I can, without anxiety, rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! I can let my gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. I do not have to be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, I can present my requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. I can think about excellent and praiseworthy things. I can thank other believers for the gifts they give and rejoice in their participation in the ministry. I can trust in the good shepherd, who meets all my needs and be content with that. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. And the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ will be with my spirit. I can do all this through Jesus Christ who gives me strength. And so can you! Believe the gospel and rejoice in the Lord! It is a life changing experience! Amen!
Listen Link: www.lcepc.org then look for “sermons” tab.
We have just finished reading the book of Philippians. We took ten Sundays to do it. Now at the very end, Paul really is wrapping things up and getting ready to say good-bye. I said at the beginning that Paul wrote this letter largely in the form of a thank you letter from a missionary being supported by this church at Philippi. In the first few verses of this last section we see it clearly, “I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.” He means when Epaphroditus showed up with some gifts for supporting Paul in his work. And Paul apparently excuses them for what was probably a long time between Epaphroditus’ arrival and the gift they gave him before that. He said he understands that they wanted to but couldn’t when he said, “Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.”
Paul also wanted to reassure them that God had also supplied, and he had not suffered too greatly. He didn’t want them to feel bad for doing less than they might have wanted to. So, he wrote, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
Next Paul explains further, and this is a famous passage that I really want to focus on. Paul proclaimed, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.” Probably we could all say that. Then, he goes on to say, “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.” I wonder how many of us can say that. Have we all learned the secret of being content in any and every situation? What does that look like? How does one do that?
Before I answer those questions, I want to let you in on the secret. Paul tells us what the secret is. In the most recent translation of the NIV, Paul’s words are rendered as, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” That makes strength from Jesus the source and secret of all that Paul had just said about contentment in every situation, rich or poor, well fed or hungry.
Of course, we are more familiar with the KJ Version of this verse: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” That has been quoted extensively as a source of encouragement for anything and everything that we might want to do, or have to do. We tend to focus on the “I can do all things” part and interpret this verse to mean that because God’s strength is in me, I can do anything I am determined to do.
But, in a book called, The Most Misused Verses in the Bible, the author says that “[Philippians 4:13 is] not really about who has the strength to play to the best of their abilities in a sporting contest, or any other kind of effort. It isn’t about what you accomplish, it is about how you do whatever you do. This verse is about having strength to be content when we are facing those moments in life when physical resources are minimal.”
Contrary to popular belief, the Bible does not teach “God will give you the strength to do whatever you set your mind to.” Instead, the Bible teaches, God is a sustainer when life feels unsustainable. So, the newer NIV translation gets it right by saying, “I can do all this,” which is referring to the ability to be content in every situation, rather than saying, “I can do all things,” which is too self glorifying, and too universal to be true. You can’t really do all things just because Jesus gives you strength. You are limited by time and space and circumstances for one thing. You may be gifted for certain tasks but not all tasks. You are called to live a particular life, but not all lives.
A really good example is the fact that Paul the Apostle ended up in Philippi even though he wanted to preach in Asia. We read about that in Acts 16, and we already talked about it in the intro to this series, so a brief recap of that: “Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” My point here is that the man who supposedly said he can do all things through Christ, could not do “all things.” He could not preach in the province of Asia or enter Bythinia, even though he wanted to.
Out of context, the “all things” seems like it could refer to whatever someone might want to accomplish—from winning a football game to losing weight to getting a new job to gaining material wealth. Out of context, it is often treated like a spiritual boost of self-confidence that can be applied to any ambition or aspiration in life. Out of context, Philippians 4:13 is used as a blank-check promise for whatever is desired.
But in context, this verse has a very specific, defined meaning—one that most Americans don’t want to hear about, but one that is very important for us to remember as believers. It is a verse that is about contentment. It’s not about your dreams coming true or your goals being met. Rather, it’s about being joyful, satisfied, and steadfast even when life is hard, and your circumstances seem impossible. Even Benjamin Franklin rightly pointed out, “Contentment makes poor men rich. Discontentment makes rich men poor.”
What the Bible really teaches is that you already have, in Christ, the strength or ability to be emotionally strong and courageous with whatever situation God has put you in because if it isn’t a good place you can trust him to get you through it. And if it is a good place, you’re prepared to let go of it as it fades away, because no matter how good it is here, it is not the best place, because only heaven is that. This echoes Job’s wisdom, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:21
Let me tell you one thing contentment does not mean. It does not mean that you just accept your lot in life and don’t do anything at all about a tough situation. Paul, the one who learned how to be content in every situation, was also the one who told the Philippian jailer that he had not been treated properly as a Roman citizen and that the city official should now come and escort him and Silas, making a public apology in the process. That’s also in Acts 16.
One reason that is a great example is because that Philippian jailer was one of the recipients of this letter to the Philippians. So, he had first-hand, experiential knowledge, that contentment does not mean, never making your situation better if you can. It just means don’t fret when you can’t make your situation better. Trust that God has plans to redeem things. That jailer had also heard Paul and Silas singing in that prison before they were set free!
Now to answer those questions: Have we all learned the secret of being content in any and every situation? What does that look like? How does one do that?
First question: Have we all learned the secret of being content in any and every situation? Answer: I don’t know. I know that I have, at least I believe I have, even if I don’t act like it all the time, and I can tell you how I have ad I will do that in moment. But have we all learned it? I don’t know. Each of you must answer that question for yourselves. Have you learned the secret of being content in every situation good or bad hard or easy?
Here is why I believe I have learned it. I have discovered how much God loves me. I do not have to try to make God love me. I do not have to try to earn his favor. He loves me no matter what, just as I love my own kids no matter what. I know that to be true because of what Jesus Christ has done for all of us on his cross. I believe the gospel and I believe that the gospel means that Heaven is not a reward for good behavior. That’s such a common misconception. So many people think you get to go to heaven if the good things in your life outweigh the mistakes or sins that you commit along the way.
So, let me repeat that: Heaven is not a reward for good behavior. Instead, the Bible teaches us that Heaven is your true home where you are always welcome. That’s such good, good news! Really God you love me!? ME!!!?? Once I believe that, I just can’t contain my joy!! That’s why our excitement in worship ought to be even more enthusiastic than the football fans of the winning team that wasn’t expected to win! Well, you can’t go around cheering all the time. We don’t have enough energy for that. Quiet contemplation is good too. That’s like sun-bathing, quietly abiding in the warm presence of the Son of God, only you won’t get burned.
You are on your way to Heaven the moment you believe this gospel. It is where you are headed if you have placed your faith in Christ and have received his offer of forgiveness through faith in His gospel ministry. That reality changes the way you behave on earth while you are still here. It completely changes your whole reason for living from, say pursuing the American dream, to pursuing God and fulfilling the mission he has marked out for you, the works he has planned in advance for you to do, His plan, not yours.
Second question: What does that look like? Contentment looks like a hard-working Christian person whose whole goal in life is to use whatever gifts and position you have in this world to serve the Lord by reaching others for the faith. It looks like a person who is filled with the Spirit and shining with the fruit of the spirit: love peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
How does one do that? One does that by believing that the Bible is the word of God. It is not a book of petty rules to live by. It is a book of great principles and wisdom, plus Truth with a capitol T, that goes against all the falsehoods and lies put forth by the devil in this world who does not want you to believe anything in the Bible. One does this by staying close to Jesus in prayer, devotion and worship, and by putting on the full armor of God as we talked about when we worked through that in Ephesians 6.
And finally, let’s list all the thing in the letter to the Philippians that Paul said we can do in the strength of Christ. From chapter 1: I can thank God for every blessing and all of the good people who encourage me. I can pray for everyone to be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. I can advance the gospel from any situation, even if I were a prisoner in chains. And even if rivals trying to get me onto hot water end up preaching the gospel as part of their failed strategy, I can rejoice because at least the gospel is preached. I can conduct myself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, even to suffer for him.
From Chapter 2: I can exhibit the character of Jesus Christ. I can be like-minded with my brothers and sisters in the Lord, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. I can do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value I can value others above myself, not looking to my own interests but to the interests of the others. I can have the same mind set as Jesus and be willing to humble myself for the cause of the gospel and for the sake of the lost people around me. I can do everything without grumbling and complaining. I can even be poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of others. I can work hard for the gospel, even to the point of death, if necessary.
From chapter 3: I can put all my confidence in what Jesus has done for me and no confidence in what I may think I am or can do for myself. I can forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. I can press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. I can be mature and take a Biblical view of things. I can eagerly await a Savior from Heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
From Chapter 4: I can help the body of Christ deal with conflict and live in peaceful harmony. I can rejoice in the Lord, always! I can, without anxiety, rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! I can let my gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. I do not have to be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, I can present my requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. I can think about excellent and praiseworthy things. I can thank other believers for the gifts they give and rejoice in their participation in the ministry. I can trust in the good shepherd, who meets all my needs and be content with that. The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. And the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ will be with my spirit. I can do all this through Jesus Christ who gives me strength. And so can you! Believe the gospel and rejoice in the Lord! It is a life changing experience! Amen!
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