Sunday, April 30, 2000   

It has been said that all the world lives in two tents: content and discontent. In verse 11, we find that contentment is something that must be learned. Paul says: "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

I. VERSE 10, PROVIDENCE

     A. Paul lived as a Christian trusting in the Providence of God. He believed that God was sovereign in all things.

     B. The physical needs of prisoners were not taken care of by the state of Paul's day. For daily needs, Paul trust God and God's people.

          1. God knew all about Paul's needs and used the Philippian church to meet those needs.

               a. "Providence" is "pro-before" and "video-to see." God sees beforehand.

               b. In the situation of Joseph in Genesis 45:5, we read: "God did send me before you to preserve life." God saw beforehand and sent Joseph. That is Providence. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph talking to his brothers said: "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good." The events in Joseph's life fit well with Romans 8:28.

          2. The Philippian church had helped Paul before and now because the opportunity has arisen, they are helping him again.

               a. "Flourished again" like a tree putting on fresh growth in the spring. Then they heard of his imprisonment, they got busy.

               b. "Careful" - they thought about and prayed for Paul.

               c. "Lacked opportunity" - something had hindered them for awhile.

     C. As we see in the opening words of this verse, Paul rejoiced in the Providence of God.

          1. Contentment grows out of trusting in God's Providence, believing that He is in control.

          2. In Genesis 22:14, Abraham called God Jehovah-jireh meaning "The Lord will see to it, the Lord who sees."

          3. Be content: God will take care of you.

               Be not dismayed whate'er be-tide.

          God will take care of you.

               Beneath His wings of love abide,

          God will take care of you.

          Chorus God will take care of you,

          Through every day, O'er all the way

          He will take care of you,

          God will take care of you.

II. VERSES 11-12, POVERTY OR PROSPERITY

     A. Verse 11, "Not that I speak in respect of want" - means that Paul did not mention his great rejoicing of their care because of want.

          1. Paul had learned to be content with what he had.

               a. Regardless of outward circumstances, he was content; he was satisfied.

               b. His conversion and all the suffering and pain that came with it were in God's plan. God's plan to get the message of the Gospel out to the lost (1:12).

          2. Paul was devoted to Christ and the cause of the Gospel. Because of this, he was content.

               a. Friend, content comes to us as we devote ourselves to Christ.

               b. We must have Christ as Master before we can be content (I Timothy 6:10; Matthew 6:24).

          3. Paul had learned to be content wherever he was.

     B. Verse 12, Paul certainly had his ups and downs or as the verse indicates his downs and ups.

          1. Paul knew what it meant to be hungry, thirsty, cold, tortured, without proper clothing, etc.

          2. Paul knew how to trust God when circumstances quickly changed:

               a. In Acts 4:8-11, he is hailed as a God. In Acts 14:19 he is stoned by the same folks.

               b. He is snake bitten in Acts 28, and they claim he is a murderer; he survived the bite, and they said he was a god.

          3. "Everywhere and in all things."

               a. Contentment can be ours if we have God's perspective of life.

<                    1) Paul was content because he saw life from God's point of view.

                    2) Paul focused on what he was to do not on what he felt he should get or have.

                    3) As long as he was focused on living for Jesus, he was OK.

               b. Paul was grateful for all that God had given him. He could be grateful because his focus was on the eternal not the material.

                c. Materialism is a barrier to contentment.

1) It is important to distinguish between needs and wants.

                    2) Don't get anxious over wants when you have what you need to live.

                    3) We can choose to be content without having all we want.

III. VERSE 13, THE PERSON OF CONTENTMENT

     A. Paul is trusting in the person of Christ and whatever needs to be done he can do it.

          1. Paul can do all things that Christ wills him to because he is in Christ (3:9).

               a. He has trusted the crucified, buried, and risen Lord.

               b. The saved can say with Paul: "I can do all things through Christ...."

          2. Paul can do all things because God's grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9).

               a. Whatever the trial the child of God can make it.

               b. Romans 8:32 says: "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us." ("Conquerors" - enough; "more than" and to spare).

          3. Paul can do all things because he is enabled (I Timothy 1:12). Friend, he will enable you!

          4. Paul can do all things because he was strengthened by the Lord who stood by him (II Timothy 4:17).

IV. VERSES 14-16, SUPPLY

     A. Verse 14, He was glad that the Philippian church stopped forward to help him. "He would willingly have starved to death for the care of Christ, but he was glad that the Philippian aid came when it did" (Phillips 179).

     B. Verse 15-16, Paul commends the Philippian church for their loving concern. When others showed no concern, these folks stepped up to help. While other churches forgot about Paul, the church at Philippi helped the missionary. Paul's heart was warmed by their loving concern.

CONCLUSION: What will it take for you to be content?

1. Trusting in God's providence.

2. Devotion to Christ.

3. See and live life from God' perspective.

4. By trusting in Christ to give you what you need to do all things.