Meaningful Life
Date: June 10, 2024
Philippians 4:10-13
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Bible Text: Philippians 4:10-13
Sermon Topic: The Secret to Contentment
Take-Home-Point: Find Contentment in Jesus
The noun Contentment means “a state of happiness and satisfaction” or fulfillment. If I may ask, what makes you happy or satisfied?
As we all know, Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Philippian church. He was awaiting a death sentence from the Roman Emperor of that era. Here was a man who was lonely without friends and family, yet he was happy to know that the Philippian church was doing well in Christ Jesus. How did Paul find contentment in life despite his imprisonment and hardship? There are three basic reasons:
He Learned to Rejoice in the Lord (10-11): Paul was grateful to God for giving the Philippian church the grace and obedience to care for his needs. Upon receiving the generous financial gift from the Philippian believers, Paul’s heart leaped for joy, and he was encouraged by their love and giving spirit. Paul used this letter to express his gratitude and to let them know that he was not an ungrateful person. How about us, do we show appreciation, gratitude to God for His daily provisions and blessings? Do we appreciate our fellow man when they go out of their way to provide or render a service to us? Like Paul, we should learn to always rejoice in the Lord. That is a way of showing gratitude to God for all He does for us.
Rags or Riches Don’t Define Us (vs 12): Paul is saying, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. 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.” Paul has experienced wealth and comfort, he has also experienced lack and suffering, but these earthly circumstances did not define him, nor should they define us.
Everything we achieve in life are all temporary, they will not last forever as king Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 1:1-3; “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. 3 What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?” The most important thing in life is our relationship with Jesus and where we will spend eternity. That is what Paul focused on and that gave him comfort and joy during those difficult moments.
"Contentment in Christ Jesus (vs 13): Paul writes that; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Paul is not relying on his own physical strength or human wisdom. Remember in Philippians 1:21, Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Jesus was everything to Paul—including his source of strength in the trials of life.
I wish you a meaningful week as we ponder on these things.
Pastor David Kachi Jite