Reaching Out – Philippians 4:10-20
10 I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned for me, but had no opportunity to show it. 11 Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress.
15 You Philippians indeed know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you alone. 16 For even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me help for my needs more than once. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account. 18 I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.19 And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
What the passage says
V. 10-13 Paul talks about the secret of being content. As Christians, we need to ‘learn’ how to be content.
V. 14-20 Paul is in prison, while he was writing this letter. He says, “I have received full payment and have more than enough” (v.18 NIV).
What does the passage say to me/us?
We all love this verse. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Many Christians recite this verse and use it as a motivation to do all things.
Yes, it is true that God will help us to do things that are beyond our abilities.
However, we need to understand the context of why Paul is sharing this verse. He is saying that he is content in prison. He has been in the circumstances of plenty and also in need. However, the reason why he can say that he learned the secret of being content, while he is in prison, is because of the strength he has in Christ.
Meaning that whatever circumstance we are in, whether good or bad, the only way we can learn the ‘secret of contentment’ is through the power provided by our Lord. That is the secret to rejoice in all times.
Prayer
Lord, help us to rely on your power to be content in all circumstances. Help us with your power to see the light of Jesus shining through us, today.
In Christ name, AMEN.
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