Understanding Contentment
Philippians Chapter 4
Scripture = Philippians chapter 4:11-13
“Not that I speak in regard to need. For I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. I know how to be abased (live humbly) and I know how to abound (live in prosperity). Every where and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Observation = These three verses found in Philippians are a not statements based upon need. Paul states that he is not speaking about his needs so he has to be about addressing something else… Paul said he has learned to be content = sufficient. Paul is not saying that he has learned to just settle for anything he receives, according to his life situation; it is rather a statement on the sufficiency of Christ. See verse. 18-19. God is our provider in all area and he supplies “RICHLY!”
Application = Paul’s statements found in verses11-13 are not about a “have or have not issue.” These verses are about someone not being defined by what you have or feel that God is abandoning you, when you have not! Paul’s words are about understanding that you are in relationship with a God who knows you, loves you and is supplying all of your needs. Your whole life including what you have is about your relationship with your God. You are in covenant with Jehovah Jireh (The one who is more than enough). You are His beloved! He knows what is best for you in every area! What he supplies is always for: His Glory, your Growth, and others Gain.
Prayer = Lord make this true in my life. I want to walk in covenant with you in everything. In every area of my life and in whatever I have may I see your hand at work? I want to embrace the journey that you have laid out before me. Too many times I have trusted in myself. Now I want to live in trust of you! Too many times I have judged you and your care by what I had or had not! I want to see what you are doing in my life and know that your provision is always there and always more than enough! I WANT TO LEARN TO BE CONTENT!
Scripture = Philippians chapter 4:11-13
“Not that I speak in regard to need. For I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. I know how to be abased (live humbly) and I know how to abound (live in prosperity). Every where and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Observation = These three verses found in Philippians are a not statements based upon need. Paul states that he is not speaking about his needs so he has to be about addressing something else… Paul said he has learned to be content = sufficient. Paul is not saying that he has learned to just settle for anything he receives, according to his life situation; it is rather a statement on the sufficiency of Christ. See verse. 18-19. God is our provider in all area and he supplies “RICHLY!”
Application = Paul’s statements found in verses11-13 are not about a “have or have not issue.” These verses are about someone not being defined by what you have or feel that God is abandoning you, when you have not! Paul’s words are about understanding that you are in relationship with a God who knows you, loves you and is supplying all of your needs. Your whole life including what you have is about your relationship with your God. You are in covenant with Jehovah Jireh (The one who is more than enough). You are His beloved! He knows what is best for you in every area! What he supplies is always for: His Glory, your Growth, and others Gain.
Prayer = Lord make this true in my life. I want to walk in covenant with you in everything. In every area of my life and in whatever I have may I see your hand at work? I want to embrace the journey that you have laid out before me. Too many times I have trusted in myself. Now I want to live in trust of you! Too many times I have judged you and your care by what I had or had not! I want to see what you are doing in my life and know that your provision is always there and always more than enough! I WANT TO LEARN TO BE CONTENT!
