September 8, 2024 Service
Philippians 4:10-20
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.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Paul shares about contentment in any circumstance. He has already established how this is possible in previous portions of this letter. He is able to be content because 1) God is making him complete, 2) the gospel is being preached, 3) he is a citizen of heaven, 4) through prayer he knows the peace of Christ, and 5) He has a ruthless trust in the Lord. This is the secret of contentment. So no matter what his circumstances are he is able to be at peace, trusting God with all things, and he is then able to do whatever God asks of him. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” is not a self-generated pep talk. It is founded on the truth of who God is, all that He has done for Paul, and a life that is surrendered in ruthless trust in the Lord.
He goes on to give thanks for the provisions the church in Philippi have sent to him from Epaphroditus’ visit. This is an example of the church caring for one of its own and he is grateful to be a participant with them. He accounts their gifts as honoring and pleasing to God.
As we conclude this letter, the overarching theme is that the gospel is enough for each person who believes on the name of Jesus. The gospel is simply the good news about Jesus and Paul has helped us understand the impact of Jesus in specific ways from our sanctification, serving, humility, unity, hope, joy, peace and more. The gospel is truly good news for us. Rejoice!
Reflection
Where do you find your contentment? What do you tend to gravitate to?
How does Paul help you understand where true contentment is found?
What do you need to do in response, to live a more biblical reality of contentment?
COMMUNITY GROUP DISCUSSION
Read the passage for this week together: Philippians 4:10-20
What have been the most helpful truths and teaching from Paul throughout this entire letter? Why? How are you seeking to apply them?
What is Paul’s foundation for being content in all things? How do we live like this?
How might providing for others needs be pleasing to the Lord? Is there anyone or something God is asking you or you as a community group to do to help someone in need?
The Gospel is….how would you fill in that sentence after studying this letter?
Spend time praying for each other and for our church to be reconciled in the ways God desires and for our witness to be made good, pure, and glorifying to the LORD.
Grace and peace on this journey together,
Chad Hollowell
Executive Pastor