
The Secret to Thankfulness
Philippians 4:10-13
Lead Pastor, Darrin Mariott
Big Idea: We can learn gratitude by trusting that God’s power and provision are greater than our circumstances.
I. Trusting God in Plenty (vv. 10-13)
Philippians 4:10-13
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
A. It may seem odd to say that we need to trust God in times of plenty, but it’s in these moments that we are most apt to forget our blessings (cf. Deut. 6:10-12). Writing from prison, Paul understands the importance of thankfulness and contentment in allcircumstances.
B. How can we learn to praise God and be thankful in times of plenty?
1. Cultivate a spirit of thankfulness (v. 1; cf. 1 Thes. 5:16-18)
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
2. Cultivate a spirit of worship (cf. Ps. 34:1-3)
Psalm 34:1-3
1 I will bless the Lord at all times;his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;let the humble hear and be glad. 3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,and let us exalt his name together!
3. Keep Jesus at the center of it all (v. 13)
4. Remember that at its heart, thankfulness is not just about our blessings, it’s also about recognizing and celebrating God’s goodness.
II. Trusting God in Want (vv. 11-13)
Philippians 4:11-13
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
A. Probably none of us needs to be reminded to go to God in times of want and trouble. The challenge, though, is not just to trust God in our trials, but to learn how God can develop and mature us through our trials (vv. 11-12; cf. Js. 1:2-4).
Joshua 1:2-4
2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land that I am giving to them, to the people of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory.
B. How can we learn to praise God and be thankful in times of want?
1. Trust that God has it under control
2. Trust that God will work things out for our good (cf. Rom. 8:26-29)
Romans 8:26-29
26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
C. Trust that God is doing a work in and through you (cf. 2 Cor. 1:3-7)
2 Corinthians 1:3-7
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 6 If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. 7 Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
4. Remember, the secret to our strength is Jesus (v. 13)