Scripture Daily

Context No. 2885 of 4322 · Philippians

Context · Reflection

Philippians 4:8-23: in context

8Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9Do the things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me, and the God of peace will be with you. 10But I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity. 11Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. 12I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. 13I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 14However you did well that you shared in my affliction. 15You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only. 16For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need. 17Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account. 18But I have all things and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God. 19My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen. 21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household. 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Paul brings his letter home with a call to fill the mind well: whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable, think on these things. Then he speaks of contentment. I have learned, he says, in whatever state I am, to be content. I know how to be brought low and how to abound; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and being hungry. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Two treasures sit here. Paul says contentment is learned, not natural, a secret he came to over time, through both plenty and want, not a calm temperament he was simply born with. And the strength he leans on is not his own grit but Christ's, through him who strengthens me. His famous confidence is not self-sufficiency at all but Christ-sufficiency, forged in the school of both fullness and need. And he trusts that the same God will supply the Philippians' every need in return for their generosity.

Am I waiting for my circumstances to improve before I can be content, or learning, as Paul did, the contentment that comes from Christ's strength in any state?

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