Traveling is often tedious, and it often tries our patience to the utmost
degree. Traveling with children raises the frustration level 10 fold, as I’m
sure many of you will remember and agree with me. I recall taking a trip to
Mobile, AL with my daughter who was 3 years old at the time to visit my
Grandmother. It was not a terribly long journey, only around 4 hours, but at
times, the constraints of the car really worked hard on me. My goal was to reach
Mobile as quickly and safely as possible. Brianna’s goal was to visit every rest
stop and McDonalds between Panama City and Mobile. Every fifteen minutes I was
treated to another rendition of "Are we there yet?", or "I’m hungry!!" Despite
these constant interruptions to my concentration, they ultimate goal was the
same, to arrive in Mobile and visit with loved ones. The inconveniences
experienced enroute were more than overshadowed by the reward at the end of the
journey.
I would like you to think about this illustration as we apply it to this
morning’s text. Paul, in Phillipians 4:10-13 attempts to communicate this very
idea to those worshipping in Phillipi.
(Phil 4:10-13 KJV) But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last
your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye
lacked opportunity. {11} Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have
learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. {12} I know both
how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am
instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer
need. {13} I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Just as in my family’s trip to Alabama, Paul shares a small testimony of the
inconveniences he has experienced in his travels and his ministry. The
Phillipians had sent word to Paul that they were concerned about him and his
well being. Paul wanted them to know that while he appreciated their concern, he
himself had learned to be content in whatever came his way. He had found
contentment in spite of his circumstances.
We too can reach this same state of contentment that Paul describes. Let’s look
once again at what Paul tells us from his own experience.
I. Contentment is something LEARNED! Verse 11
The church at Phillipi had been very generous to Paul, and had sent some gifts
to him. These were most likely monetary gifts to be used for his support. Paul
wanted to assure the church that he appreciated their generosity, but he had
learned to live with whatever he had available to him. He was not RELIANT on
their gifts. There are a couple of things we need to know about contentment.
First, contentment does not come naturally to us.
a. Contentment does not come naturally.
Dr. James Dobson, who is considered by many to be the foremost expert in child
psychology, said in his series of films The Strong Willed Child that children
are basically born with one of two natures; strong-willed and mild-willed.
Now, of course, when we speak of contentment, we are not referring to a
mild-mannered child, nor are we necessarily speaking of the natural inclination
to be quiet and soft spoken. Paul would not readily fit in either of these
categories!! We are, instead, speaking of reaching a state in ones life that
they are at peace with where they are and who they are in Christ.
The book of Ephesians in Chapter 2, verse 3 tells us that by our very nature, we
are children of wrath. By our nature, we are selfish, jealous, envious, stricken
with strife, and sometimes downright rebellious. No, indeed, contentment does
not come naturally.
b. Contentment is something that is earned.
The word learned here in today’s text leads us to understand it was something
that Paul learned from his experience. Paul had found contentment through the
experiences of his life. Paul had discovered that there was ALWAYS light at the
end of the tunnel. There was a purpose behind each of his experiences (good or
bad). Paul had learned contentment through these experiences.
Unlike so many characters in the Bible, Paul’s life is not a mystery to us. We
all know about Paul’s life, and the many challenges that befell him in his
missionary endeavors. In fact Paul himself gives us his own testimony several
times, and gives us a "shopping list" of circumstances that have taught him
contentment. (SEE II Corinthians 11:22-33) Paul was beaten, with whips and rods,
was stoned one time, shipwrecked three, hungry, thirsty, weary, in danger from
thieves, without sufficient clothing, and besought with danger at every corner.
He had troubles at times greater than our own, but still as relevant to us in
1996.
Contentment comes through time and maturity.
Contentment comes through dedication and determination.
Contentment comes through prayer and supplication.
II. Contentment comes through flexibility. Verse 12.
a. Adjust to your circumstances.
The Bible is full of illustrations to prove this point. Joseph is perfect
example of this kind of adjustments. Joseph, as you may recall, was the last
child in a family of boys that became rather jealous of him. The story goes that
Joseph was captured and sold into slavery by his brothers. from here he went
into the house of Potiphar. While in the employ of Potiphar, he was falsely
accused of unfaithfulness with the wife of Potiphar and thrown into prison.
While in prison, he gains favor with the warden and receives the responsibility
of running the prison.
In each stage of Joseph’s life, he adjusted. Where ever he was, with his family,
in a fine mansion, or in a dingy prison cell, he made the very best of his
circumstances.
In our lives, we will face tough times, just as Paul and Joseph did. There will
be times when things are going so well that sadness seems like a dim memory,
then there will be those times when we long for God to intervene. We must be
content in each of these times, and adjust to our circumstances.
Warren Weirsbe, Theologian and scholar, tells this story: "The trouble with him
is that he is a thermometer and not a thermostat!" This statement by one of the
deacons puzzled the pastor. They were discussing possible deacons when one
gentleman’s name came up, prompting this strange statement. The deacon explained
"Pastor, it’s like this, A thermometer doesn’t change anything around it -- it
just registers the temperature. It’s always going up, or down. But a thermostat
regulates the surroundings and changes them when they need to be changed. That
man is a thermometer -- he lacks the power to change things. Instead, they
change him."
We are called to adjust, not to change. We must be bigger than our problems.
Paul was a thermostat. He did not let his circumstances drive him up and down
spiritually. He adjusted to his circumstances and kept right on serving God
faithfully as ever. Instead of letting his circumstances deprive him of
opportunities, he used his circumstances to his advantage. Paul was not a victim
of his circumstances but was victor over them.
b. Accept the Providence of God.
Recall the story of Joseph? He had every reason to be bitter about his
circumstances. Yet, Gen 45:5 records Joseph saying "it was to save lives that
God sent me before you." He goes on to show forgiveness toward his brothers for
selling him into slavery. Joseph felt that God was in control of his
circumstances and had a purpose for them occurring. It was God’s will for him to
be in Egypt.
In order to find contentment, we must come to the point where we realize that we
are where God wants us to be, doing his will. God has already proven over and
over his love for us, so we can be assured that he only has our best interest in
mind when he sends us into circumstances that appear too big for us.
Finally, contentment comes through dependability.
III. Contentment comes through dependability. Verse 13
In whom can we depend? We live in an age where consumer goods (once called
"durable goods") are DESIGNED to fail in a matter of years so you will have to
replace them. Once dependable brand names have become known for shoddiness. So
how can we find contentment through dependence? We must realize two things. 1)
that we are the instrument of God, and 2) through Christ we are made sufficient.
a. We are the instrument of God.
I hardly qualify to become the "prophet of positive thinking", nor do I
subscribe to the I’m Ok, your OK theory of Christianity, however, I do feel at
times we sell ourselves short. We are the creation of the most High God! God has
chosen us to do an important job. We are to spread the gospel to every nation of
the world. I think Paul was thinking of this responsibility when he wrote "I can
do ALL things...."
As Christian servants, we need to know the value of one person who will lend
themselves to dedication to God. God is looking for folks like Paul (and like
you and I) who will be willing to submit themselves to difficult situations and
uncomfortable circumstances in order to use them to make an impact. We can make
a difference through Christ! We are in effect, God’s tool to get the job done.
As a tool, we are guided by the master’s hand. A tool doesn’t do the work
itself, but is always guided by someone else.
b. We are sufficient through Christ!
The tasks laid before us are daunting to say the least. If we attempt to go it
alone, we are doomed to sure failure. The key part verse 13 is the part that
says "THROUGH CHRIST which strengtheneth me." THROUGH CHRIST!!!!! When Jesus is
involved in the equation, there is nothing which we cannot accomplish. He will
equip us, and satisfy our needs. He will provide us with the words to say, the
actions to do in order to share his gospel. Through Christ, we can reach a state
of absolute contentment.
IV. Conclusion
Contentment is a worthy goal for the Christian. It is not just a state we can
reach with little effort. We must learn contentment, we must be flexible in
order to achieve it, and we MUST depend on God for our contentment. Salvation is
the first step on that path. Without the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ in our
lives, we can never achieve true contentment. You have that opportunity this
morning to begin this journey. If you are already a Christian, you have the
opportunity this morning to enhance your walk with Christ, and begin working
toward the contentment which Paul spoke of.
Copyright 1996-1998 Rev. Charles S. Mims All Rights Reserved
