Learn to be Content: Philippines 4

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Phil. 4:11, NASB).

Paul the apostle of Jesus Christ was in prison for the cause of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Like his savior, Jesus, he too had been falsely accused. Yet, both Jesus and Paul were aware that God would use their circumstances to bring about the salvation of many people. Jesus had to die in order that God would forgive sins and justify the sinner. It was Paul’s task to preach the gospel; the good news that through faith in Jesus anyone can be reconciled unto God. Both Jesus and Paul were content because they each knew that they were doing the will of God. This article draws upon Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi as he waits for the decision if he will be allowed to continue to live or if he will face execution. The issue that I want to address in this article is Paul’s statement that he had learned to be content in whatever circumstance he found himself to be. How can a person be content with themselves regardless of the circumstances in their life?

Before we continue further let us look at the word “content” from a biblical perspective. The Greek word “arkeo” means to be content; be enough; suffice; and sufficient. In Philippines 4:11 the apostle uses the Greek word “autarkes” (autos) which means self-sufficient, adequate, needing no assistance. In general one’s contentment is based upon the actions of other people. Thus, whether or not one is content depends at least in part on how another person does something to benefit them. For example, the man goes to work as scheduled. At the end of the pay period he is paid what had been agreed on between employer and employee. Having received his wages the man is satisfied. He is content. However, Paul is talking about being content in him. He finds contentment in himself. However, being content with him was not a gift from birth. How did Paul become self-content?

In his letter, Paul said that he had learned to be content. He did not learn to be content based on enjoying the good things of life. Rather, he had learned to be content through trying and difficult experiences. He records many of his experience in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28. We will notice that these difficult experiences took place in the apostle’s life because of his work that was done for the cause of Christ. As a result he had learned to not to be anxious. The apostle had learned three things. First, he should display a gentile spirit to all men because the Lord is near (v.5). He had learned to replace his anxiousness with thanksgiving and prayer regardless of the situation (v. 6). Thirdly, Paul said, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (v. 7). Did you get that? It reminds me of something that the saints of years gone by often said, but I have not heard it said lately. The saints would say, “He’s a heart fixer and a mind regulator.” How does this work?

First, the blessings of the God of peace lead to a holy life. We cannot follow the dictates of the culture and receive the peace of Christ. Jesus never promised to give His peace to those that refuse His teaching; especially when the culture stands for precepts and moral behavior that is contrary to the commandments of God. Jesus promised His peace to those who obey Him (See Jn. 12:26, 46-50). Jesus said, “‘Peace I leave with you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid’” (Jn. 14:27, NASB). Jesus further stated, “‘These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world’” (Jn 16:33, NASB).

What is the difference between the peace that the world offers and the peace that Jesus gives? The world talks of peace when the hostiles between at least two opposing parties agree not to engage in any activity that will cause harm to one of the parties concerned. For example: After a war the two opposing armies/nations may sign a peace treaty. This does not mean that there remain no hostile feelings. In fact, the loser may already have in mind a means of gaining a victory in the future. On the other hand, the peace that Jesus promised to give to His disciples meant that all hostilities were resolved. Jesus was talking about the enmity between God and people. Jesus was talking about receiving God’s spirit into one’s heart. Now that I have a new spirit I have a new attitude; a new mind, and a new heart.

Having been forgiven of sin, the believer now experience peace with themselves. Much of the hostilities that we have toward others are the result of the hostilities that we have within ourselves. For example, I am violent and want to destroy your like because I don’t like myself. The hostiles that I have within myself I displace on to someone else. I murder you, and then I commit suicide. As Paul served time in prison, he did not think about how to get even or seek revenge. He displayed a gentile spirit to all people. He had peace of mind and heart. He was free to love others because he had experienced God’s love.

When we read the opening verses of the book of Philippians we make three declarations. He greets all the saints that are in Christ Jesus (1.1). He says, “Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 2). He offers thanksgivings and prayers for all the saints even though he is not in a pleasant situation. Paul is aware of the possibility of being set free and the possibility of death. He is not frantic. He has no fear. He is content. He knows that regardless of the decision made by Roman authorities, his life for all eternity is in the hands of Jesus his Lord.

In the letter Paul expressed his gratitude for the saints at Philippi. This was a church that had always given him support for the ministry. There had been times when the church had made sacrifices for the ministry when they themselves were in need. Paul thanked them for their contributions. He wanted the church to know that he was grateful that they at this time had opportunity to make additional contributions. Paul did not want the church to be anxious about his welfare. Paul was content. He was satisfied within himself that he had enough. He was at peace. He did not want them to worry about him. They were to think on the positive things of life (4:8-9). These things they were to practice whether he was set free or executed. Regardless, Paul was content.

You and I can be content. Contentment is not a hereditary gift. It is not something that we can earn. We can experience contentment when we have learned through life experiences that God will supply our needs in all of our circumstances. When we experience hard times we should pray and give thanksgiving to the Father. God gives us the Holy Spirit so that we have a positive attitude; peace in our heart and in our mind. Let us be content having faith that we are safe in the hands of Jesus Christ our Lord and savior.