Our Scripture for today, taken from the fourth chapter of St. Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi, is a very familiar passage for many. In fact, many Christians have memorized this portion of Scripture, particularly the last verse in the passage. However, that particular verse is often misunderstood, or taken out of context. Let’s take a look at this passage that teaches the believer’s dependence upon the Lord Jesus, the secret of Christian contentment, and God’s sustaining grace in every circumstance, and also particularly look at the final verse, to understand what it really means.
Paul’s epistle to the Philippians was written while the apostle was imprisoned for his faith in Rome. Unlike most prisons today, the prison system in the ancient world would provide just enough bread and water to keep the prisoner alive. If one wanted a decent meal or a blanket to keep warm, the prisoner’s family or friends would have to send these. While Paul was imprisoned, the Christians in Philippi sent financial help through a fellow believer. The apostle was very grateful for their help and expressed his thanks to them (vs. 10). However, he didn’t want them to feel bad that they hadn’t sent it earlier. He knew they had wanted to, but didn’t have the means to until then. Paul did not rejoice just because he received money or provisions. His joy was centered in the Lord. He knew that the giver behind every gift is God Himself. His joy was rooted in Jesus, not in his circumstances.
The apostle testifies that he has learned to be content wherever he is, and in whatever circumstance he is in (vs. 11). Notice, Paul said that he has learned. Contentment does not come naturally, it is something that we need to learn and cultivate in our life. Our natural response is to be happy and satisfied when things are going right and we have what we want. When we don’t we are discouraged, depressed, resentful, and angry. Paul learned through the years of trials that he would rest in God’s wisdom, and trust in His provisions. He accepted God’s plan in his life, and was satisfied with His will. Through trusting in God regardless of his circumstances, Paul learned that Christ is enough.
Throughout his ministry Paul had experienced both times of abundance and times of need (vs. 12). He had received support from various churches throughout the years of his missionary journeys, along with seasons of blessings. Along with that, though, Paul had also been imprisoned several times. He had gone hungry, been beaten, and suffered shipwrecks. However, regardless of which he was experiencing, Paul’s spiritual stability remained unchanged. He glorified God in both situations.
Verse 13 is one that many Christians have memorized, and is one that some have misunderstood and taken out of context. Many Christians have quoted this verse as meaning that they can win at anything, they can achieve any dream they have, or accomplish whatever they desire, all because they feel that if they have faith, Jesus will strengthen them to be able to. However that is not Paul’s meaning here. The context of this verse is Paul’s contentment in any circumstance. The verse is not about unlimited human achievement. It is about unlimited divine enablement to fulfill God’s will. Paul was saying that through Christ’s strength he could endure either abundance or poverty, that he could obey God in every circumstance he was in.
Contentment rarely appears instantly. God teaches it through trials, losses, disappointments, and also through answered prayers. Circumstances should not determine the level of our joy. Paul wrote these words from a Roman prison. His surroundings were difficult, but his spirit was victorious. As Christians, our joy should be based on Jesus’ unchanging character, not on our changing circumstances. God controls both abundance and adversity for His purposes.
In closing, as believers and followers of the Lord Jesus, we should remember that when health fails, Christ strengthens. When our finances shrink, Christ strengthens. When what we do for the Lord becomes difficult, Christ strengthens. And when suffering comes, Christ strengthens. The great secret Paul learned was simple: Christ is enough.
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