The Good Life: Kingdom Focused Living (Part 6)
June 12, 2022
We hope this guide will help you take the good news you hear today into your daily lives.
To conclude the series, Pete will focus on the nature of true contentment by exploring Paul’s final words to the church at Philippi. We have much to learn from Paul here, especially when we remember the circumstances under which he was writing.
Scripture and Notes
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
Philippians 4:10-12 (NIV)
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13 (KJV)
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:12-13 (NIV)
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:11
True Contentment:
-is not dependent upon the CONTENT of our lives
-is found in our SURRENDER to the strength of Christ
-is LEARNED
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:14-19 (NIV)
And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (NIV)
Going Deeper: Finding Contentment through Surrender
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)
In his imprisonment, Paul was able to find contentment by fully surrendering his circumstances to God.
Can you think of a time in which the circumstances of your life were totally outside of your control? Reflect on your experiences. What were your circumstances? How did it feel to be without control? Did you experience contentment despite your circumstances?
How can you lean into moments in your life like these? Why do you think it’s so hard to surrender?
What in your life do you need to let go of for you to experience true contentment? Though surrender may feel like suffering, can you trust God to sustain you? How do you see God showing up when you let go?
