Philippians 4:10-19 The Secret to a Satisfied Life
What if we have been looking for satisfaction from something that can never satisfy us?
Philippians 4:11 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
Paul says – I learned to be content
Philippians 4:12 “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”
Paul is telling us that our circumstances can change without the joy in my heart changing
1 Timothy 6:6-10 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength”
Jesus gives me the strength to remain faithful no matter what my circumstances are
Important – Contentment is not self-sufficiency. It is Christ-sufficiency
Luke 12:15 “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”
“He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only.” C.S Lewis
Philippians 4:14-18 “Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 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; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 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.”
Heavenly concept – When we give to others God pours back into us and changes our heart attitudes
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Generosity is not primarily about:
- God getting our money
- It is about God getting our hearts
Proverb 19:17 “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you”
Philippians 4:19 “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
The secret to contentment is not gathering more, but giving more!
Our hearts are restless until they rest in you
– Augustine
When Jesus is enough:
- I can enjoy what I have without needing more
- I can endure what I lack without losing hope
- I can receive abundance without being controlled by it
- I can face hardship without being destroyed
I have always struggled with understanding how the Apostle Paul can so joyfully face so much pain and hardship
Here it the secret:
- Satisfied people don’t have everything
- Satisfied people have learned that Jesus is enough
