Philippians 4:10-23

Chad Myhre

Philippians • Sermon • Submitted 4 years ago

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Verse by verse study through Philippians

Notes

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Philippians 4:10–13 ESV

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Intro:

We have different expectations for contentment… than the Apostle Paul did…

In our world… we might say… If I am healthy, I will be content.

If you can guarantee that I will never have to suffer any form of pain or agony.

If you can guarantee that I will not have to face the realization… that the harbinger of death has been identified w/in my own body….

If you can guarantee that this: Big Mac, this cigarette, this can of beer… Wont::

Clog my arteries..

Disease my lungs

Or wipe out my liver… ++

If I am healthy…

And I’m fit..

And my hair is perfect.

I’ll be content. ++

If I am popular, I will be content.. ++

If.. I’m respected by my co-workers for my brilliance and superior performance.

If I’m considered to be the funniest and coolest guy or gal in the entire office…

If everybody wants to be like me and is willing to do favors for me… in exchange for my friendship..

Then.. when I am popular… I will be content. ++

If I am financially covered… I will be content..

If, I make enough money to pay my bills, invest, save and have fun..

If, I can buy a bigger house in a better neighborhood…

If, I can buy the toys that tickle my fancy and drive a bigger SUV..

If, I’m not burdened by debt.. not limited by a lacking provision.. and not running out of money in between each pay-check.

Then.. and only then… when I am financially covered.. I will be content.. ++

If every circumstance for: security, comfort and acceptance are fulfilled..

…then I’ll feel fulfilled.

Then I’ll know, that I’ve made it..

Then I’ll know… true contentment… finally, after years of struggling… after years of stress… after years of coveting and want..

Then, when I’m happy with the way I: look, feel, and act.. when I have the stuff.. when I get the respect..

Then.. I’ll know.. for real… what it means to be content. ++

This the the goal of contentment… in our world.

Unless everything is wonderful… there’s no reason to be content… ++

For our world… contentment… is fully dependent… upon CIRCUMSTANCE… ++

One of Paul’s reoccurring themes.. deals with the topic of circumstance.

We should not let circumstance hinder us… from our love for God.. from our service unto God… from the recognition of our standing with God… ++

In many ways, this letter wraps up again, by re-visiting this theme.

Most of us, only know contentment, when the circumstances are lined up for us in a good way.

But Paul is speaking of a contentment that is unhindered by circumstance.

His peace does not teeter on the fluid circumstances of:

Health, popularity or finance. ++

His peace.. stands firmly upon something that is much greater than all of that… ++

The familiar hymn says it best..

My hope is built on nothing less.. than Jesus’ blood and righteousness..

Upon what do we stand?

The wavering circumstances of our life?

Or.. upon Christ, the Solid Rock? ++

The chorus of that song says..

“All other ground is sinking sand”

Sometimes.. that sand is hard-packed, and you can drive your car on it.

Sometimes.. it’s loose, deep and impossible to move in.

Sometimes… it’s stable one moment..

And gone.. the next.. ++

The tides of the ocean.. the rains which come down from the sky..

The winds that blow..

These normal every day activities..

Move the sand. ++

Health, popularity, finances… they are all.. sinking sand..

The winds and currents, which are common in our midst..

Some, which are explainable.. and some which aren’t.

Can, easily sink us, and wash us a way..

Unless.. we are standing firmly.. upon the unmoving Rock, that is Christ. ++

LET’S LOOK AGAIN AT THESE FIRST FOUR VERSES…

Philippians 4:10–13 ESV

In verse ten… we learn something about the Philippians…

They were concerned for Paul’s condition ++

In the verses that follow… we see that they expressed this concern, in part… with their financial giving. … ++

In response to this, Paul is going to touch on 3 points..

First off: Whether he gets the support or not.. he has learned to be content.

Secondly: Paul will highlight… that it is a good thing that the people of Philippi have a heart to give. ++

Thirdly: -Their giving heart, comes with Godly benefits. ++

The four verses we just read, deal with contentment..

In vs. 10, Paul was addressing the concern that Philippi had for him.

They had always cared, even though they could not always find opportunity to get support to Paul.

Paul wanted them to know.. that he wasn’t so shallow, as to equivocate their giving, or their lack of opportunity, with their loving. ++

In verse 11, Paul defines the circumstances of his contentment.

And the first thing we see about it.. is: “It’s learned”

Deductive reasoning leads us to assume that Paul had not always known this kind of contentment..

There must have been a time, where circumstances laid a heavier hand upon Paul…

But, after years of walking with the Lord..

..after years of experience.. in times of plenty and in times of want…

Paul has learned

In whatever state..

To be: “content” ++

Contentment.. in it’s most common form.. to us, simply speaks of “satisfaction”

Whether I can only afford to eat a Peanut butter and Jelly sandwich, or, if I have the means to eat the porterhouse at Ruths Criss…

…. I’m content..

I’ll be satisfied knowing, that my hunger has been tended to. ++

This particular word, for contentment… is only used once in the Bible..

It was a major talking point in the philosophical circles of the Greek world… and a central concept in ethical discussion in the days of Socrates. The writings of Socrates, and other Greek philosophers… even though they were quite old… were still very prevalent in Paul’s day. ++

This would have struck a chord with the readers in Philippi. They would have related their cultural education to the things that Paul was saying…

They would have understood, from a stand point of ethics… just what ‘contentment’ really was..

To be content, is to be satisfied… but it actually goes a bit further than this..

You truly need to know why you are content… there needs to be a source for your contentment…

As a source…

-We either have an admission of pride..

Or.. an admission of faith.

For some, a proclamation of self sufficiency is most likely.. a pride issue.

I can take care of myself.. I don’t need any help.. I won’t let my need be known.. I won’t tell anybody that I’m in a desperate place…

Why? Because I’m prideful.

And in my pride… I declare myself to be self sufficient… and therefore, - content. ++

This is definitely NOT why Paul was claiming to be content..

Paul was “self sufficient” in every state..

because he knew.. that God had him covered..

Notice vs. 13. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me”

If I have little, or if I have a lot.. I’m able to find contentment.. why?

Because I can do all things.. through Christ..

He provides.. He strengthens… - He enables me to do all things… even when I am in need… when I am brought low… when I have hunger… -

I can do all things… - NOT because I am abounding… not because I have plenty… No… my circumstance is irrelevant. - I can do all things… because my circumstance is not my strength… Jesus is. ++

Here’s something we see in the example of Paul… - He was a guy who suffered a lot..

But he didn’t find his spiritual identity .. his spiritual significance.. in the fact that he suffered.

He was able.. to receive comfort.. He was able.. to be fed well.. He was able, to enjoy the good stuff.. ++

I say this, because, there is an attitude out there that says:

If you are truly spiritual, you should suffer.

You should live in poverty.. you should be deprived.. you should eat gruel.. you should kneel on gravel.. and you should look like you’re miserable all the time..

Otherwise.. you will be considered fleshly.. carnal.. and worldly. ++

On the other end of the spectrum…

There are those who say the opposite.

They speak of God’s blessings as if they are synonomous to riches and opulent living..

Italian suits.. big jewelry.. big houses.. fancy cars and private jets.. ++

Paul is showing us a balance.

It’s okay.. to abound and be full..

It’s okay.. to be abased and be hungry..

God is there in both cases.. - It is not the plenty or the want where our strength is found… - It’s only found in Christ.

Philippians 4:14–16 ESV

14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again.

Paul told them… that it was kind of them to share his trouble… - The KJV says… “you have done well”

After telling them.. “I’m fine, whether I have the support, or whether I do not have it.”

He goes on to say..

Your deed… was one of kindness.. you’ve done well..

By doing what?

By giving. ++

Was Paul encouraging them in this… mainly because he was the recipient of their gift?

No.. he was encouraging them, as we’ll see shortly..

Because they are the ones who will benefit mostly from the giving.. ++

Notice.. even when he was in Thessalonica.. - ministering to a different church…

They supported him..

There were others.. more churches.. more people who gathered together to fellowship in places where Paul brought the gospel message..

But of all the churches in Macedonia..

Only Philippi.. gave. ++

It’s not to say, that the others were not giving in some manner..

But specifically, Paul had only received care from one.

It’s a proven fact.. ++

Not everyone in the church.. really has a grasp on giving, the way the Bible exemplifies it to us.

And when I say give, I’m not referring to a little tip we might drop in the box now and then.

When I refer to those who give.. I refer to those who commit back to the Lord, a regular and specific percentage of what God has given them. - An amount that they have purposed in their heart. ++

I personally believe, that the Bible is clear on the giving of a tithe..

Which, literally means “10%”

It’s a principle which proceeded the law..

And it’s a principle… I believe.. that continues.. ++

It is not commanded of those who are no longer under the law… and the New Testament does not clearly lay out a strict guideline..

If the NT does anything… it raises the bar, rather than lowers it.

But here’s what I see in the scriptures… - If we surrender all the giving issues that stand in the law.. the tithe still exists..

It was practiced.. exclusive from the law. ++

Jesus criticized the Pharisees for missing the more important issues of the heart..

But when Jesus pointed out their unbalanced devotion to tithe from their herb garden..

He did tell them, concerning their tithe.. that they did well.. ++

Paul acknowledges… even as the New Covenant doesn’t command a set percentage for giving… the purpose of it remains the same… ++

In the Old Testament.. much of the tithes and offerings went to feed and support the priests..

In:

Romans 15:27 and in I Corinthians 9:11 - Paul speaks of the one who sows spiritually into the lives of others, should be able to reap materially, from those who receive spiritually. ++

Galatians 6:6 ESV

6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.

Also.. in I Tim 6:18 and Hebrews 13:16 … the acts of “giving” and “sharing” are encouraged and commended. ++

Malachi 3:8 calls it robbery of God.. to hold back from giving Him our tithes and offerings.. ++

This is a topic, which is painfully hard and sometimes offensive for some folks to hear..

Maybe you’ve been in those churches where you are beat over the head.. week in and week out..

With the giving message. ++

Every week, they are preparing to pass out the chicken buckets..

But… before they do.. they need to tweak your emotions and lay heavy burdens of guilt upon your check books.. ++

I’ve been in those churches. There was no confidence, that people who are discipled in the word… might actually determine in their own hearts, how they were to give… and would actually do it.

Instead… the people needed to poked and prodded on a weekly basis. Guilt and manipulation were in full play. - for if we don’t remind people to give… they won’t. - This is how some people think… and maybe, this has been your experience..

And then you came to ccCville… and you had to learn the secret handshake to find out how we receive tithes and offering.

The NT scriptures are clear.. God doesn’t want the gift given by guilt… or by manipulation.

He doesn’t want us to give offerings that are the fruit of obligation..

Or given begrudgingly. ++

He wants us to understand and see things in such a way..

That we give.. cheerfully.. ++

If this topic brings feelings of guilt, or discomfort..

Don’t give. It wouldn’t be right.

However, as you find relief in not giving.. find also, a challenge.. maybe even conviction…

For something’s not lined up right.. w/your heart and God’s. ++

I know, it is for many, a hard issue to come to terms with.

But this is a discipline God has called us to.. - God has called us to generosity.

And He does it with reason…

For the practical reason of supporting ministry, as Paul outlined for us already..

But personally, for the giver.. there is greater benefit..

Philippians 4:17–20 ESV

17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. 18 I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul refers to the gift given by them, to him..

As being… a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.

But then, to the one who gives..

Paul says this:

“my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in XJ…. “ ++

Did you ever notice that before?

This promise.. it’s not generic for all believers to take hold of..

It’s specific.

You’re not a giver??? - Ok, that’s between you and the Lord… but know this… the promise of Phil 4:19 isn’t for you. ++

This is the fruit.. that Paul is talking about.. in reference to those who give unto the Lord…

It’s just like that verse back in Matt.6..

Where it says:

Do not worry, about what you will eat, drink, wear.. –but:

..seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness.. and all these things…

“What things?”

The things we need..

…will be added unto you.. ++

If you’re not going to seek God first..

Then go ahead and worry about your needs. ++

If you’re not going to be a giver.. unto the Lord..

Then don’t worry about God.. supplying every need according to His riches.. ++

In both passages..

The promise from God.. is attached to a devotion.. which is on our part.. ++

Back to Malachi 3.. we find the one place in the Bible where God tells us to test Him..

Malachi 3:10–11 ESV

10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts.

I draw a simple message here.

If I give the Lord, my tithes (10%).. and my offerings (those things I give, above 10%)..

Then He, will rebuke those things in my life.. that devour my profits.. my provisions and my belongings.. ++

It’s only speculation.. but I draw another simple message here on the opposite side of this message.

If I don’t give..

Maybe.. those things which devour.. my profits.. my provisions and my belongings..

Won’t be rebuked.. ++

The beauty of the tithe.. is this.

it’s available for everyone to practice..

For no matter how much, or how little you have..

There’s always, 10%. ++

God’s not asking the poor to give the same as the rich..

He’s simply giving us a principle.. an example..

Again… not one that is commanded to believers under the New Covenant… but I can make a strong argument… that the New Covenant, would call us to raise the stakes… rather than lower them..

For me.. giving is a discipline of recognition..

I recognize.. that God is my provider.. my supplier..

He is the One.. who gives me everything..

I acknowledge His great provision.. by giving back to Him…. the amount that I have purposed in my heart.. ++

Communism says that the state owns everything… Capitalism says that the individuals own everything..

Christianity says that God owns everything.. and we are the stewards.. or the “care takers” of His possessions.. ++

Here’s a short list of different things giving is considered in the Bible…

Giving.. is also, an act of worship..

Giving.. is an act of gratitude..

Giving is an act of trust..

Giving is an expression, or a manifestation of joy..

Giving is an act of spiritual investment.. ++

So I might ask myself… concerning the Biblical principle of giving… ++

Do I want to supply all my needs according to my lack of riches in Virginia.

Or, do I want God to supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory. ++

To experience the second.. I need to first, be a giver.

I don’t underestimate the struggle that some have with giving. It’s real.

I don’t lay any kind of guilt or condemnation upon anyone for their struggle in this area..

If this is hard for any of you to hear.

Know that it’s probably twice as hard for me to share it.. ++

I’ve committed to only share this topic as we come to it in scripture..

And not be as those who pound it weekly for the sake of some personal gain. ++

I’m with Paul, and I say this from personal experience..

I don’t seek your gift.. but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.

Philippians 4:21–23 ESV

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Paul wraps up his letter, with a few greetings.. and a short benediction..

Conclusion..

And this brings us to the end of our study in Philippians.

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So next… obviously.. is the letter to Colossians.. We will jump right into that next week.