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Post by Cindy on Jun 8, 2021 8:43:48 GMT -5
“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Phil. 4:11).
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Discontent and ingratitude will steal your joy.
True joy is God’s gift to every believer, and yet many Christians seem to lack it. How can that be? Did God fail them? No. As with peace, assurance, and other benefits of salvation, joy can be forfeited for many reasons. Willful sin, prayerlessness, fear, self-centeredness, focusing on circumstances, and lack of forgiveness are the main culprits.
Two of the most common joy-thieves are dissatisfaction and ingratitude. Both are by-products of the health, wealth, and prosperity mentality of our day. That teaching has produced a generation of Christians who are more dissatisfied than ever because their demands and expectations are higher than ever. They’ve lost their perspective on God’s sovereignty and have therefore lost the ability to give thanks in all things.
In marked contrast, when Jesus taught about contentment and anxiety (Matt. 6:25–34), He spoke of food and clothing—the basic necessities of life. But preferences, not necessities, are the issue with us. We’re into style, personal appearance, job satisfaction, earning power, bigger homes, and newer cars. In the name of greater faith we even demand that God supply more miracles, more wealth, and more power.
Amid all that, Paul’s words sound a refreshing note of assurance and rebuke: “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Phil. 4:11). He made no demands on God but simply trusted in His gracious provision. Whether he received little or much made no difference to him. In either case he was satisfied and thankful.
Don’t be victimized by the spirit of our age. See God’s blessings for what they are, and continually praise Him for His goodness. In doing so you will guard your heart from dissatisfaction and ingratitude. More important, you will bring joy to the One who is worthy of all praise.
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Suggestions for Prayer: Pray that the Holy Spirit will produce in you a joy and contentment that transcends your circumstances. ✧ Make it a daily practice to thank God for specific blessings and trials, knowing that He uses both to perfect His will in you.
For Further Study: Read 1 Kings 18:1–19:8. ✧ How did Elijah deal with the false prophets of Baal? ✧ How did he deal with Jezebel’s threat? ✧ What caused Elijah’s shift from a spiritual high to a spiritual low?
MACARTHUR, JOHN F., JR., Drawing Near—Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith
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Post by Cindy on Jun 8, 2021 8:53:36 GMT -5
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11)
That previews Paul’s exhortation: Set your mind on the things above, not on earthly things” (Col. 3:1–2). The Power of Suffering.
content. The Gr. term means “to be self-sufficient” or “to be satisfied.” It is the same word translated “sufficiency” in 2 Cor 9:8. It indicates independence from any need for help (cf. Lk 3:14; 1Th 4:12; 1Ti 6:6, 8; Heb 13:5). whatever the circumstances. Paul defined the circumstances in the following verse. The MacArthur study Bible
"The Lord's my shepherd...I shall not want." Is that the testimony of your heart? The Lord's my shepherd, I have no needs, I have enough. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Christian people really gave that kind of testimony to the watching world? That we'd found in our God & in the salvation that He provides & in the spiritual resources at our disposal total satisfaction, that we were absolutely content. A satisfied heart should be the experience of every single Christian. Contentment is a spiritual virtue & discontent is a sin. Instead of manifesting to the world satisfaction & contentment that shows our true trust in God & our true heavenly perspective, we get all caught up in the materialistic surge of our society. 7 Keys to Contented Living
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Post by Cindy on Jun 8, 2021 9:01:01 GMT -5
THE SOURCE OF CONTENTMENT
I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. PHILIPPIANS 4:11
Existentialism, the dominant mindset of contemporary psychology, has infiltrated not only our country but also many churches. It implies that every man has the right to do whatever makes him feel good. But wrong thinking like that stems from self–centered pride. It’s the selfish person who says, “If it makes you feel good but hurts me, you can’t do it. But if it makes me feel good but hurts you, I can do it anyway.” Some deceive themselves by thinking their sin doesn’t hurt anyone, but sin always ends up hurting.
In contrast to self–love, Scripture says we’re to be humble and unselfish (Phil. 2:3–4), love those who mistreat us (Matt. 5:44), and extend mercy toward those who stumble repeatedly (1 Pet. 4:8). Those qualities enabled Paul to be content in any circumstances. In contrast, some believers take all that they hear and see and filter it through their minds to see if it wounds them in any way, which will result in immediate instability and anxiety.
When others mistreat you, humility will help you keep your balance.
MACARTHUR, JOHN, Truth for today: a daily touch of God’s grace
The Lord showed me that it's coveting, a sin, to desire to be other then what I am...to desire so strongly to be without pain; (Gen 3:6; Phil 4:11-12). Instead I should be content whatever level of pain I'm in. I need to be content regardless of whether meds help or don't, or whether or not I can take them. I need to seek Him more instead of constantly seeking to change my circumstances. He reminded me that He is my shepherd & I shall not want if I will only place my trust in Him instead of medicine. The definition of coveting is "desiring to change my circumstances" and it's a sin. The "secret" is found in Psalm 23 & Phil 4:12. I can be content because the Lord is in control & caring for me & I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
On yet another day, I was considering Phil 4:12 and how Paul had said he'd learned the secret to being content, and felt there was more to what his secret was. Paul had been through a great many trials, had been in great physical pain and even near death at times, so how could he be content through it all? I was wondering this, partly because I was sick yet again and it was causing me to be in even more physical pain then usual, and I wasn't feeling at all content about it! But because I want to obey God and live a life that honors Him, I very much wanted to know that secret. I realize that part of the secret is shown us in Philippians 4:13 where he says he knows he can do all things through Christ who gives him strength, but there's more to it then that. I was sure of it. So I asked the Lord what the secret was. As I browsed in His Word, looking for His leading, the light bulb went off when I came to some scriptures that He'd already explained. Scriptures about forgiveness, and scriptures about love. We tend to think of those things as feelings, but they really aren't just feelings, they're decisions, commitments and choices we make. I realized then that it was the same with being content. God wasn't talking about a "feeling" there, He's talking about a choice, a decision and a commitment to be content no matter what our circumstances are! THAT, I could do! Praise God!!!!
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Post by Cindy on Jun 8, 2021 9:03:52 GMT -5
God wants you to be content. True contentment is usually learned on the down cycle—in loss, deprivation, and financial need. As your own dreams of financial security are shaken by your circumstances, you have the opportunity to turn from trusting and hoping in material things to trusting and hoping in God. This might not seem so great right now, but think about it: if your contentment is based on what you have or own, it can be easily lost. But contentment based on your relationship with God is on the unshakeable ground of God’s unfailing love.
In Phil 4:11–13 Paul is saying that true contentment (or lack of it) doesn’t come from our circumstances; true contentment comes from “him who gives me strength.” Because he trusted Jesus, he was at peace in all kinds of material circumstances. He knew that even in times of financial stress he was not missing out on anything essential to life. His identity, hope, and wellbeing did not come from what he owned or what goal he achieved. Rather, it rested on his relationship with his heavenly Father, who loved him and gave his Son for him. Heart of the matter
The word content does not mean “complacent.” Paul was anything but complacent! Contentment is actually containment—having the spiritual resources within to face life courageously & handle it successfully. Contentment is divine adequacy. Contentment is having that spiritual artesian well within so that you don’t have to run to the broken cisterns of the world to get what you need. The power of Christ in the inner man is all we need for the demands of life. Resources on the outside, such as friends, counselors & encouragements, are only helpful as they strengthen our resources on the inside. Resistance to change is one of the chief causes of discontent and worry. We fight change & rob ourselves of the contentment God can give us if we'll but yield to Him. Those difficulties that you're fighting, & complaining about, may be the very tools God wants to use to give you inner peace & sufficiency. Stop fighting; yield to Christ & you'll learn how to be content. Paul knew that real joy doesn't come from comfortable circumstances on the outside, but from spiritual adequacy on the inside. How does this inner contentment reveal itself? We have a peace that keeps us from falling apart & doing impulsive things; a patience that sustains us when all around us seems to be disintegrating. There's an inner peace & poise that makes us master of the situation—victors, not victims. The bumps are what you climb on.
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Post by Cindy on Jun 8, 2021 9:11:38 GMT -5
Contentment comes from adequate resources. Our resources are the providence of God, the power of God, and the promises of God. These resources made Paul sufficient for every demand of life, and they can make us sufficient too. Philippians 4:19 —And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. * The Bible exposition commentary
In these opposite circumstances, Paul was in the will of God. Lack is not necessarily a sign of God’s disfavor, nor plenty of His approval. Ryrie study Bible
“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 everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11–13)
Paul knew how to get along with humble means (food, clothing, daily necessities) and how to live in prosperity. being filled and going hungry. The Gr. word translated “being filled” was used of feeding and fattening animals. Paul knew how to be content when he had plenty to eat and when he was deprived of enough to eat. The MacArthur study Bible
Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6
Secrets—whether a grandmother’s special recipe or a company’s unique product formula—are rarely revealed. In his letter to the Philippian church, the apostle Paul provided all who would read the Scriptures with the secret of contented living.
Paul announced to them and us that he was content in life whether he had scraps for dinner or a feast, whether his purse was flat or bulging. He shared his secret in Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The Greek word for contentment is translated “self–sufficiency” or “self–satisfaction.” That may surprise you. At first glance, Paul appeared to say that the secret to contentment lay in his resilient self.
“My self–sufficiency, my level of contentment, lies in the sufficiency of Christ to meet my every need. I can endure rain or shine, darkness or light, sorrow or joy, because through Him, I am equipped and sustained.” Despite circumstances, you can enjoy true contentment when you accept the truth that Christ is adequate for your every need—in good times and bad.
Help me be content despite the circumstances of my life. O God, my sufficiency is in Your ability to meet my needs. In You, I am equipped to face the challenges of this day. Enter His gates
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Post by Cindy on Jun 8, 2021 9:19:11 GMT -5
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
I can do everything. Paul uses a Gr. verb that means “to be strong” or “to have strength” (cf. Acts 19:16, Acts 19:20; Jas 5:16). He had strength to withstand “everything” (Philippians 4:11–12), including both difficulty and prosperity in the material world. through Him who strengthens me. The Gr. word for strengthen means “to put power in.” Because believers are in Christ (Gal 2:20), He infuses them with His strength to sustain them until they receive some provision (Eph 3:16–20; 2 Cor 12:10) MacArthur Study Bible
I can do all things: It is important to note that the emphasis is not so much on achievement as it is on willingness to allow Christ’s power to sustain in difficulty & scarcity, & to enhance the enjoyment of abundance & prosperity. Such faith is a stimulant to believe for all Christ’s sufficiency in facing all life’s circumstances. Spirit filled life study Bible
Although God’s people are called to be diligent in ministering to their brothers & sisters in Christ, they sometimes fail. When others fail us, we should be glad that the Lord never fails. When we do not receive ministry from others, we should content ourselves with God & his sufficiency. With the Lord as his shepherd, David knew he would not lack anything he truly needed. (Ps. 23:1) Habakkuk discovered the same truth in Hab. 3:17–19. The marvelous truth is that we, too, can draw strength from the Lord, as verse 19 indicates. Opening up Philippians
While we're abiding in Him nothing's impossible. The 1 purpose of our life should be to remain in living & intense union with Christ, guarding against everything that would break it, employing every means of cementing & enlarging it.. In proportion as we do so, we'll find His strength flowing into us for every possible emergency. We may not feel its presence; but we'll find it present whenever we begin to draw on it. Thoughts for the quiet hour
“strengthens” This is a PRESENT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE, “the one who continues to strengthen” (cf. Eph. 3:16; Col. 1:11; 1 Tim. 1:12; 2 Tim. 4:17). Believers need to be strengthened by Christ. They also need to be strong (cf. 1 Cor. 16:13 Eph. 6:10; 2 Tim. 2:1). This is the paradoxical tension found so often in Scripture. Christianity is a covenant; God initiates it and sets the conditions and privileges but humans must respond and obey and continue! These believers were under internal and external pressure from false teachers and persecutors! As Paul was content in all circumstances, so must they be (and us, too). Paul Bound, the Gospel Unbound
As he wrote Phil 4:11–12, every movement of his hand clanked the chain with which he was linked to a soldier. The pillars of Christian character
There have been some men who, puffed up with vanity, have in their hearts said, “I can do all things.” Their destruction has been sure, and near at hand. Nebuchadnezzar walks through the midst of the great city; he sees its stupendous tower threading the clouds. He marks the majestic and colossal size of every erection, and he says in his heart, “Is this not the great Babylon which I have built?” (Dan 4:30). “I can do all things.” A few hours and he can do nothing except that in which the beast excels him. He eats grass like the oxen, until his hair has grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws. Spurgeon Commentary: Philippians
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Post by Cindy on Jun 8, 2021 9:28:26 GMT -5
Just to clear up one of the King James Version Only groups favorite verse to pick on, let me share this with you:
KJV I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
NKJV I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
The term “Christ” found in the KJV does not occur in this verse in the oldest Greek manuscripts (א*, A, B, or D*). However, the PRONOUN “Him” certainly refers to Jesus. This is the flipside of the truth found in John 15:5. Biblical truth is often presented in tension-filled pairs. Usually one side emphasizes God’s involvement and the other, mankind’s. This eastern method of presenting truth is very difficult for western people to grasp. Many of the tensions between denominations are a misunderstanding of this type of dialectical presentations of truth. To focus on one aspect or the other is to miss the point! These isolated proof texts have developed into systems of theology which are in fact only “half truths”! Paul Bound, the Gospel Unbound
LEB I am able to do all things by the one who strengthens me.
NET I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.
NASB95 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
NIV I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
RSV I can do all things in him who strengthens me.
NRSV I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
ESV I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
GW I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.
HCSB I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.
NCV I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength.
DARBY I have strength for all things in him that gives me power.
D-R I can do all things in him who strengtheneth me.
The only other versions which have chosen to include "Christ' are these two- at least out of the 25 I looked at in my Bible Library:
NLT For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
YLT For all things I have strength, in Christ’s strengthening me;
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Post by Cindy on Jun 8, 2021 9:47:49 GMT -5
“My heart is not proud, O LORD, my eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 131:1–3)
He no longer felt torn apart by inner nagging & turmoil. He had come to terms with himself & thus experienced inner peace. He used a metaphor easily understood by mothers to describe his new found serenity. A child that is weaned no longer struggles for milk when held on its mother’s breast, but this would also be true of a baby that has been satisfied with the mother’s milk. However, the picture is one of contentment, regardless of age. The psalmist advised Israel to trust in the Lord & not to depend on themselves. Only then would God’s people know true serenity, security, & contentment. The Woman’s Study Bible
His soul was not disturbed by selfish ambition and passion. He had stilled and silenced his soul. Like a weaned child, no longer wanting his mother’s milk, he was content without that which used to seem indispensable. A mature believer leaves the clamor of proud ambition and rests in the Lord. The Bible Knowledge Commentary
The correct way to hope and wait for the Lord is to steadfastly expect His mercy, His salvation, and His rescue, and while waiting, not take matters into one’s own hand. Holman's Bible Handbook
Surely I have behaved myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother. The original Hebrew records this statement in the form of an oath. From what had the psalmist been weaned? Self-sufficiency, self-will, self-seeking. From creatures and the things of the world—not, indeed, as to their use, but as to any dependence upon them for his happiness and portion. KJV Bible Commentary
David has been trained to trust God to supply his needs as a weaned child trusts his mother. The MacArthur study Bible
a weaned child: A symbol of contentment. The psalmist has been weaned from a self-centered life and thus finds quietness. The Open Bible
How do you purify your heart? How does a proud heart become humble? Not by doing penance. Not by beating on yourself or resolving to mend your ways. You can do all those things and still be proud. You cannot destroy the tumult of self-will by sheer will: “I will stop being irritable. I will stop being fretful. I will stop imposing my will on the universe.” Can the leopard change his spots? You are not strong enough; you are too strong. The only way you can wrestle yourself to is by the promises of God. You need help the way a drowning person needs help from outside himself to rescue him.
Only one thing is strong enough to overpower a stormy life: what God promises to do in and through Jesus Christ. It is by great and precious promises that we escape the corruption that is in the world by lust (2 Peter 1:4). From God’s side we escape ourselves by being loved by Jesus Christ through the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. From our side, we escape ourselves by learning a lifestyle of intelligent repentance, genuine faith, and specific obedience. Heart of the matter
When I struggle and am anxious and trying to figure things out that I can do to fix my current problems or crisis, that's all from pride, because I'm believing the lie that I can do things for myself. I'm believing the illusion that Satan has set up in this world. But, if instead, I just go on with my day, happily and contentedly, knowing that the Lord is in control and will take care of me, without worrying about "how" He will do it, or "when" He will do it, then, I'm like a weaned child - content in the love of my Father!
When David doesn't understand something that's important to him, but recognizes that human minds simply cannot understand all the things of God and how He operates in our world and in our lives. Therefore, instead of worrying about it; instead of desperately trying to figure it out, he calms himself and reminds himself that those things are simply to great for him to understand now, but that the Lord does understand them and will use them to work for his good and the Lord's glory.
There was a story of a man who said he would be pushing a wheelbarrow over the grand canyon on a high-wire. A great crowd came to watch. When the man asked them if they believed he could do it, most yelled "yes"! Then he asked for a volunteer to sit in the wheelbarrow while he pushed it across. As you can imagine, none of them believed him strongly enough to do something like that! This is often the situation we feel we're in: God is the man pushing the wheelbarrow, and we're the one in the wheelbarrow! It's all about trusting Him. So sit back, enjoy the ride and be content. He will get you through this too. Remember, Jesus didn't say He'd take the trials away from us, He said He'd go through them with us!
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