The Secret of Contentment. Philippians 4:11
“11) Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Philippians 4:11
You will never be happy with what you get if you are not content with what you’ve got! Contentment is one of the secrets of happiness.
This does not mean that you no longer “press on” or “reach higher” for the glory of God. It simply means that you enjoy every leg of your journey.
Seek God first and foremost and trust Him with your external circumstances. This is especially true during times of trials and persecution such as endured by the early church.
Philippians is the book of joy and rejoicing, yet Paul wrote it while being a prisoner in Rome. His external circumstances did not diminish the inward joy he found in Jesus Christ nor did it taint his view of the love of God.
Keep in mind, the context is about giving. Some people say “I will not give until I get a surplus.” If Jesus is not Lord of your giving now He will never be Lord of your giving in the future.
External circumstances are a terrible condition for joy, praise and worship. Why? They are constantly changing. If you cannot develop an attitude of thanksgiving with what you’ve got you will never be satisfied with what you get!
Come to the point where you love, worship and celebrate God despite your external circumstances. This is a key to walking in the spirit and not the flesh. This was the phenomenon experienced by the early church. (See 1 Thessalonians 1:6)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global.
Sent from my iPhone
“11) Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” Philippians 4:11
You will never be happy with what you get if you are not content with what you’ve got! Contentment is one of the secrets of happiness.
This does not mean that you no longer “press on” or “reach higher” for the glory of God. It simply means that you enjoy every leg of your journey.
Seek God first and foremost and trust Him with your external circumstances. This is especially true during times of trials and persecution such as endured by the early church.
Philippians is the book of joy and rejoicing, yet Paul wrote it while being a prisoner in Rome. His external circumstances did not diminish the inward joy he found in Jesus Christ nor did it taint his view of the love of God.
Keep in mind, the context is about giving. Some people say “I will not give until I get a surplus.” If Jesus is not Lord of your giving now He will never be Lord of your giving in the future.
External circumstances are a terrible condition for joy, praise and worship. Why? They are constantly changing. If you cannot develop an attitude of thanksgiving with what you’ve got you will never be satisfied with what you get!
Come to the point where you love, worship and celebrate God despite your external circumstances. This is a key to walking in the spirit and not the flesh. This was the phenomenon experienced by the early church. (See 1 Thessalonians 1:6)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global.
Sent from my iPhone
