The Secret to Contentment in Every...

The Secret to

Contentment in

Every Circumstance

Philippians 4:10-13

The Secret to Contentment…

• Our attitude is vastly more important than our circumstances.

• Biblical joy isn’t an emotion.

• It isn’t based on circumstances.


• Joy doesn’t ebb and flow, because it’s anchored in the steadfast immutability of God.

• True joy is found in having the proper perspective, not in having ideal circumstances.


• We all determine our focus.

• And, that focus will greatly impact our attitude toward our circumstances.


• Philippians 4:10-13—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.


• Joy is the main theme of Philippians.

• Philippians 1:3-5—3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.


• Paul was referencing a financial gift.


• Philippians 4:15-18—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.


• 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.


• Notice how Paul never directly thanks the Philippians in either passage.

• Philippians 1:3—I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,

• Philippians 4:10—I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me…


• Paul didn’t want his thanks to be interpreted as a request for more money.

• Philippians 4:11—Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

• Philippians 4:17—Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.


• Paul also didn’t flatter the Philippians.

• He simply stated that he thanked the Lord for what they had done, and that their actions had brought him great joy.


• Paul also avoided the pitfall of complete silence.

• He wanted to express his gratitude toward the Philippians.

• But, he also wanted to do it in a humble Christ-centered fashion.


• Philippians 4:10—I rejoiced in the Lord greatly…

• The word “greatly” comes from the Greek word megalōs (me-gäʹ-lōs).

• It comes from the root word megas (meʹ-gäs).


• We get our English word “mega” from the Greek megas (meʹ-gäs).

• Paul was mega (or super) joyful for the Philippians and their partnership with him in the gospel.


• Philippians 4:10—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.

• The Philippians gave whenever they had the opportunity to do so.


• The Philippian Church was very poor.

• 2 Corinthians 8:1-2—1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.


• 2 Corinthians 8:3-4—3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—


• The Philippians gave to Paul, and to others, generously, unselfishly, and self-sacrificially.


• Philippians 4:11-13—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.


• 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

• Philippians 4:17—17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.


• Paul wanted the Philippians to understand that he didn’t need their support, nor was he soliciting more donations.

• God gives us the means and desire to support people who do His work.


• Philippians 4:11—…I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

• Contentment is one the keys to having joy.

• It’s impossible to have true joy, if you lack contentment.

• Joy isn’t based on our circumstances.


• Philippians 4:12—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.


• Contentment is a demonstration that we trust in God and His sovereign provision in our lives.

• Contentment breeds joy.

• Discontentment robs us of our joy.


• Philippians 4:11-13—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.


• There are three steps to good exegetical Bible study: observation, interpretation, and application.

• Philippians 4:12—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.


• Philippians 4:12-13—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. [Because,] I can do all things through him who strengthens me.


• Philippians 4:13—For all things I have strength, in Christ’s strengthening me; (YLT)

• This verse is more about having the power to endure, rather than the ability to accomplish.

The Secret to Contentment in Every...

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