SERIES: “The Book of Philippians”

TEXT: Philippians 4:10-23

MESSAGE: “Are You Content?”

It was spring, but it was summer I wanted,
The warm days, and the great outdoors.
It was summer, but it was fall I wanted,
The colorful leaves, and the cool, dry air.
It was fall, but it was winter I wanted,
The beautiful snow, and the joy of the holiday season.
It was now winter, but it was spring I wanted,
The warmth, and the blossoming of nature.
I was a child, but it was adulthood I wanted,
The freedom, and the respect.
I was 20, but it was 30 I wanted.
To be mature, and sophisticated.
I was middle-aged but it was 20 that I wanted,
The presence of mind, without limitations.
My life was over, but I never got what I wanted.
    (Lehman, “Present Tense”)

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” – CS Lewis

There are 3 aspects of the gospel that the apostle Paul writes to encourage the Philippian church.
1. Gospel Contentment (v11 – 13)
2. Gospel Partnership (v14 – 15a)
3. Gospel Giving (v15b – 19)

Gospel Contentment (v11 – 13)
“The contextual meaning of ‘all’ refers to the previous claim to be content whatever the circumstances (4:11). In all the situations of his life—in poverty and in prosperity, when well fed and when hungry, Paul can be content. He has the power to endure all these extreme situations, all these ups and downs, without anxiety, with the peace of God guarding his heart and mind in Christ Jesus (4:6-7).” – G. Walter Hansen, The Letter to the Philippians

Gospel Partnership (v14 – 15a)

Gospel Giving (v15b – 19)

How can we apply this text to our lives?
– Put the gospel first

“The average credit card debt in the United States was $17,000. The average auto loan debt was $30,000. The average mortgage debt was $182,000 (it’s now over $200,000). And the average student loan debt was $51,000. I recognize the last two can be called “investment debt” rather than “consumer debt,” but the cumulative effect is families feeling absolutely crushed by debt. The same news report said half of all American families are embarrassed by their debt. I’m not so concerned about our embarrassment as I am about our imprisonment—shackles of debt that make us sleepless and stressed and hurting and fearful of creditors in ways that rob us of the joy of our salvation. That’s not the freedom from fear and want that God wants us to have.” – Bryan Chapell, A Lack of Generosity Means a Lack of Contentment

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

We love because he first loved us.
 – 1 John 4:19 (ESV)