May 10, 2021 I HAVE LEARNED THE SECRET
Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Paul learned an amazing secret; it is interesting that he ‘learned’ the secret; it was not ‘part and parcel’ with becoming a believer. For many, finding contentment is like chasing the elusive butterfly; you think you have got it, but then you don’t have it. There is a great tendency to connect contentment with circumstances; but the secret that Paul learned enabled him to be content in any circumstance-and that is amazing! When we face adverse circumstances-when we suffer loss, or when things are not what we desire them to be-we may lose our contentment, unless we have learned this secret. The secret Paul learned made it possible for him to be content even when ‘going hungry.’ It is also interesting to see that Paul had learned to be content in prosperity and being filled. Riches and prosperity bring with them even greater challenges that would rob one of his or her contentment. Living with little or living with much is not the issue in itself; it’s how we view what we have and not allowing what we have to own us. Paul does not specifically tell us in this passage just what the secret was that he had learned, but as we read the letters of Paul, the secret becomes clear. Paul came to know that his life was in Christ and Christ was in him; he did not just know this in his mind alone but knew it in the deepest part of his being. He knew that God was His Father, and because God was his Father, he knew that God was directing his life and watching over him. He also knew that even in difficult times, God had not forsaken him, but was at work furthering His plans and purposes, and would use the adverse situations for good. Paul was able to see the big picture; he knew that God was ruling and he knew that God had a grand plan for the redemption of man, and this enabled him to see beyond the immediate circumstances. Paul knew that followers of Christ would suffer tribulations, but he also knew that God would enable His followers to be overcomers even in the most difficult situations. Paul’s passion to fulfill God’s purposes for his life was the driving force in his life, and nothing or no one could distract him from that purpose. Paul knew the promises of God for those who love Him and who walk according to His purposes, and he knew the great inheritance that was awaiting the redeemed people of God. Finally, Paul had an abiding trust in God, he knew that God was good, and that God was using all things for good, even though he may not understand the how and why. The good news is that you and I can learn the ‘secret’ just as Paul did.
2 Corinthians 12:10; 7:17 “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” “Only let each person lead the life the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.”
Matthew 6:25 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
1 Timothy 6:6-8 “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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