November 17, 2024 I HAVE LEARNED THE SECRET
Philippians 4:1-13 “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 want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
What Paul says in this passage is amazing and it is in such contrast to our culture. We want what we want and we want it now; and we must not be in need and the goal is to always have increase. So it is in the culture. But even in Christian circles, some buy into the ‘prosperity gospel’ and if someone is needy, they assume there is something ‘wrong.’ Do not misunderstand: there is nothing wrong with have plenty; AND there’s nothing wrong in having little. Paul said that he had learned the secret; hopefully we have also learned or are learning this secret as well, but if not, we need to learn it. The very idea of a secret is that it is not obvious. I am not sure that I can define the secret or exactly how to go about finding it. I do know that it means that being content in any and every circumstance is not dependent on material possessions, good health, pleasant surroundings or whatever. Core to being content is an absolute trust in God; to believe with all of our being that God is it control of all. It is also knowing that God is at work even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Knowing and experiencing the life of God in us is sufficient in every circumstance. The amazing thing is that we can enjoy the good things in life without being attached to them, and we can know joy and peace when things are not so good-all because we belong to God. Because we belong to God, we are indeed in good hands all the time. We must be aware of the fact that certain things can rob us of contentment. Things such as comparing ourselves with others, seeking material possessions above seeking God, desiring status in life, greed, living life according to our own dictates, addictions, an unhealthy thought life, and in general, not walking in our new identity in Christ, will rob us of contentment. And note, being content does not mean indifference or not caring, or being non-involved or disconnected. The contentment that comes for a full trust in God is contentment in any circumstance. Finally, to have this genuine contentment, we must be about seeking to know God in greater ways, we must be learning more about Him, and we must regularly feed on His word. We cannot produce this contentment; it is a by-product of a vibrant, healthy relationship with our Father. Because He lives in me, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
Ephesians 3:16 “That according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 “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.”
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Blessings, Buddy
Philippians 4:1-13 “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 want. I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
What Paul says in this passage is amazing and it is in such contrast to our culture. We want what we want and we want it now; and we must not be in need and the goal is to always have increase. So it is in the culture. But even in Christian circles, some buy into the ‘prosperity gospel’ and if someone is needy, they assume there is something ‘wrong.’ Do not misunderstand: there is nothing wrong with have plenty; AND there’s nothing wrong in having little. Paul said that he had learned the secret; hopefully we have also learned or are learning this secret as well, but if not, we need to learn it. The very idea of a secret is that it is not obvious. I am not sure that I can define the secret or exactly how to go about finding it. I do know that it means that being content in any and every circumstance is not dependent on material possessions, good health, pleasant surroundings or whatever. Core to being content is an absolute trust in God; to believe with all of our being that God is it control of all. It is also knowing that God is at work even in the midst of difficult circumstances. Knowing and experiencing the life of God in us is sufficient in every circumstance. The amazing thing is that we can enjoy the good things in life without being attached to them, and we can know joy and peace when things are not so good-all because we belong to God. Because we belong to God, we are indeed in good hands all the time. We must be aware of the fact that certain things can rob us of contentment. Things such as comparing ourselves with others, seeking material possessions above seeking God, desiring status in life, greed, living life according to our own dictates, addictions, an unhealthy thought life, and in general, not walking in our new identity in Christ, will rob us of contentment. And note, being content does not mean indifference or not caring, or being non-involved or disconnected. The contentment that comes for a full trust in God is contentment in any circumstance. Finally, to have this genuine contentment, we must be about seeking to know God in greater ways, we must be learning more about Him, and we must regularly feed on His word. We cannot produce this contentment; it is a by-product of a vibrant, healthy relationship with our Father. Because He lives in me, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
Ephesians 3:16 “That according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being.”
2 Corinthians 12:10 “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.”
Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
Blessings, Buddy
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