Contentment In God’s Provision

Philippians 4:10-20

Presented by Bob DeWaay

August 21, 2005

Rejoicing Because God Gives Us People who Love Us

Philippians 4:10

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.

Godly Contentment is a Christian Virtue

Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.

The “Want” Was in Getting the Gift to Paul

Philippians 2:30

because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.

Paul is Able to Live in Every Circumstance

Philippians 4:12

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.

The Sufficiency of Christ

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Only the Philippians Supported Paul

Philippians 4:14, 15

Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone;

True Profit is Participating in The Gospel

Philippians 4:16, 17

for even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs. Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account.

Giving for the Gospel is a Sacrifice that Pleases the Lord

Philippians 4:18

But I have received everything in full, and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

A Soothing Aroma

Genesis 8:21

And the Lord smelled the soothing aroma; and the Lord said to Himself, “I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done.”

Paul Can Not Reciprocate, But God Will

Philippians 4:19

And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

A Pauline Doxology

Philippians 4:20

Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Applications

Practice Contentment

Rest In The Sufficiency of Christ

Support the Gospel

The Virtue of Contentment

1Timothy 6:6-8

But godliness actually is a means of great gain, when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.

The Will to Get Rich Destroys Christian Contentment

1Timothy 6:9

But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.

Paul is Not Teaching Poverty as a Virtue, But Contentment

1Timothy 6:17

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.

Rest in the Sufficiency of Christ

2Peter 1:3

seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

Support the Gospel

Philippians 4:15

And you yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone;

Benediction

Philippians 4:20

Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever. Amen.