Keeping grandchildren is sometimes a perfect object lesson for the need for contentment. Like little children, it seems that no matter what we have, we still have a craving for more. No matter what you have in your hands, you always want what someone else has in their hands. It seems that when children are together there is seldom contentment. Often, the same is true of adults.
This study provides a hand out, Understanding Contentment, that states that Contentment is a spiritual discipline necessary for a thriving life and ministry. It points out:
CONTENTMENT IN CHRIST
Now, back to our study. Epicurus believed that the greatest good was to seek modest, sustainable pleasure in the form of a state of tranquility, freedom from fear, and the absence of bodily pain. Epicureans taught that such pleasure could be attained through knowledge of the workings of the world and through limiting desires. Stoics, on the other hand offered a framework for living a life of purpose, resilience, and inner peace by focusing on what is within our control and accepting what is not.
The partnership between Paul and the Philippians no doubt included prayer, active support, and shared goals. Though miles separated them, they still partnered together so that the world might hear the gospel. And remember, this is about 1800 miles, almost a coast to coast trip across the US...all by foot, or on horseback, or by sailing ship. While it would take us some 20 hours to drive from Philippi to Rome today, it should have taken Paul some 23 to 25 days to travel that far. In much the same way as the Philippians, we can partner with missionaries and pastors laboring in other parts of the world.
Paul used financial language, commending the Philippians for their investment in the work of the Lord. The Philippians’ accounts were with Jesus. While Paul benefited from their gifts, ultimately such gifts were the Philippians’ offerings to the Lord. At the end of the age, all believers will stand before Jesus to be rewarded for all the deeds done for Him. Paul made sure that the Philippians knew that their gift had met the needs that he had. I have received everything in full translates the Greek meaning to be paid in full or to receive full payment for what is owed.
Using the language of Old Testament sacrifices, Paul noted that the Philippians’ gifts were a fragrant offering, meaning it was pleasing to God (similar sacrificial language—“pleasing aroma”—appears seventeen times in the book of Leviticus). “Their contribution was a ‘fragrant offering’ to God because of its sacrifice, its Christian motivation, and its significance to the spread of the gospel.”
If we focus on the good things of God, if we generously provide FOR the good things of God, we can be certain that at some point God will provide for us. This is not necessarily a "you must give to receive" philosophy as much as it is a probability – If you are helping to grow others then others will help you grow. Think of the old movie It's a Wonderful Life. Because of his giving and generous nature helping others in their time of need, in George Bailey’s time of need others came to generously support him.
I saw a meme the the other day that said "I will never forget when my grandfather said to me: "Our life [then] was tiring for the body but it was comfortable for the soul. Your life today is comfortable for the body, but it is tiring for the soul."
We look at Philippians 4:10-20 to learn that we should be content in the power and provision of God.
In the 1990s a man won the California lottery, receiving $120,000 a year for 25 years from a $3-million lottery. Yet in 1993, he was sentenced to a year in prison for receiving stolen property that was looted during the Los Angeles riots.
Often it is the thrill of the chase that motivates many. If I just steal this property then I will have MORE stuff and I won't have lost any of my previous stuff. Or if I just keep pulling out toys and spread them all over the house I might find a toy that I have forgotten about and it will be like having a new toy...and besides, it is easier to find a toy when it is out on the floor rather than put it away in a closet. But often the thrill of chasing after a forgotten toy, or winning a lottery, dissipates after the securing of the catch, leading to discontent.
What’s the solution to this discontent? What is the solution to a life that is "tiring for the soul? In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, Scripture unfolds the “secret” of contentment. It is a contentment that is independent of circumstances and solely dependent on the person of Jesus Christ. Let's dive right in.
Philippians 4:10-12a
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. 11I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12a I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot.
DEFINING CONTENTMENT
Contentment is a noun defined as “feelings of happiness in one’s situation in life.” Defining contentment is helpful, but knowing its antonym—discontentment—is even more beneficial. Discontentment can be defined as a noun, verb, or adjective.
- As a noun, discontent “describes a restless desire or craving for something one does not have.”
- As a verb, discontent is to “make dissatisfied, displeased.”
- As an adjective, discontent means showing or experiencing dissatisfaction, a restless longing for something better.
When you have a restless desire or craving for something you don't have, when you are dissatisfied or displeased, when you have a restless longing for an additional something, you are experiencing discontent.
When you note those feelings, you need to take stock of the feelings of happiness that are found in your life, and more importantly focus on the one person that CAN provide you with contentment in this life.
CONTENTMENT IN THE MIND
In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he wrote, “Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things” (Phil. 4:8). Just a few verses later, Paul spoke about how he had learned contentment. Perhaps Paul learned that the state of contentment was related to the command he delivered to the church of what to dwell on: True, Honor, Just, Pure, Love, Commendable, Praiseworthy.
CONTENTMENT IN SPEECH
Colossians 4:6 reminds us that our speech is to be seasoned with salt. How you speak to and about people is critical for the discipline of contentment. If you are quick to criticize and have difficulty speaking graciously with others, the seeds of discontentment will flourish. However, you practice contentment by letting all your speech be gracious. This is a learned process and seldom comes easily.
One of the reasons Paul stressed his learned contentment was that he was celebrating the concern and care the Philippian church had for him. He was celebrating this while in prison and set to eventually appear before the infamous Emperior Nero. While he was confined, the walls around him did not imprison his identity. His identity was fixed in Christ, not his circumstances. Contentment in Christ arises by refusing to couple who you are in Christ with what is or is not accomplished in the world. You are you regardless of the circumstances.
Paul expresses these concepts in these early verses. He was grateful to the Philippians for their support and concern. Paul wanted to make it clear to them that his joy was in the Lord, not in the generous gifts of friends. While appreciative of their care of him, Paul wanted them to know that the interim period of his deprivation did not steal his joy. Paul was thankful for the Philippians’ generosity to him, but his life wasn’t based on what others did or didn’t do for him. His ultimate dependence was on Jesus.
There’s wonderful freedom in this type of heart connection. Balance is crucial in contentment. It reflects a beautiful symmetry between being loved by God and being loved (or not loved) by people. Paul is teaching that the love of God outweighs the love of humans in all instances.
Joy is a prominent theme in Philippians. Paul prayed with joy for the Philippian church. He desired for the church to have joy. He asked the church to come together in unity so that his joy would be complete. He encouraged the church to welcome back Epaphroditus with joy. The apostle called the believers in Philippi his joy and crown. The church remained connected to Paul by supporting him with monetary gifts. Several times they sent gifts to him while he labored in nearby Thessalonica.
While the phrasing of the language may make it seem like Paul was calling them to task, the apostle was not rebuking them for the delay in sending a gift; rather, he expressed grateful thanksgiving that they continued to be concerned and supported him.
The Complete Jewish Bible translation phrases this passage this way:
10 In union with the Lord I greatly rejoice that now, after this long time, you have let your concern for me express itself again. Of course, you were concerned for me all along, but you had no opportunity to express it. 11 Not that I am saying this to call attention to any need of mine; since, as far as I am concerned, I have learned to be content regardless of circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in want, and I know what it is to have more than enough — in everything and in every way I have learned the secret of being full and being hungry, of having abundance and being in need.
Notice that contentment did not come automatically to Paul, and neither does it come to us. We must learn contentment. The concept of contentment was a primary virtue of Stoic Philosophy, and it described a person who had cultivated an attitude of independence from all people and things so that he relied only upon himself. It included accepting reality, limiting desires, and focusing on personal growth through the cultivation of virtues. However, unlike the Stoics, Paul had learned that contentment was found not in himself but in Christ.
A brief rabbit trail on Greek philosophy: Stoicism arose in Greek philosophy in Athens around 300 BC.The name Stoicism derives from the location, the Stoa Poikile (Painted Porch) a colonnade decorated with mythic and historical battle scenes on the north side of the Agora in Athens where Zeno of Citium and his followers gathered to discuss their ideas, near the end of the fourth century BC.
Unlike the Epicureans nearly a decade earlier, Zeno chose to teach his philosophy in a public space. Epicureanism is a system of philosophy founded in 307 BCE and based upon the teachings of Epicurus, an ancient Greek philosopher who was an atomist and materialist.
These early philosophers were more akin to our "scientists" than to merely deep "thinkers." Atomism is a natural philosophy proposing that the physical universe is composed of fundamental indivisible components known as atoms. They theorized that nature consists of two fundamental principles: atom and void. Clusters of different shapes, arrangements, and positions give rise to the various macroscopic substances in the world. Much as scientists are discovering today, Indian Buddhists even developed distinctive theories of atomism involving momentary (instantaneous) atoms (kalapas) that flash in and out of existence.
Materialism is not the same concept that we describe today. It is a form of philosophical monism. This is a concept of oneness according to which matter is the fundamental substance in nature, and all things, including mental states and consciousness, are results of material interactions such as the neurochemistry of the human brain and nervous system, without which they cannot exist. Materialism led some philosophers to religious skepticism and a general attack on superstition and divine intervention. The more things change, the more they stay the same.
What circumstances helped teach Paul contentment? All circumstances taught him. Times of plenty and times of scarcity taught him to find his contentment in the Lord. Times of success in ministry and times of opposition taught him to be content in his relationship with Jesus. He learned that none of those things alone could produce the type of contentment that Christ provides. He learned to take contentment from a source other than the things that he possessed.
The first phrase, make do with little was the same term used of Jesus in Philippians 2:8, where it says that Jesus “humbled” Himself in obedience. Paul knew how to be content even when his circumstances humbled him.
On the other hand, Paul also knew contentment in times of great abundance. Paul was grateful for the Philippian church’s gift. However, because his eyes were on Christ the apostle’s contentment did not fluctuate with his circumstances regarding material possessions or anything else. Think of it this way. Life is usually an oscillating series of ups and downs. If you focus only on the ups, or only upon the downs, you miss two-thirds of the experience, the everything else. If, however, your focus on the WHOLE of the oscillating waves like God, you can observe the "whole picture" of life. I think it is safe to say that Paul was a "big picture thinker" when it came to Christianity and the salvation of humanity back to God.
Next we'll learn that, unlike the Stoics and Epicurians who looked to themselves, we look at the one who provides in both scarcity AND in plenty.
Philippians 4:12b-14
12b In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me. 14 Still, you did well by partnering with me in my hardship.
The Greek term for secret means to be disciplined in or to learn a lesson. It appears only here in the New Testament. In the context of pagan religions, it was used to describe the initiation into the mystery religions, which claimed to have knowledge that could only be attained after becoming a member of their group.
Paul’s initiation into contentment came through serving and sometimes suffering for Jesus. “This knowledge is learned by walking with Christ, who is the sufficient one, and by developing a solid theology of material things. Things ultimately do not matter. Relationships matter. Furthermore, whereas the mystery religions were only for the few who were initiated into the mysteries, the gospel is open to all who will repent of their sins and place their faith in Christ.
Paul’s philosophy contrasted with Stoic philosophy. He did not achieve contentment from his own resources but from the resources of Christ. His contentment was not because Paul could accept what he could or could not change, but because his faith in God through Jesus allowed him to know that he was receiving just what HE needed to grow and mature. If the Greek term for secret means to learn a lesson, then Paul is saying that in everything that happens to me is God teaching me a lesson to learn so that I may become more mature and Christlike.
While material needs and circumstances may and did change, Paul’s relationship with Christ was certain and secure. Nothing can separate the believer from God’s love in Christ for He has justified, is sanctifying, and will glorify the believer. In the context of this ongoing relationship with Jesus, Paul found the secret of contentment no matter what situation he faced. He had developed “spiritual equilibrium” through walking with Christ and could thrive in any and all circumstances through Jesus.
The partnership between Paul and the Philippians no doubt included prayer, active support, and shared goals. Though miles separated them, they still partnered together so that the world might hear the gospel. And remember, this is about 1800 miles, almost a coast to coast trip across the US...all by foot, or on horseback, or by sailing ship. While it would take us some 20 hours to drive from Philippi to Rome today, it should have taken Paul some 23 to 25 days to travel that far. In much the same way as the Philippians, we can partner with missionaries and pastors laboring in other parts of the world.
It is helpful to think of this contentment not in terms of just elimination of want but rather expulsion of want. Affections for things that are sinful typically don’t just disappear. Instead, they’re replaced by other affections. The objects of our discontentment—possessions, relationships, achievements—seem real to us. That’s why we pursue them. Part of the work of the Holy Spirit is to make the things of God—His truth, His promises, His gifts—even more real to us than the tangible objects of our inordinate desires.
In the last passage we see how we may apply these lessons.
Philippians 4:15-20
15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Paul was thankful for the Philippians’ generosity and knew that God would provide for them as well.
Perhaps Paul recalled the events surrounding his visit to Philippi during his second missionary journey. He received a night vision of a man pleading that the apostle come to Macedonia and help the people. The vision motivated Paul to go to Philippi, where he encountered a woman named Lydia, a God-fearer who had gathered with others by a river outside the city gate for prayer. Paul led Lydia and her whole household to Christ. At her insistence, Paul and his companions remained at Lydia’s house and likely used it as a home base while they remained in Philippi.
While in the city, Paul and his companions were harassed by a slave girl who was possessed by a spirit who gave her the ability to predict the future. After Paul cast the spirit out of the girl in the name of Jesus Christ, her owners (who could no longer make a profit from her) dragged Paul and Silas before the city magistrates. These officials had them beaten and thrown into prison. While the missionaries were singing hymns during the night, an earthquake shook the prison and opened all the cell doors. These events allowed Paul and Silas to share the gospel with the jailer, who along with his entire family converted to Christ.
The Philippians were the only church in Macedonia that provided for the apostle in the early days of his ministry. They sent money and other forms of support to him while he was in Thessalonica, a city about ninety miles from Philippi.
God blesses those who give to others who are serving the Lord. God bountifully supplies their needs. Givers may fear that if they give what they have, they will have nothing left and will be in need themselves. However, God provides what is needed as we support the work of the Lord.
The secret of contentment is to rely upon GOD to insure your needs.
A suggestion, don’t make discontent worse by comparing yourself and your situation to that of others. Make a gratitude list of all the things for which you are genuinely thankful. Seek to become aware of ministries of the Gospel that you may join in supporting, more than just a "good works" charity, seek one that actively seeks to accurately spread the Gospel.
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