Read Philippians 4
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4&version=NIV
In 4:2-3 Paul became more explicit in his appeal for unity, singling out two women in the congregation. They may have been leaders of house churches. They were active in Christian witness. Paul described them as “contending” together with him in the gospel. Paul and Luke alike depict the major role that women played in the church at Philippi. We do not know anything more about Clement or the identity of Paul’s “loyal yokefellow,” though Luke has often been suggested.
Philippians 4:4-7 The Philippians needed to be more accepting and patient with one another in order to realize their full unity. And there was anxiety in their midst as they worried about opposition from outside; God would bring them peace. Verses 8-9 provide a traditional Hellenistic (Greek) virtue list and a final appeal for the Philippians to follow Paul’s example. Through the letter Paul had appealed to his example, to his willingness to suffer for Christ, to his readiness to surrender everything in order to be found in Christ.
In verses 10-20 Paul thanked the Philippians for the gift sent by Epaphroditus. He expressed his gratitude with some hesitancy, especially in verses 11-13, where he spoke of his self-sufficiency in Christ. There may have been some debate within the church over providing funds for Paul’s work, or Paul may simply have held up his own example of contentment in Christ as a pattern for the Philippians to follow in their financial support of Paul’s work.
The tone of the letter and the congregation’s support of Paul’s work was an example of how the hearts of the Philippians were with Paul.
Discussion question
Paul tells us how to be content in every situation (vs 10-13). How does that compare with the modern world’s view of contentment?
Personal reflection
On a scale of 1-10 what is your stress level at this moment? How can vs 4-6 help you?
What outside force is most likely to upset your contentment? Since God does not always change negative outside forces, what can he change in you so that contentment is possible?
What one thing from Paul’s letter to the Philippians do you want to apply to your life?
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I am afraid that contentment in the modern world is significantly different from what Paul is telling us. So many persons view contentment as to how many material things they can gather in this world - the bigger house, the vacation home, cars, boats, etc. But as Paul says in verse 11, "I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances". Oh that we could always follow this verse.
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite verses in the Bible is verse 13 - "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength". He is all we need if we just look to Him for strength.
I agree with Doug. This verse "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength" is what allows me to face challenges large and small and brings me peace.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately our society teaches us not to be content with anything. They use it to inspire ambition. Cotentment is being in the presence of the Lord and not wanting to be any place else. It is to "Rejoice in the Lord always" (vs 4) and not to be anxious about anything because we can give our burdens and our stresses and our praises to a God who not only wants them, but looks forward in our giving them to him. When we do that we can be content with who we are, how we live, and we can rejoice.
ReplyDeleteIn our society I think content means, Mucho. Big house, Several Cars, Big screen TV. More & More. When I read 10 thru 13. I can feel better about myself. To me, it tells me that I have had money left over to pay bills, buy stuff & have money left over. And I have also had months where I had 55.00 to last the rest of the month after bills. This reminds me that god will take care of me. Some months I worry, that oh no, insurance is due, car - house payment. Need to pay to get fence fixed. Then I read this verse, and think god will provide & guide me to do the right thing, he will guide me to make the most of my resources that month. I read this & think it is not that bad, god will provide & all work out. Soon, I will get back to normal.
ReplyDeleteI feel that there is no contentment anymore. Everyone is usually in the mode of I want it or need it now. We sometimes feel we need to strive to have everything and have it ASAP. I have had to learn to be content with my life and am still learning to be content after some failures.
ReplyDeleteMy stress level for the last several years has been 9 on a scale of 10. I am trying so hard to rememeber that God will lead me out of it. I pray about it everyday and that has helped to much.
ReplyDeleteI think it is possible to be ambitious and still be content with what you have until God's plan progresses. Maybe you will increase, maybe not. It is important to do your best with what you have. Unfortunately, many people feel entitled and want somebody else to provide for their needs. They can't be patient and wait, they want things now.
ReplyDeleteJeanie said:
ReplyDeleteI need alot of pryer in this area.Tonight I fell that thre is no such thing a unity in my life. I know that I can do all thing is Jesue Christ. Please pray for me tonight. I'll see the light in the morning. It is alsways brithest in the morning.
Love in Christ
Jeanie