Thursday, December 12, 2013
Philippians 4:10-19 be content whatever the circumstances.
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 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 in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
We learned in 1 Corinthians that we are to be content with our calling. God some to places of honor and other to common places. But to desire more that what God gives is a sin of the flesh which wars with the spirit. By being content, we need not be anxious for anything and we know God will lift up those who are content in him. What good does it to be in a place of honor if you lack eternal life? The gifts from the Thessalonicans were we generous, but they serve the flesh and not the inner-man. The God of glory will meet your needs according to your requests for his abounding love for you. Amen.
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