Learning To Be Content (Full) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Learning to be Content

2. Learning to be Commending

3. Learning to be Contingent

Remarks.

1. In this lesson, we will discuss the theme: "Learning to be Contented.” The apostle Paul now in prison, in the city of Rome: imprisoned for his work in Christ among the Gentiles. We will consider the blessings of contentment, commending others, and our contingent (dependence) upon the Lord: in our time of trials, our needs, or in our daily substance. Paul expresses his deep love and thanks to these saints. He declared that they were his beloved, brethren, Philippians 4:1

2. First, we will consider the blessing of just being content. Paul wrote: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need," Philippians 4:11-13. He learned to be content, while hungry or full while abounding or suffering needs. In every situation, he learned to be content. This we all must come to know during the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Second, we will define the blessings of commending others, the church, and our individual families for their contributes to our support. Again, Paul wrote: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity...Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that at the beginning of the gospel when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God,” Philippians 4:12-18. Paul was commending this church for its reliable communications (giving to his support), from the start of his ministry, until that present time.

4. Lastly, we will investigate the blessings of being contingent (dependent) upon the Lord for all things. Paul concludes: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me... But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:13; Philippians 4:19. Paul finally assures the saints that he could do all things through Christ, who strengthens him. In Christ, Paul found all his strength, did all things, and endured all things. He also promised that God would continue to supply all their needs, according to the same riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Church, beloved brethren, and people of America: God will supply all our needs according to the riches in glory in Christ Jesus. With this brief introduction, let’s consider our first point in this lesson: “learning to be content.”

BODY OF LESSON

I LEARNING TO BE CONTENT

A. Learning contentment. The apostle wrote: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content,” Philippians 4:11. He is now in a Roman prison, having received support from the church at Philippi. He is writing unto them with joy and thanksgiving for their gift. That had arrived by the hands of Epaphroditus. Historians believed Paul was housed sufficient to receive visitors, openly and freely, from brethren and Jewish leaders in Rome. He was set on instructing “all in the way of God more perfectly,” Acts 18:26; Acts 28:30-31.

1. Luke wrote: “And when they (Jewish leaders) had appointed a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the Law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not...And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house and received all that came in unto him. Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man was forbidding him,” Acts 28:23-31. I have collapsed this text for brevity. Observe--

2. It would be appropriate first to define some words that will enable us to understand how to be content in all things. The term "content" in Gr., is autarkes or au-tä'r-kas, which means, i.e., complacent, contented:—to be content.

a. Learning to be content with one's lot or means, though it might be little, meager, or in great abundance: comes through spiritual growth in thankfulness, love, faith, and trust in the Lord's blessings, and His ability to provide for our daily needs in every situation of life.