Learning To Be Contingent (Lesson 3) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

3. Learning to be Contingent

Remarks.

1. This lesson three, in our sermon-series theme: "Learning to be Content.” 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. In this lesson, we will investigate the blessing 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.

3. 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 lesson three in this sermon-series: “learning to be contingent.”

BODY OF LESSON

III LEARNING TO BE CONTINGENT

A. I can do all things. Paul concludes: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me...But my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus,” Philippians 4:13.

1. The apostle had seemed to boast of himself and his strength: but here he transfers all the praise to Christ. That strengthened me. The phrase “strengtheneth me” in Gr., is the verb endynamoo or en-dü-nä-mo'-o, which means to empower:—enable, (increase in) strength (-en), be (make) strong, endue with power, strengthen, to receive strength, be strengthened, to grow in strength. Observe--

a. The word means a present and continued act; as if Paul had said: “Through Christ, who is strengthening me, and does continually strengthen me.” It is His continual strengthening me that ensures I can do all things.

b. It is by His constant and renewed strength, I am enabled to act, endure, or be triumphant in all things. If the Lord is for me, neither man nor situation can be against or dissuade me. Who can--?

1) First, be against us: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” See Romans 8:31-32.

2) Second, accuse us: “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died and is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us,” Romans 8:33-34.

3) Third, alienate us: “Who shall separate (alienate) us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword...be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord?" Romans 8:35-39.

4) Fourth, prosper: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper. And every tongue which rises against you in judgment. You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD. And their righteousness is from me: Says the LORD,” Isaiah 54:17.

c. Paul was wholly and entirely contingent (dependent) upon Christ for all my spiritual and physical strength and power. The word “contingent” means to be dependent, reliant, or liable unto the Lord, in and for all things.

2. It is only through Christ who strengthens me that I can do it, not in my strength. So we are required to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Paul wrote to the Ephesians:

a. One, “To be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man,” Ephesians 3:16.

b. Two, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and the power of His might,” Ephesians 6:10.

NOTE: The Whole Armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-19. Illustrate the whole armor of God. Discuss our battle equipment, our enemies, and our battle environment. With all of it’s “rules of engagement.”

3. To Timothy, he wrote: "You, therefore, my son.” Timothy was his son in the Lord, 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2. And so was Titus, Titus 1:4. He continues,

a. First, “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also,” 2 Timothy 2:2. Herein are our strength, our faith, and our peace!