Philippians 4:10-13

Philippians 4:10-13

Point | The greatest influence you have is how you view your relationship with Jesus.

The last verse in our reading today is one of the most quoted verses from the Bible, but it’s often taken out of context from the verses that precede it.

This verse is regularly spoken as an affirmation when we’re going into war, rather than a battle cry when you’re in the middle of one.

But these verses are not about receiving or accomplishing whatever I want because I follow Jesus; they are about the ability to endure anything thrown at me because Jesus is my Savior.

As hard as this is to believe, Philippians 4:13 isn’t about God helping you win a sports game, get a promotion, build a successful business, or buy a Ferrari.

This commonly quoted verse can be more accurately described this way: Through Christ, I have the strength to endure in all things

Our focus changes from “What can I get?” to “What can I do?” “How can I serve?” “How can I help?” As we take on a servant attitude and we realize the task God has called us to, we find lasting contentment, no matter what comes our way. Rest in the fact that God will equip us with all that we need to accomplish what He asks - not with our own strength, but with His.

As Paul brings this letter to a close, he wanted the church to know that the offering they had taken up (money) and sent to him brought him great joy. Yet, it wasn’t the gift itself that brought him joy - it was something else.

Remember this: Paul is in prison, enduring hardship, awaiting the verdict for a crime he didn’t commit; knowing that he may receive the death penalty; he wants to visit the church but can’t; and yet, here is Paul encouraging these believers and sharing with them that all he has is joy and contentment.

To be “content” is to be completely at peace with one’s substance. Contentment is complete satisfaction, a feeling of sufficiency and wholeness.

Perhaps the best way of understanding it is by considering its opposite, covetousness.

We all know the deep desire to possess something we don’t already have. It occupies our thoughts and has the power to influence our actions.

To be and to live content is to live with open hands before God; to recognize that God is the one in control and to entrust your entire life over to him.

Contentment is an active choice; not reactive.

This idea of being ‘open handed’ then means to receive and accept with thankfulness, whatever God gives to you - including hardships, knowing that somehow, someway, God is going to use it for your own good and for his glory.

When you have this mindset, it’s no longer about the substance you have been given, but rather the stewardship of that substance; your stewardship shows your thankfulness towards the one who gave it to you.

When we allow our situations and our circumstances to dictate our emotions, we will never get to the point of joy and contentment because circumstances and situations change; Jesus doesn’t.

Understanding this verse is knowing that no matter your circumstances—be it your marital status, a sudden diagnosis, an inability to have kids, overcoming a mountain of debt, mourning the loss of a loved one—that you can endure it because you have a relationship with Jesus.

When you place your hope, your desires, and your wishes in Him, you will find peace and contentment in knowing that He is in control of your circumstances and that He will endure them—good and bad—with you.