Preaching From Philippians # 13

Everyone has trade secrets in their profession.

Illus: A married couple shared some marriage secrets about why they had a happy marriage.

• They said, “One reason we have a happy marriage is that we go two times a week to a nice restaurant, she goes Tuesday's, I go Friday's.”

• Another couple said, “We have a happy marriage because we sleep in separate beds. Hers is in Florida and mine is in Ohio.”

• Another couple shared the secret of their happy marriage. He said, “We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.”

• One man said, “We have a happy marriage because I buy her everything she wants. She has an electric blender, electric toaster, and electric bread maker. Then she said, ‘There are too many gadgets, and no place to sit down!’ So I bought her an electric chair.”

• One man said, “We have a happy marriage because my wife went on a diet. All she eats is coconuts and bananas. She hasn't lost weight, but BOY, can she climb trees now.”

• One man said, “We have a happy marriage because my wife got a mud pack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off!”

We all have our little trade secrets, and Paul had his and he is sharing with the Philippian church how he was able to be in a jail facing death and be content at the same time.

This book is essentially a thank you letter.

The Philippian church had sent Paul some financial support through Epaphroditus while he was in jail. Now he wants to thank them and encourage them.

During this study in Philippians we have reflected on:

• Paul's personal notes to this church.

• How Paul delights, prays for, and encourages these friends in northern Greece.

Now at the end of this letter, he addresses the main point of the letter.

It is in this last part that he actually thanks them for their help, and he does it in an unusual manner.

For a fellow in prison facing the death sentence, Paul has a very upbeat outlook.

The thing that stands out in this passage is that Paul said in verse 11, “…For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Paul said this was something he had learned, but to be honest with you I have not learned that lesson yet.

• I have no problem being content when I am feeling good

• I have no problem being content when my car is running well and the gas prices are as cheap as water

• I have no problem being content when my investments are shooting through the roof

• I have no problem being content when the politicians tell me they are going to lower my taxes

• I have no problem being content when everything is going well for my family

• I have no problem being content when everything in the church is going well

My problem is that when the CIRCUMSTANCES are NOT GOOD IT IS DIFFICULT FOR ME TO BE CONTENT.

HOW ABOUT YOU?

I have an idea that everyone here this evening has that same problem. (Humor: Now if you say you have learned this lesson, I am going to ask someone that lives with you if your answer is correct.)

None of us have a problem exhibiting CONTENTMENT when all the problems in our life have been eliminated.

But Paul had a contentment that was not free of the storms of life, but a contentment in the midst of the storms of life.

If we are going to have this same CONTENTMENT, we are going to have to learn how to deal with being DISCONTENT in order to enjoy CONTENTMENT.

Illus: A wise old gentleman retired and purchased a modest home near a junior high school. He spent the first few weeks of his retirement in peace and contentment.

Then a new school year began. The very next afternoon, three young boys, full of youthful, after-school enthusiasm, came down his street, beating merrily on every trash can they encountered. The crashing percussion continued day after day, until finally the wise old man decided it was time to take some action.

The next afternoon, he walked out to meet the young percussionists as they banged their way down the street. Stopping them, he said, "You kids are a lot of fun. I like to see you express your exuberance like that. In fact, I used to do the same thing when I was your age. Will you do me a favor? I'll give you each a dollar if you'll promise to come around every day and do your thing." The kids were elated and continued to do a bang-up job on the trash cans.